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Steve Bland
Steve Bland is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pittsburgh's Port Authority of Allegheny County. From 1985 to 1986, Bland was employed by the Dallas Transit System as a Vehicle Maintenance Systems Coordinator. Between 1986 and 1987, he was the General Manager of the Cape Ann Transportation Authority in Gloucester, MA. In 1987, he left Gloucester to become the manager of Program Development and Operations Planning for Syracuse, NY's Central New York RTA. After four years in Syracuse, Bland accepted a General Manager position at rabbittransit in York, PA in 1991. In 1994, Bland became the Executive Director of rabbittransit. There, he oversaw a 67 vehicle transit system with an annual budget of $8 million and 150 employees.
In 2002, Bland departed rabbittransit to become the Executive Director of Albany, NY's Capital District Transportation Authority, where he remained for four years. There, he led a 290 vehicle transit system with an annual operating budget of $60 million with 675 employees. While in Albany, Bland oversaw the development plan of a bus rapid transit project on a corridor connecting downtown Albany and downtown Schenectady that handled 20% of CDTA's ridership. Promoted as an alternative to light rail, the BRT project mixed branded buses with existing traffic and included queue jumps and signal priority for buses at major intersections. During his time in Albany, a $7 million intermodal terminal was also completed. The project, now known as BusPlus, become operational in 2011, five years after the departure of Bland.
In 2006, he accepted his current position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA. Also known as the Port Authority or PAT, it is the second-largest public transit agency in Pennsylvania and the 11th largest in the country. Although the Port Authority operates a 26-mile light rail called "The T", the authority is well known for its dedicated busway lines. The most recent BRT project was completed three years before Bland's arrival.
The same year Bland arrived in town, the Port Authority broke ground on one of the nation's most controversial transit projects, the North Shore Connector. Less than two miles in length, originally budgeted at $435 million and approved in 2004, the underground light rail line was completed in March 2012 at the cost of $523.4 million. Despite the new light rail line now dealing with congestion and overcrowding from increased ridership, the Port Authority's next project involves more bus rapid transit. According to a recent Pittsburgh interview, Bland views BRT as “trying to make bus technology look, feel and work as much like light rail as you possibly can. It’s simplifying the route structure so that if you look at that system, it really looks like a rail line. It’s just the vehicle that’s not the same.”
Steve Bland was also a finalist for the new CEO opening with Atlanta's MARTA, along with Keith Parker, the chief of San Antonio's transit system. However, last week, Parker was unanimously selected over Bland for the Atlanta job. Before San Antonio, Parker had also served as CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System from 2004 to 2007.
Bland is currently the CEO of Pittsburgh's Port Authority of Allegheny County.
Sources:
http://www.itsmarta.com/uploadedFiles/News_And_Events/Bland Stephen report.pdf
http://saportareport.com/blog/2012/10/martas-next-ceo-now-heads-san-antonios-transit-system-earned-high-praise-there/
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/05/19/port-authority-ceo-says-north-shore-connector-is-exceeding-expectations/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_District_Transportation_Authority
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Authority_of_Allegheny_County
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strider
October 09, 2012, 08:17:31 AMBased on a quick read through and the limited info available, I would think Mr. Nathaniel Ford would be the best for the future of transportation in Jacksonville. I would bet, however, that Mr. Steve Bland is on the top of JTA's list.
jcjohnpaint
October 09, 2012, 09:08:11 AMYeah I too think Ford would be the best of the three, but personally they all seem blah
thelakelander
October 09, 2012, 09:10:19 AM^What type of person or professional background do you wish the next director to have?
comncense
October 09, 2012, 09:21:53 AMI'd definitely like to see someone who's going to push rail over an expansion of BRT.
TomHurst
October 09, 2012, 09:31:26 AMI'm guessing they're leaning toward Mr. Bland based on his BRT background. I also have to wonder about Mr. Ford. It seems as if Jax would be a step down after years of running transit systems in Atlanta and San Francisco. Maybe I'm a cynic but it wouldn't surprise me if there's more back story to his history that we don't know about (other than the credit card issues mentioned in the story).
thelakelander
October 09, 2012, 09:38:55 AMIf rail is your thing, Ford probably has the best background overseeing a public agency with multiple types of rail transit in operation. Since 1992, he's had roles with BART, MARTA, and Muni plus he started off as a train conductor for BART. While over Muni, its transit operations included bus, trolley buses, light rail, subway (Muni Metro), cable cars, and a heritage streetcar line. Muni also shares four metro stations with BART.
