| Author |
Message |
    
Greg Spreeman
Citizen
Username: Mr_greg
Post Number: 9
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 - 11:47 pm: | 
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I was parked in the circle waiting for my fiance when a police officer told me, as well as two other cars to move because, "this is where the Jitney sits." I don't see anything posted regarding places were we can/cannot wait due to space being reserved for the Jitney. What is the law? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 942
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 9:43 am: |
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Greg: I have asked the village administrator to give me an answer. I am assuming you mean the NJ transit circle since that is where the jitney's wait.
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just me fromsouthorange
Citizen
Username: Jmfromsorange
Post Number: 62
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 11:27 am: |
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why would anyone 'park' on the circle? there's little enough room thee as it is. |
Greg Spreeman
Citizen
Username: Mr_greg
Post Number: 11
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 12:08 pm: |
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I knew I shouldn't have used the word "park." Instead, I "stopped" there, had the parking lights on, the engine running, I was in the driver's seat. The train arrived 2 minutes later. This is passenger pick-up and drop-off correct? |
Dave
Citizen
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6300
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 12:15 pm: |
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[oops... self-deletion] |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 176
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 12:38 pm: |
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Dave, i think Greg is talking about the pickup in the NJ Transit lot, not the street in front of the train.
And as for the NJT lot, I think one big problem is that the lot was designed for cars to be able to flow up and down the aisles, but with the construction, the entire first aisle is blocked at one end.
And now with everyone being encouraged to use this pickup/dropoff area, it's gridlock when the evening trains arrive.
Also, since you can now exit the rear of the lot, we've got cars trying to go against the traffic that is using the SO Ave. exit. (the river overpass isn't really wide enough for two vehicles to pass)
Even with the cop directing the traffic on SO ave, it took me 15 minutes to get out last night, and that is not unusual.
This whole lot layout needs to be reexamined; designated areas for jitneys would help, since they often block traffic while they wait.
I can't imagine how any additional cars using the future Performing Arts center will fit into the scenario. |
Dave
Citizen
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6303
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 12:43 pm: |
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Also, I've been wondering.... Is that NJ Transit lot free on weekends? |
Paddy
Citizen
Username: Paddy
Post Number: 151
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 12:51 pm: |
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Lot is free on Sundays. Free after 1:00 pm on Saturdays (like any weekday) |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 4532
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 1:05 pm: |
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I will add a Maplewood comment here. At the MW train station the curb area in front of the station is reserved for the jitney busses. People stop and wait there anyway and cause congestion until the jitney drivers yell at them. There should be a pickup area for the jitney(s) and the area should kept clear of cars.
My birdseye perspective (from the train tracks) of the SO lot is that little thought went into parking areas for jitneys or for people waiting to pick up the spouse when the 6:30 pulls in. The circle seems to be designed just for drop offs and to look nice. |
Dave
Citizen
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6304
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 1:44 pm: |
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If the platform were extended so commuters could walk to stairs leading down to the lot behind old Village Market it would create a third area for pickups and remove some of the traffic. It would also serve the new residential developments that are, naturally, coming soon. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 943
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 1:50 pm: |
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Dave: Actually we had inquired about having the steps come down onto the Beifus side of the platform but NJ Transit said it was not "economically feasible".
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Matthew LaManna
Citizen
Username: Mattlamanna
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 1:53 pm: |
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It would seem best to elimanate a row or two of spaces and possibly reconfigure for a wider curbed area to pick up commuters, but that may not be in the cards.
How to deal in the meantime:
Good Pick up areas that you can park out of the way and still be less then a minute from the station:
Bank Lot @ Sloan & 3rd after the bank closes (just remember it is private property).
Cryans lot behind the Fire Department.
The First Aid squad Lot(1 minute walk from train) at 3rd and Sloan.
The rear of the transit lot closer to Church street(the far exit was just widened for both in and out traffic to access Church Street.
ShopRite Lot on Vose Ave is a short walk.
Other option is to arrive early and find a parking space. Try to get out of your car and meet your commuter at the station. Use your cell phone to advise your commuter where your parked.
Commuters can take the Jitney and be picked up at the Jitney stops.
If you do find a space in the circle or at the Sloan & 1st drop off give other drivers room to park, and just be patient.
The construction is temporary and the stations other access points will open soon, allowing for easier exit from the platforms.
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Dave
Citizen
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6305
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 2:14 pm: |
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Mark, I thought as much. Also, I mistakenly noted the Vose Ave side was the westbound side.
Other ideas:
-park near Blockbuster and have commuter meet you there to help pick out movie
-park near SO restaurant and have commuter meet you there for dinner
-park near Bunny's and browse MOL at bar while waiting and ordering dinner to go |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 177
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 3:45 pm: |
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a couple of ideas:
remove the fence designating the future performing arts center, and use the space for either the jitneys to wait or for additional pickup/drop off space. Or even for more parking, to replace some of the spaces lost to endless NJT sprawling construction (and how about an update on their progress, someone?). Or have the jitneys wait in the first aisle, and make the construction crew free up the end of that aisle for better traffic flow.
Also, ask Bunny's to eliminate deliveries during peak commuter arrival hours--the trucks often block one lane of exiting traffic (they used to park in the Performing Arts space for this)
I really hope that a re-design of this lot is part of the SOPAC plans.
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 944
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 4:03 pm: |
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ril: NJ Transit gave an update this past fall. The current phase which was supposed to be completed by 12/31/03 is now scheduled to be done by 03/31/04 (although I have a feeling they will need another extension). Phase 2 is expected to take 15 - 18 months. They will be doing the opposite ends of the platforms from where they are currently working and doing work on the staircases at each end of the platform. Phase 3 start after that. They will have to close off one track at a time as they will be repairing leaks into the station. The exact same situation exists in Brick Church and the project is going to be coordinated. They claim it will have a "minimal impact" on the train schedules.
