Wednesday, January 21, 2009

CRASH INTO HUDSON

WES TRAIN ROLLS OUT FOR INAUGURAL RUN


One of TriMet's new Westside Express Service trains departs the Beaverton Transit Center for a ceremonial opening ride for dignitaries, journalists and others Wednesday. Full service begins Feb. 2.

BEAVERTON -- TriMet showed off its new commuter train Wednesday at a "first ride" for westside community leaders, the first public passengers on its route between Beaverton and Wilsonville.

The Westside Express Service started as a proposal to ease congestion along the Interstate 5 corridor. After 14 years of planning and troubles with its manufacturers, full service will begin Feb. 2. Trains will run about every 30 minutes Monday through Friday during morning and evening rush hours.

WES video

To see a video from Wednesday's run of the Westside Express Service commuter train, go to the Hard Drive commuter blog.

"This is not the silver bullet for congestion," Tom Brian, chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, said. "But it's silver buckshot: part of the transportation solution, in a way."

Transit officials estimate that WES will have 2,400 riders a day as soon as service begins. They expect it to reach 4,600 by 2020. Three self-propelled cars and one trailer will complete 32 round trips a day. Each car has about 80 seats, along with standing room and space for bicycles and wheelchairs.

In addition, WES will have free Wi-Fi onboard and interactive public art at each of its five stops. Parking for cars and bicycles will be available at most of the stops.

WES conductors Tad Johnson (left) and Matt Koon check the time just before the train leaves the Beaverton center for Wilsonville.

"(We will provide) daily, reliable service and superior customer service," said Jeff Lowe, TriMet's director of commuter rail.

WES was supposed to start running last fall but was delayed because of trouble with the company contracted to build the train. TriMet had to take control of the company, Colorado Railcar Manufacturing, after it ran out of money to complete the vehicles.

Still, Brian said the final cost of the train would be comparable to building a new highway.

"It's another good day in Washington County," he said.


-- Megan Crepeau;
megancrepeau@news.oregonian.com


LIAR SAM

IRAQI SHOESTORE

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GET BUSES OUT OF BUS LANES!

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What Mechanical Engineers Do

What Mechanical Engineers Do
When They Retire.....

SAM ADAMS RETIREMENT BLOG

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HARRY TALKS ABOUT ELECTION

FORMER ATU TREASURER SENTENCED FOR THEFT

by The Oregonian
Wednesday January 21, 2009, 3:19 PM

A former TriMet labor leader was sentenced to a year in prison today for stealing more than $450,000 in union benefit funds.

Thomas V. Wallace, 50, of Wamic, admitted in May 2007 to forging checks drawn on bank accounts controlled by Local 757 of the Amalgamated Transit Union.

During the sentencing hearing, Wallace's attorneys asked the court for leniency, noting that Wallace had repaid about $140,000 to the union. They also claimed that the thefts were the result of a gambling addiction and other personal and health related circumstances.

U.S. District Court Judge Garr King ordered that he could remain working and repaying his debt until July, when he must report to prison. He will be allowed to leave his home only for work, medical appointments or as permitted by his probation officer.

Wallace served as the elected financial secretary and treasurer of the union since 1997. The union represents transit workers in Oregon and southwest Washington, including about 2,100 of TriMet's 2,500 employee

ITS WES TIME

It’s WES Time! TriMet’s new WES Commuter Rail service, connecting Wilsonville, Tualatin, Tigard and Beaverton, opens Monday, February 2, 2009. We’d like to invite you to celebrate with us:

January 30: Free WES preview rides
Come out for a free ride on Friday, January 30, 2009, between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (Space is limited. Rides will be on a first come, first served basis.) Learn more

February 2-6: WES Week
Join us for activities and giveaways at every station as WES opens for service. Learn more

Learn more about WES at trimet.org/wes.

We’ll see you there!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!

In addition to free WES rides on January 30 as part of the WES Commuter Rail Grand Opening Celebration, we're now offering a limited number of preview rides on January 23, 26, 27 and 28 between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Space is limited, so act quickly to reserve your ride! RSVP now by calling 503-962-6474 or email hupperid@trimet.org.

SAM HIRES AMY RUIZ TO SHUT HER UP!

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/01/adams_says_reporters_hiring_no.html