Bland is probably your BRT guy. While Pittsburgh already had LRT and BRT when Bland joined, Bland has been in the forefront of recent BRT projects in Albany, NY and Pittsburgh over the last decade.
Since Martin hasn't worked for a public transit agency in eight years, it was a little difficult to dig into his background. Nevertheless, the one agency he was over in San Jose, does have LRT and he worked with Miami-Dade's rail operations during their early years.
thelakelander
October 09, 2012, 09:45:47 AMIf Bland wins, I hope he loses the BRT is like rail, but with buses thing. We've been there, done that, here in Jacksonville. There's nothing wrong with BRT but let's not sell it as an equal replacement for rail. Instead they should complement each other.
Here is a look into Ford's decision to leave Muni last year.
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/06/muni-chief-nat-ford-quit-next-month-sources-say
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/06/muni-deputy-chief-carter-rohan-resigns-list-replace-nat-ford-shrinks
CityLife
October 09, 2012, 10:00:07 AMThe fact that the Muni board would buy him out of his contract and pay him $375k to not work there anymore, is troubling. Though going from Muni to JTA would be like the Suns getting Clayton Kershaw back (Going from the big leagues to Double A), so maybe he would be worth the risk.
simms3
October 09, 2012, 10:35:43 AMFord does have a lot of experience with heavy rail and LRT, but having researched Muni for personal reasons (possible move) it has a horrible reputation now and nobody seems to have anything nice to say about it (reliability issues, etc). Not sure if it's at all attributable to Ford.
Also, Ford and Beverly Scott may have been great for MARTA (and Beverly is now going up to head MBTA in Boston), but MARTA has lost a lot of its reputation under their (and Ford's 2nd) watch. Recent audits reveal insane cost overruns, employee absenteeism costing additional $11MM/year, a depletion of the operating working capital account by 2018 (used to cover operating losses), $7.1B in capital deficiencies through 2021, and a complete loss of faith from the state Legislature. Base fare has gone from $2 to $2.50. Headways have lengthened and service cut back. Bus routes pared back or eliminated. And worst of all, under Ford's watch MARTA's reputation has deteriorated, making it more difficult to crawl out of the hole it is in.
Good luck in your decision. All these agencies trade people routinely anyway, and only some of them seem to be decent (actually usually the smaller systems pushing for LRT/streetcars seem to be headed by the better candidates, not these larger big city HRT/bus guys).
simms3
October 09, 2012, 10:36:45 AMFord does have a lot of experience with heavy rail and LRT, but having researched Muni for personal reasons (possible move) it has a horrible reputation now and nobody seems to have anything nice to say about it (reliability issues, etc). Not sure if it's at all attributable to Ford.
Also, Ford and Beverly Scott may have been great for MARTA (and Beverly is now going up to head MBTA in Boston), but MARTA has lost a lot of its reputation under their (and Ford's 2nd) watch. Recent audits reveal insane cost overruns, employee absenteeism costing additional $11MM/year, a depletion of the operating working capital account by 2018 (used to cover operating losses), $7.1B in capital deficiencies through 2021, and a deteriorating view by the State and the public. Base fare has gone from $2 to $2.50. Headways have lengthened and service cut back. Bus routes pared back or eliminated. And worst of all, under Ford's watch MARTA's reputation has deteriorated, making it more difficult to crawl out of the hole it is in.
Good luck in your decision. All these agencies trade people routinely anyway, and only some of them seem to be decent (actually usually the smaller systems pushing for LRT/streetcars seem to be headed by the better candidates, not these larger big city HRT/bus guys).
jcjohnpaint
October 09, 2012, 11:07:19 AMPersonally I want someone who believes in Jacksonville's transportation infrastructure future. This would include rain and streetcar. As I see it, Ford would be the one. We are a city who relies too much on roads (which includes buses/ fo BRT). Our transportation infrastructure is not diverse. I would like to stop seeing paralleling services/ ex fo BRT running parallel to Skyway and proposed future rail. We need to stop investing in now for the sake of the future- more foresight.