The cost of phase 3 has not been approved by NJ Transit in their budget yet (can't be until the year they are ready to start). Phase 3 is expected to take about 9 months and will include repairs inside the station along with a new paint job and some new lights.
No plans to re-design the parking lot.
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ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 178
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 4:12 pm: |
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Mr. Rosner,
thanks for the (very depressing) update. so this incredible mess will be with us for years to come.
And then add in the complications of eventual SOPAC construction.
Sigh.
And I want to point out that we've got even more cars trying to park now that the lot by South Mountain arena has been closed for construction of a parking deck (which I think we need more than a performing arts center, but don't get me started)
(my Krispy Kreme offer still stands, tho)
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 945
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 4:29 pm: |
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Ril: The S. Mountain arena is a problem. There has been a definite increase in the number of cars parked at the shop-rite lot (@$5.00 per day) and on some local streets.
We need a parking deck, but would rather put elsewhere. Too much traffic in that lot already and would rather divert some of the traffic elsewhere.
(ok bring on the krispy kremes)
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sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 927
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 4:51 pm: |
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According to an article I saw in the paper today, the town of West Orange is trying to work a temporary solution to this problem and has made arrangements with a church and a synagogue in the area to allow commuter parking. (The article might have been an earlier paper than today's, however, as I was doing some "catch up".) |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 179
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 - 5:03 pm: |
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I saw that article, too. West Orange is making arrangements only for commuters who are W.O. residents (they'll need to get a permit to park in these new locations). The rest of the crowd (folks from Livingston, etc.) are desperately seeking parking in South Orange and other train-stop communities.
Mark, what's the outlook for additional S.O. jitney service? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 946
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 10:36 am: |
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The grants that were awarded won't bring more jitneys till next year. I would hope they will be in place by the fall of 2005.
By then the deck will be done. One would think Livingston could make a deal with the Livingston mall to use that lot during the week and let the bus service flow from there and then go to W. Orange. In fact, I think I will formally ask them to consider doing this.
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arizona
Citizen
Username: Arizona
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 3:57 pm: |
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The Jitneys do take up a lot of space in the circle. Can they be assigned a designated waiting area outside the circle? This might help ease congestion during rush hour. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 948
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 4:50 pm: |
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There did wait over to the side before construction started. There does not really seem to be a good place right now for them.
If anyone has a suggestion for improving the situation should address them to the parking authority (located in village hall and they have a link on the village website www.southorange.org). |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 180
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 5:11 pm: |
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Since South Orange has only one jitney, perhaps it could be allowed to wait at the curb cutout on the Sloan St. side of the station (until construction is cleared). I don't think it would block traffic, or access to the fire station, and since the driver remains with the vehicle, he could move it quickly as needed.
The other jitneys belong to West Orange. Their drivers are particularly inconsiderate of car commuters. Maybe they could wait for their passengers on the far side of the Transit lot, over the river. It's still closer than West Orange ;-)
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Greg Spreeman
Citizen
Username: Mr_greg
Post Number: 12
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 12:20 am: |
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This evening, (Thursday), I went to the circle area to wait for my fiance. I arrived at 6:40 and the circle was filled with 4 livery cars and a Jitney. At 6:43 Patrol car #17 came through the lot and didn't stop. At 6:45 the "dancing cop" strode over and had a chat with the Jitney driver. At 6:47 another Jitney from W.O. arrived and parked in the center of the entrance to the circle making it impossible to even drive through the circle to pick someone up.
- Is there a designated space for the Jitney?
- Are livery cars also covered under the Jitney umbrella?
I can only assume the two items above to be true due to the fact that a few evenings ago I was asked to move by an officer. Mr. Rosner, any word on what the law is? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 949
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 9:34 am: |
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I will ask that we discuss this at the next meeting (2/09/04 - 7:30p.m.)
Livery drivers are allowed to park there (that is the only place in S. Orange that they can).
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ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 181
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 10:13 am: |
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I've been told that years ago(before the NJT lot was built) taxis/livery drivers were regularly available at the train station, but that the town discouraged them from waiting there. For a long time, there were no taxis at the train station.
Having them there now is helpful, both for those who are visiting S.O. and for commuters who occasionally need a ride. The taxis stay there well into the evening hours, after the jitneys are gone.
I hope we can find a way to accommodate both taxis and commuter traffic.
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 950
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 10:29 am: |
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ril: Actually the town was happy to help those taxi drivers. When Sloan Street was redone, the village moved the taxi stand to the NJ Transit lot. One by one they retired (one of them was very sick) and another gave up because there was so little business. Before Midtown Direct there were less than 700 people a day who used the station. Now there are over 2,200. |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 182
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 10:44 am: |
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Sorry for the misinformation--the taxis were gone by the time I moved here, and that's what I'd heard from other train riders.
I think the livery drivers now are all from the same company, A Plus. And while they don't seem too busy, I am glad to have them there (and I've used them for airport trips as a result of seeing them at the train station--reliable and reasonably priced).
So does this mean there is an officially designated taxi stand? (I don't think the livery drivers are the problem--I think the W.O. jitneys block traffic more.)
Perhaps the construction setup could be adjusted so traffic can flow better? When they set it up, they didn't have use of the SOPAC area; they seem to now, so maybe they could give back some of the parking lot area. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 969
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 11:03 am: |
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We discussed the jitneys and taxis last night. The parking authority director is going to meet with the drivers and see if a better solution can be reached. |
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