Operations: August 2005 Archives

first the heart attack,now this:

RTA bus smashes light pole; 11 riders report injuries

Eleven people on the bus, including the supervisor, complained of injuries, but none was believed to be serious, RTA spokeswoman Rosalind Blanco Cook said. The student operator didn't report any injuries, she said.

RTA bus driver dies behind the wheel

The bus had just crossed the high-rise bridge when Taylor lost consciousness, police said.

Talk about a serious near-miss. Had this happened on the high-rise itself, the consequences could have been much worse. I saw this happen with a taxi once, abut 15 years ago, on Poydras Street. A full bus? *shudder*

Our condolences go out to Mr. Taylor's family, friends, and co-workers, and a tip of the hat to Mr. Hudson for his efforts to control the bus.

Crossing St. Charles...

Von Dullen streetcar 2020 has just cleared the intersection at Canal Street at St. Charles Avenue. The streetcar is on the “inbound” track, heading for the river. The early morning sun is sneaking past the World Trade Center and the two large hotels a couple of blocks up to partially illuminate 2020. The bulk of commuters who work in the CBD have not begun to fill Canal Street just yet.

For years, Canal Street has not been the hub of commuter traffic coming into downtown for the business work day. Poydras Street has taken over that dubious distinction. Many of the large office buildings in the CBD are located on Poydras, and that street has its own exit off of I-10, so it’s natural for car traffic to flow there. Canal Street is making a commuter comeback, however, because of the streetcars. The increase in the number of hotels in the CBD and Warehouse district has put a pinch on many parking lots and garages. Prices for parking have gone up dramatically, because hotels know they can get away with charging guests double or triple what a commuter is willing to pay. To fight the high prices, many commuters have gone to parking further down on Canal Street, or even Canal Blvd., and taking the streetcar into town. With a monthly RTA pass, the cost of riding the streetcar is minimal compared to downtown parking rates. And you don’t have to drive in the CBD.

Behind 2020 as it makes its way to the river is the Pickwick Club. The Pickwick Club is a private luncheon club that is closely affiliated with the Mystic Krewe of Comus, the carnival organization that held the first Carnival parade in New Orleans. Many Carnival parades would pause here to toast the members of the Pickwick Club, and the club would allow the queens and courts of other krewes to view their parades from their balcony.