Tacachale
October 09, 2012, 11:08:21 AMSeems to be some good spots on all three resumes. I'd be surprised if they picked Bland. Ford has a lot of directly relevant experience, although Martin served over what was probably the highlight of local rail growth in Miami. If we had had that here, the Skyway may not have become a rolling punchline.
copperfiend
October 09, 2012, 11:10:10 AMSteve Bland would seem to be appropriately named. And he seems like the likely status quo choice for JTA.
venture
October 09, 2012, 12:53:20 PMThanks for sharing this info with us.
fsujax
October 09, 2012, 01:53:14 PMI dont think it really has anything to do with pushing one mode over another. it is bigger than that.
urbaknight
October 09, 2012, 01:57:32 PMYeah, just the name "Bland" alone speaks volumes of Jacksonville's charactor and intrests. (or should I say "lack thereof")
Ocklawaha
October 09, 2012, 02:35:38 PMCan't we always count on JTA to do the wrong thing? BOHICA!
thelakelander
October 09, 2012, 06:50:55 PMI just heard the JTA board will select one of these candidates tomorrow at 1:30p.
dougskiles
October 09, 2012, 08:06:28 PMLive blog coming our way? I have an insane amount of work to catch up on, otherwise I would be there.
thelakelander
October 09, 2012, 08:22:34 PMYes, we're planning to have either Stephen or Ocklawaha there to possibly live blog.
thelakelander
October 09, 2012, 08:23:15 PMBtw, Larry Hannan has some more information about the candidates on the FTU:
http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2012-10-09/story/three-finalists-jta-job-offer-disparate-experiences
fsujax
October 09, 2012, 08:40:53 PMGlad see the mention of rail in the article.
urbaknight
October 10, 2012, 01:06:10 PMI got on the WS7 bus this morning. This is the bus I take every day; And each day it seems to get more crowded.
So I had four comment cards left in my backpack. I pulled them out and addressed the packed bus.
I said that this rout is overcrowded and if you can help me. Who wants to take a comment card and tell them that we need to run this route every half hour instead of just every hour. We also need to run the bus later also.
Everyone agreed and I gave away all of my extra comment cards. I then told everyone that more cards are available at the main terminal. I hope my movement takes off.
Is there more I can do?
Any suggestions?
fsujax
October 10, 2012, 01:16:35 PMIs anyone going to live blog the interviews?
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 01:21:06 PMStephendare is supposed to. I'm pulling up in the JTA parking lot now.
fsujax
October 10, 2012, 01:22:45 PMgood.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 01:31:55 PMNo Stephen and all I have is my cell phone. Should be an interesting meeting. Each candidate will give a 10 minute presentation and answer questions from the board. Then the board will make their selection.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 01:32:34 PMrunning a few minutes behind
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 01:41:46 PMIt will be Bland first, Ford second, and Martin to present last. They'll eliminate one candidate first and then debate the final two.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 01:43:51 PMCongresswoman Brown pretty much just said its going to be a problem in the community if the winner isn't a minority.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 01:47:21 PMBland is up.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 01:51:44 PMBland is excited about the possibility of joining JTA. He sees opportunity of synergy with roads and transit under JTA. Believes he can work with the community with transit by starting off with a clean slate.
CityLife
October 10, 2012, 01:56:59 PMTranslation=good luck getting money from Washington if you don't hire a minority....
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 02:03:18 PMBland says 13% of JTA riders are choice riders. Believes great opportunity to grow this market segment. Uses Charlotte as an example of sprawling city that has improved transit. Says if Jax can't keep up, we will struggle to keep up economically as well. Said we need to focus on service as a method of improving transit. Said we can improve by eliminating service duplicity.
dougskiles
October 10, 2012, 02:17:11 PMWe can start by modifying the BRT route to not duplicate the skyway.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 02:20:49 PMIn response to a question about LRT in Charlotte, Bland said it was a game changer. Said that doesn't mean it will be for Jax if the service is bad. It's really up for the community to decide and not JTA.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 02:25:45 PMBland likes Jax because its a blank sheet of paper. Said most cities our size already have pretty well established transit systems. Ford is up.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 02:31:39 PMFord started off as a train conductor with NYC's system. He's been CEO of 2 of the 10 largest transit agencies in the country.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:33:49 PMThe San Francisco guy is a pretty confident speaker, and hes making his case to the board now.
One of the things that he mentioned is his familiarity with the national transit situation, and that he has worked all over the US and is acquainted with the differences in social expectations and cultures, including the south.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:36:27 PMThe room is literally packed. The outside parking lot has no available spaces, and in fact I had to park on a gravel lot in an abandoned looking bit of land.
Michael Blaylock is in the audience, and everyone is acting very businesslike today.
Upon entrance, in fact, I went to shake Michaels hand and got pretty rudely pushed aside by one of the women who are apparently in administration here. Mike looked just as put off by her attitude as i did,
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:38:12 PMGot to say though, Ford is a pretty impressive candidate from the point of view of a person who rides transit.
So far, hes been talking about customer experience, and the importance of finding internal methods in order to fund projects----all of which have been about what affects transit riders, not contractors.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:39:32 PMSteve Deibenow, the attorney for Mellow Mushrooms recent travails in Avondale, is on the board, and Ed Burr is still the chairman of the board.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:41:12 PMHes talking alot about tech, and the ability to alleviate parking and wait times by having interactive information available to the public in real time.
Very very impressive way of thinking.
Lake, did the other guys mention any of this stuff?
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 02:43:22 PMYou mean, Nathaniel Ford. Not McCray. No, Bland didn't talk about this stuff. He talked more general.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:45:56 PMJohnny Gaffney is here as is Corrine Brown.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:48:09 PMThis guy really has his stuff together. He speaks as though he were writing an article about how modern transit should be done correctly and with vision for metrojacksonville. Im sorry I missed Bland, but this guy is a solid, brilliant, and smooth guy right out of the gate.
If you implemented any sentence of what he has said out loud today, you would be twenty years ahead of where we are now.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:50:11 PM"I have had the opportunity to work in situations where Ive been able to create openness collaboration and problem solving."
"I started out by being a train conducted"
"I wasnt yet forty years old when I became the CEO of MARTA"
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:55:21 PMQuestion and Answer Time.
Boardmember Leghorn (R) Foghorn just asked how he managed to get money from Uncle Sam when he was at MARTA and the Bay Area.
His answer is pretty instructive.
Key to his success was asking for grants that included funds for bikes, transit, walkability, and rail as will as just the traditional silo approach.
CityLife
October 10, 2012, 02:59:37 PMFord definitely seemed to be the frontrunner on paper...Good to see he's the real deal.
He probably had this locked up before today, but sounds like he's making it an easier decision for the board.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 02:59:51 PMIsaiah Rumlin, NAACP leader and Board Member asked him what his experience with diversity has been.
Both guys are african american, but Ford, to his credit did not frame his answer in terms of race, which was the implication of mr Rumlin's question, but spoke broadly of gender, orientation and nationality.
Of course his experience is in San Francisco, where you simply cannot be anything other than diverse.
He does approve of DBE's in both a direct and indirect fashion, and mentioned that sometimes what is necessary is helping majority owned and staffed companies to meet and connect with minority owned firms.
He scheduled mixers for this end, and mentioned his experience in atlanta (which should answer what Isaiah actually asked)
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:01:19 PMSteve Deibenow asked him whether or not it was a risk for him to come to the JTA considering the sad shape of its finances, and resources, after being at two of the top ten transit agencies in the us.
Ford gave a great answer: He likes challenges.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:06:04 PMAva Parker asked him what was special about him that set him apart from the other two candidates.
His answer was that his ascent through his career was very rapid and that he is a risk taker---leaving New York Transit to go to the west coast then left again to Atlanta,
BART in the Bay Area is also a bit different in asmuch as it serves more than one city, so he had to deal with a system that had separate political systems which had to work together.
MARTA on the other hand, had to be upgraded right after the Olympics, which presented him with pretty unique challenges (that presumably the other candidates have not been able to face already)
He also has had a lot of history with bikes, bikers, and making cities bike friendly.
In fact hes mentioned bikes a whole hell of a lot in the progress of his presentation.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:08:25 PMby the way, the retards at JTA have blocked Facebook. They are not alone in facebook blocking---the city does too---but its especially vexing in this context.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:23:11 PMBack from a short recess while they set up for the third candidate Frank Martin.
Outside we found out that Ford is the heavy favorite of the Bus Drivers Union.
Ford really did knock it out of the ball park though, Martin has his work cut out for him.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:26:10 PMMartin is affable, soft spoken, well groomed, and looks distinguished in a suit.
He has degrees in finance and urban planning, and speaks in the tones of a university lecturist.
Out of the bat, he is emphasizing his background in operations.
Has he actually been out in the field working? No.
But he has been to many meetings with people who do.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:29:12 PMHe is speaking about the JTA.
For some reason he thinks that the JTA is "very very customer centric"
This is followed up with a bullet list of polysyllabic placeholder words, that basically boil down to 'your prices are about average, nationally.
Theres some serious money problems looming.
And people need training as well as attention.
not very substantive in my opinion.
Lake?
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:31:03 PMoh, and he wants to highlight being a regional transportation agency.
He thinks that brt is a positive direction for the JTA.
Lip service to rail.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:33:29 PMThere is a serious mispelling on the vision statement.
"Ceasing Regional Partnership Opportunities"
but its supposed to be "Seizing Regional Partnership Opportunities".
unintentional, but still........no one proofread this?
Also hes talking about 'dialogue' a lot, and using very very vague generalities so far.
lets see if its going to improve.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 03:34:18 PMMartin's presentation so far sounds like he's inclined to accept staying the course. Both Ford and Bland came off more visionary. This could be a result of them running larger systems recently and Martin being in the private sector.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:35:07 PMcolor me completely unimpressed. Its hard to find any specific thing that he would be for.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 03:37:12 PMMy opinion, based off their presentations today?
1. Ford
2. Bland
3. Martin
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:38:15 PM1. Ford
2. Bland
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Martin.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:44:30 PMnow comes the Q and A:
Rumlin:
Talk about your leadership teams youve had in other places, and why would you want to come to Jax?
In Birmingham I put together a team where I had to set out to restore the public confidence in the system.
As I began to put the agency back together, I had to make sure we were transparent, factual and correct.
When I was general Manager in NO.
my management style has been 'trust but verify'.
DBE Experience.
We met or exceeded the DBE goals, and I felt that it was important to make sure there was a level playing field.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:46:06 PMDiscuss your plan for relocation from Clairmont.
Im going to have a transitional home, come in hit the ground running.
Depending on the market conditions, I would have to sit down and talk with my wife.
My house sold in less than 40 days last time I sold it....
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:51:48 PMAva Parker
There is a lot of discussion about there being too much time since youve been a director of an organization.
I would like to understand what you feel your experience so long ago compares to now, and why do you feel that you would be ready to do this job, despite the fact that just last year you were not in any of these agencies.
(apparently its been twenty years since he worked as a director)
Answer
the skill set that I have as management is solid. In my current position I supervised up to 50 people 8 years ago, at present I am supervising zero people.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 03:57:39 PMWell Martin is out of the room, one got the sense that the board was as impressed with him as Lake and I are.
Now Johnny Gaffney (the liaison for the City Council) is speaking.
he would like to echo what Corrine Brown has said.
Lots of people, apparently are calling Gaffney and they are concerned about it.
He doesnt feel very well, and doesnt want to be here, but since his constituents are so exercized about it, hes decided to show up.
Then a few football metaphors, and jesus mentions.
So.....
He would like to offer leadership and say that today, the community is very concerned that the board is not being very transparent (although, he, johnny gaffney has assured the public that this board does a great job)
ANd hopefully we want to take Jacksonville to the 21st Century. (btw, we've been there for about 13 years already)
Once again, I thank you all for the great work you all have done, and I don't envy you.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:00:08 PMDeibenow asks Gaffney:
As a council member is there any one of these candidates that you can not support or work with?
We are looking for a leader.
Its very obvious who has the most experience.
More football metaphors.
The council will work with all of them, and we would prefer Tebow (Tim) or Michael Vick.
I have friends and my house has been vandalized, but god is looking out for me.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:00:51 PMWell he never did manage to identify the leader, smiled graciously, and exited the podium.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:01:47 PMNow comes the lightning round.
Burr wants to narrow the number from 3 to 2.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 04:02:16 PMSounds like Gaffney likes Ford. It would be an embarrassment to put Martin in a position that maybe over his head.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:02:52 PM+1
Ava Parker seems to be alluding to that now.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:04:06 PMShe is singing his accolades right now though.
She likes his private industry experience.
Maybe its a polite letdown though.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:05:19 PMAh. She is giving Bland the heave ho.
She nominates Martin and Ford.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:07:14 PMHmm. Ed Burr let Ava speak about who to vote off the island, but hes apparently thought better of letting people talk about it.
Now he wants everyone to simply check off two names that they want to move forward with.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:08:32 PMAva isnt having any of that sauce apparently, she thinks it would be better to get everything out in the open instead of a blank ballot.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:10:41 PMArgument ensues.
Deibenow is willing to second Ava Parkers suggestions as an actual motion.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:11:25 PMTheyve decided to do the paper ballot thing.
We wait.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:12:11 PMshort recess
copperfiend
October 10, 2012, 04:16:43 PMAgree.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:18:12 PMVote Tally:
5 ford
5 martin
3 bland.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:18:48 PMMotion and Vote:
Bland has been kicked off the island.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:21:04 PMAny advocates for either of the two candidates?
Deibenow says that he only voted for a single candidate: Ford.
National experience, clearly a transit expert, hands on experience, started at the bottom, worked his way up, put himself through school while working, and got his degrees.
Deibs thinks this is a direct reflection on his work ethic, and his ability to reach goals, and that Ford is the clear leader.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:25:02 PMAva Parker: Seems to favor Ford? but seems committed to Martin.
Isiah Rumlin: I agree with Ava.
Harper: Worked with Ford many years ago, and has to agree with Deibenow that Ford is the guy.
Burr: Which one is Tebow (looking comically over at Gaffney)
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:26:42 PMBurr: no preference
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:27:27 PMDeibenow motions that the board hires Ford.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:28:10 PMnow there will be conversation on the motion, Rumlin seconds.
Unanimous for Ford.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:29:06 PMEveryone in the room seems elated actually. Lots of smiles. lots of comity. The Union guys look happiest of all.
Doctor_K
October 10, 2012, 04:32:28 PMSo are we thinking that they actually got this one right?
fsujax
October 10, 2012, 04:32:49 PMthanks Stephen for the updates.
tufsu1
October 10, 2012, 04:34:56 PMI think they definitely got this one right....the only problem is what if they can't reach agreement with Ford...then they fall back to Martin...who was probably only #2 because of the comments made by Corrine and Gaffney
copperfiend
October 10, 2012, 04:40:36 PMGreat updates on the meeting.
stephendare
October 10, 2012, 04:51:24 PMproviding there are no live boys or dead women, we nailed it. This is the kind of guy we need in charge of the JTA! Really really great outcome for all of us!
Thanks for the comments guys! Im switching over to the Context Sensitive Streets Committee liveblog, which is already in progress.
exnewsman
October 10, 2012, 05:41:03 PMFord said he wanted the JTA job and obviously JTA wanted him. He doesn't expect any delay in contract negotiations.
ben says
October 10, 2012, 05:59:50 PMGreat choice Jax
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 06:28:37 PMI understood where Gaffney was going with the football references but I think he used the wrong players to compare what we witnessed today.
Ford was the Tom Brady of that group. He's a guy who has won multiple championships and clearly has command of the huddle when its late in the 4th Quarter and your squad needs the TD to win. Bland was Trent Dilfer. An average QB with decent skills. If you have a great team in place, he knows enough to not screw it up and go with the flow and every now and then, he'll make a decent play. Martin, on the other hand, I felt sorry for. The other two were NFL caliber. Compared to those two, Martin was Al Bundy. Great high school player but now an out-of-shape shoe salesman who's married with kids.
From being in the crowd, today's selection should have been an easy choice, once Bland was eliminated. It was like Blaine Gabbert lining up against the 85' Bears. One guy has been intimately involved with three of the largest transit agencies in the country and the other guy is still struggling to put together a power point.
Ocklawaha
October 10, 2012, 06:33:51 PMOMG! I'm playing the lottery tonight!
YIPPEE!
Charles Hunter
October 10, 2012, 07:09:29 PMGreat updates, and it sounds like they made a winning choice.
CityLife
October 10, 2012, 07:13:22 PMLove it^. Hopefully Ford can lead us to the playoffs. Heck, I'd even take a winning season.
Charles Hunter
October 10, 2012, 07:37:32 PMI hope the JTA Board lets Ford be innovative and customer oriented, and the Council adequately funds the JTA (Mobility Fee, extend the gas tax that is about to lapse) for transit.
thelakelander
October 10, 2012, 07:47:03 PMThe way it sounded at city hall tonight, we'll have some context sensitive streets design guidelines in place that public works will have to abide by, as well.
fsujax
October 10, 2012, 07:48:24 PMGreat points Charles.
tufsu1
October 10, 2012, 08:36:26 PMouch!
Ocklawaha
October 10, 2012, 08:43:10 PMSince we're having some fun here, I just hope that FORD can undo the damage done by GM in 1932-1936!
urbaknight
October 11, 2012, 03:04:57 PMI'm going to celebrate by grilling out tonight with beer and a bonfire.
jcjohnpaint
October 11, 2012, 06:56:46 PMI already started drinking
spuwho
October 11, 2012, 10:34:43 PMGreat updates, thanks to Stephen and Lake for the dialog.
I look forward to seeing an interview with Mr. Ford by metrojacksonville once his contract is in place.
Ocklawaha
October 11, 2012, 11:58:29 PMIn Jacksonville, I think we've all arrived at a very special place. Spiritually, ecumenically, grammatically.
Otherwise in Atlanta, this just in.
simms3
October 12, 2012, 12:24:33 AMI think you're wrong here. Atlanta is ditching the traditional big transit system bureacracy guys (which you are getting) for a guy who laid the groundwork for the soon to happen streetcar in San Antonio (and who hired his replacement, someone who built Houston's LRT). The SA guy has experience operating a bus system, but also building up momentum, support, attracting funding, and putting into place a system to incorporate alternative modes of fixed-rail transit. Ford has merely inherited and run big city rail/bus systems and has left each in worse shape from what I can tell (reputation of Muni is horrible in SF and reputation of MARTA in Atlanta is similarly awful). Also keep in mind Atlanta is gunning for streetcars and is laying track right now for one line, so the board at MARTA wanted a streetcar guy (these are usually found in the smaller cities, which are the cities putting in streetcars mostly, not the big metro areas).
Finally, SA is sad to see Parker leave. Atlanta is not shedding any tears to see Beverly Scott or Ford leave (Scott will go to run MBTA in Boston...another typical big city transit chief trade).
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2012/10/new-marta-chief-received-praise-from.html
I repeatedly warned against Ford. Wasn't Jax considering a former CATS guy from Charlotte? Maybe it was Atlanta. I think that would have been the best bet...someone involved in putting up LRT and streetcars in a developing southern city, not someone who has overseen and left in worse shape big transit systems in 5 million person metros.
thelakelander
October 12, 2012, 07:07:17 AMThe BRT guy was Steve Bland of Pittsburgh, who was a finalist for both the MARTA and JTA jobs. At the JTA presentation, Bland mentioned he was a little intimidated of the Atlanta job because it was a much larger city than what he had been used to, so Atlanta made the right decision in going with Keith Parker from San Antonio.
Keith Parker was the CEO of Charlotte's CATS from 2007 to 2009. Before then, he was the assistant city manager of Charlotte. The planning of Charlotte's LRT dated back to 1999. Groundbreaking for their LRT took place two years before Parker was hired at CATS.
I'm actually pretty happy Nathaniel Ford is coming to Jax. Out of the three finalist, he was clearly head and shoulders above the other two. He was over MARTA through the development of the Lindbergh Station TOD site. JTA actually took a trip up there to view it a few years back when Ford was there. That was mentioned at the presentation as well. The Breeze card was also implemented during Ford's tenure at MARTA. Furthermore, MARTA has always had a bad reputation. I remember when my older brother moved up there in 1988, it had a bad reputation then. It just didn't have any TOD. So I'm not sure it's Ford fault for how MARTA is viewed in Georgia.
To be honest, if all Ford does is come in here and significantly revamp the bus system and leave in two years, it would be a huge success over what we currently have in place.
simms3
October 12, 2012, 08:09:20 AM^^^Again, MARTA chose Keith Parker, who ran VIA in San Antonio. You're confusing people. Also Ford is not credited up here with having anything to do with Lindbergh, just so you know, though he may have overseen the partnership that a couple of prominent Atlanta developers fostered to make it happen in the late 90s early 2000s. Besides, Lindbergh is the best and only TOD we have, and it is pretty darn pathetic. The Breeze system is convenient, but if Ford and all the others overseeing MARTA had not changed to a card system, we'd be the only thing still using tokens, so that was a pretty obvious choice...not anything ingenious.
I'm sure Ford's great, but I have been using MARTA long enough to even remember the coins. Fares have gone up dramatically. Service has been cut. Safety has been a concern. The reputation of MARTA alone arguably killed TSPLOST this year. Suburban counties want in on transit now, but they don't want MARTA as the fiscal side has become a huge issue, and the last report by KPMG was that compared to other systems MARTA has a problem with too large of benefits (22% higher than similar systems) and employee absenteeism (costing an additional 11% more than necessary), and that there are many areas of operations that can be outsourced, but haven't. These are the areas that MARTA leadership should have focused on. Without higher taxes or the state stepping in MARTA will be broke by 2018. Time is running out to get the fiscal house in order and improve legislative relationships outside of Atlanta, something the past leadership left for the next guys.
Overall it was a lost decade for MARTA. Last expansion was way back in 90s. Everything has deteriorated since then. The Streetcar and Beltline are major positives, but totally separate from MARTA. Credit goes to the grassroots organizations, mayors and city leaders (public and private) getting those done. Everybody's waiting for good leadership at MARTA before they start attaching their name to it.
Tacachale
October 12, 2012, 08:52:42 AMNo need to get defensive, simms. I'm sure Atlanta transit will be fine.
I'm sure Ford will do as good of a job as the limitations of the agency will allow, he was clearly the best candidate of the three (though they were never going to pick Bland). I have some hope for JTA; the fact that they've pulled off some solid roadbuilding projects shows they can be perfectly capable in the area they emphasize, so hopefully they'll be able to make the transition if the leadership changes direction a bit.
Ocklawaha
October 12, 2012, 09:08:34 AMMarta is no different then any other operation where Heavy Rail and bus are the only options. Heavy Rail construction pretty much came to a halt after Miami Metrorail and Baltimore's metro. There have been some spotty expansions here and there, but Heavy Rail systems may be out of the limelight for the foreseeable future.
San Antonio, had a plan for a comprehensive rail network as the largest city in America with bus only mass transit. That plan was taken down, and replaced with BRT. Not unlike Tampa, San Antonio's Via did a poor job of selling rail to the masses and the project crashed at the voting booth. Granted the light rail and streetcar plans have reemerged, but they'll face a constant firestorm of angry 'tea party' tax payer's to get track on the ground.
Jacksonville is in a much better position with Skyway, city buses and express buses, and a solid funding mechanism for streetcar and commuter rail. Given we'll have a guy completely familiar with all of the above, I'm cautiously optimistic.
simms3
October 12, 2012, 09:39:02 AMSo JTA seems to think Ford's a big TOD guy and MARTA seems to think Parker's a big streetcar guy, perhaps both are misguided. If Parker wants to tie streetcars into MARTA, he'll have an easier time doing it in Atlanta where the Tea Party won't derail him in the city than he had in SA. If Ford wants to do TOD in Jax, he'll need to work on getting a system built first.
tufsu1
October 12, 2012, 10:09:53 AMactually, no....because you can set up good development that is transit (and pedestrian) oriented...and if high quality transit never comes, you still have a nice walkable community.
thelakelander
October 12, 2012, 10:33:42 AMNo I'm not. Keith Parker was the CEO of Charlotte's CATS before he moved on the VIA.
http://www.itsmarta.com/marta-gm-selection.aspx
tufsu1
October 12, 2012, 10:39:32 AMsure hope Ford wasn't a decision maker on MARTA's ad campaign from years back....
MARTA is SMARTA
which was only bested by
SEPTA - We're Getting There!
seriously....people get paid to come up with these
simms3
October 12, 2012, 10:40:55 AMWell ok...TOD without the T. Higher quality developments are pretty standard nowadays. I guess I can call a lot of the infill going up where I live TOD, even if it is not near a metro station. In that case Black Sheep's new development is a TOD. The small projects in San Marco are TODs. Let's stick with the traditional definition here and just ackowledge that overall development standards with or without transit have changed and need to continue to change (and improve).
I was referring to TOD as mastered in the DC metro, where entire CBDs spring up around metro stations. Where having the Nats stadium in your backyard is merely a bonus but the real impetus for your development is Waterfront or Navy Yard metro station. Where the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor has become the national model...a miles long string of walkability built on the DC metro and nonexistent without.
Jax can perhaps do TOD at Kings Ave station, but aside from that all other stations are already "downtown". It needs to build a system or expand the skyway before it can start up the officially recognized TOD. Otherwise I agree...higher quality developments that fit in with "complete streets" guidelines can still be built basically anywhere.
simms3
October 12, 2012, 10:43:27 AMHahaha. It is pretty ridiculous. In most cases MARTA is not smarta and SEPTA is certainly not "getting there" any time soon.
That makes me even happier...I thought someone in the running for one of the cities was involved with CATS. Glad to be rid of a big system/big city bureaucrat and replaced with a smaller city guy who has touched the developmental process of LRT and streetcars.
thelakelander
October 12, 2012, 10:52:29 AMUsing most of the cities that opened starter rail lines over the last decade as examples, TOD starts occurring when you make the public commitment to actually moving forward with your project. Charlotte, Austin, Salt Lake City, Denver, Houston, etc. all saw TOD spring up along the transit corridors before their actual operation.
In Jax's case, there are TOD opportunities still available around several of the existing skyway stations and Prime Osborn (assuming its converted back into a train station). The mobility plan also generates the capital funding for a streetcar connecting downtown to Riverside and Springfield. It's possible for TOD concepts to come online around these corridors, as well as the commuter rail corridors over the next few years. Outside of that, high quality infill development that is context sensitive is also good thing Jax should strive for as well.
I'm not trying to get in a pissing contest between who's better out of Parker and Ford. I think both MARTA and JTA made good decisions in their selections over the past week.
dougskiles
October 12, 2012, 10:54:04 AMThe other logical location is the Brooklyn. The only real expense will be creating a station at the OEM spur (and maybe a small extension). Although I am little unsure how this will be handled operationally. We would end up with three spurs coming into one line. Works fine northbound, and becomes a real hassle southbound. I see people regularly confused by the Convention Center or San Marco split. And once you realize the error, you have just committed yourself to a much longer journey.
As to the Ford question, I think he is coming into town at a great time. I see public support for transit only getting stronger, particularly with the help of this forum and the many advocates we have around town talking it up at every opportunity.
urbaknight
October 12, 2012, 02:10:39 PMI talk about it all the time. Let the FDOT handle the road construction; Let JTA focus exclusively on mass transit.