CFIT

As residents of Nebraska's state capital and the site of the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska, you need to be fully informed about the public transit for Lincoln in the future. Citizens for Improved Transit has compiled this little quiz so that you can assess you public transit I.Q. The source information is shown in parentheses after each question. Have fun and learn!

1. The first public transit system in Lincoln, a horse and wagon used to carry luggage from the train depot to hotels uptown started in: (Nebraska State and Interurban Railways by E. Bryan Phillips)

B - 1871. Unpaved muddy streets soon resulted in rails being laid with passenger and freight cars being pulled by horses. Eventually electric street cars were used to be replaced b buses in the 1920s, '30 and '40s.

The correct answer is B - 1871. Unpaved muddy streets soon resulted in rails being laid with passenger and freight cars being pulled by horses. Eventually electric street cars were used to be replaced b buses in the 1920s, '30 and '40s.
1863
1871
1877
1891
2. A national study of cities throughout the United States showed that by reducing daily auto trips congestion measurably lessened and commute times got shorter. The percent of reduced trips needed to cause this improvement was: (Survey, Texas Transportation Institute)

A - 3.8%. Only a 3.8% reduction was required to lessen traffic problems. An improved StarTran could expect at least a 5% ridership increase which would be more than the magic 3.8% figure.

The correct answer is A - 3.8%. Only a 3.8% reduction was required to lessen traffic problems. An improved StarTran could expect at least a 5% ridership increase which would be more than the magic 3.8% figure.

3.8%
10%
20%
30%
3. Nelson Nygaard, the consultants who analyzed StarTran during the 2015 estimate that by changing our routes and schedule StarTran ridership will increase by: (Nelson Nygaard presentation to City Council December 14, 2015)

B - 5%. In making this estimate it was said that the estimate is very conservative. Other revamped systems have increased ridership by 7-8%, 10% and in one instance, Huntsville, Alabama, a whopping 19%.

The correct answer is B - 5%. In making this estimate it was said that the estimate is very conservative. Other revamped systems have increased ridership by 7-8%, 10% and in one instance, Huntsville, Alabama, a whopping 19%.

3%

5%

10%

15%

4. Operational funding for StarTran for the past 6 city budgets has: (Figures from Lincoln City Finance Department)

B - Remained level at $500,000 With little hiccups up and down the operational funding has remained at the $500,00 level while operating costs have increased, resulting in StarTan having to cut service rather than increase it to meet a growing need as our city grows.

The correct answer is B - Remained level at $500,000 With little hiccups up and down the operational funding has remained at the $500,00 level while operating costs have increased, resulting in StarTan having to cut service rather than increase it to meet a growing need as our city grows.

Increased 3% per year

Remained level about $500,000 each year

Decreased 3% per year

Fluctuated widely up & down

5. Comparing the money allocated for the StarTran operating funds to the money allocated to Public Works & Utilities for street repairs (including snow removal) we are spending how many times more for streets that for StarTran: (Figures from City Finance Department)

D - 10 times more. StarTran received $500,000 per year for operation funding while Public Works & Utilities receives about $5.5 million per year from taxes for operations. If we would compare capital spending, the difference would be even greater.

The correct answer is D - 10 times more. StarTran received $500,000 per year for operation funding while Public Works & Utilities receives about $5.5 million per year from taxes for operations. If we would compare capital spending, the difference would be even greater.

3 times more

5 times more

7 times more

10 times more

6. As a result of underfunding for years StarTran has been forced to: (Comparison of StarTran schedules)

D - All of the above. If you fail to properly feed and water your crops, they are stunted and this is what has happened to StarTran for years due to underfunding.

The correct answer is D - All of the above. If you fail to properly feed and water your crops, they are stunted and this is what has happened to StarTran for years due to underfunding.

Run evening service only until 7 p.m. on all routes

Eliminate crosstown routes on 27th street and 48th street

Reduce frequency of buses mid-day on various routes and skip trips on some

All of the above

7. The last two streetcar lines in Lincoln were converted to buses in: (Nebraska Street and Interurban Railways by E. Bryant Phillips)

D - 1945. Lincoln City Lines which had purchased Lincoln Traction Company, was agressively converting trolley lines to us liens which was not surprising because National City Lines was owned by General Motors (made transit buses), Standard Oil (made fuel for buses), and Goodyear Tire & Rubber (made tires for buses). The Federal government froze all trolley to bus conversions during WWII. When Japan surrendered the last two trolley lines, College View and Normal, were converted to buses in September of 1945 the day Japan surrendered.

The correct answer is D - 1945. Lincoln City Lines which had purchased Lincoln Traction Company, was agressively converting trolley lines to us liens which was not surprising because National City Lines was owned by General Motors (made transit buses), Standard Oil (made fuel for buses), and Goodyear Tire & Rubber (made tires for buses). The Federal government froze all trolley to bus conversions during WWII. When Japan surrendered the last two trolley lines, College View and Normal, were converted to buses in September of 1945 the day Japan surrendered.

1932

1939

1942

1945 - after WWII ended

8. The cost of new N street bike Super Bikepath is: (Figures from Project Supervisor)

B - $3.2 million. The $3.2 million if applied to StarTran would have more than covered the estimated cost of doing upgrades to StarTran now rather than having to wait 5 years to do what the consultants say needs to be done.

The correct answer is B - $3.2 million. The $3.2 million if applied to StarTran would have more than covered the estimated cost of doing upgrades to StarTran now rather than having to wait 5 years to do what the consultants say needs to be done.

$2.5 million

$3.2 million

$3.7 million

$4.2 million

9. If the money which was spent on the N street bikeway had been spent on StarTran, StarTran would have been able to: (Estimate of $2.5 million from Mike Davis)

D - All of the above.

The correct answer is D - All of the above.

Extend evening service on all routes to 11 p.m.

Expand StarShuttle service to 11 p.m.

Run 27th and 48th crosstowns all the way across town

All of the above

10. Because Mayor Beutler refuses to allocate the funds to StarTran from tax revenues that the system needs to implement fully the recommendations of Nelson Nygaard now, Mike Davis has been directed to find additional Federal money. In pursuit of this StarTran has: (Conversation with Transit Expert at U.S. Department of Transportation Regional Office in Kansas City)

B - Made timely & accurate applications & received the max amount. StarTran is receiving all Federal funding currently available for which it qualifies. The mayor asking Mike Davis to "go out and get grant money" is an exercises in futility which the mayor is using to deflect criticism for his failure to budget sufficient funds from local tax revenue to properly fund StarTran.

The correct answer is B - Made timely & accurate applications & received the max amount. StarTran is receiving all Federal funding currently available for which it qualifies. The mayor asking Mike Davis to "go out and get grant money" is an exercises in futility which the mayor is using to deflect criticism for his failure to budget sufficient funds from local tax revenue to properly fund StarTran.

a. Failed to apply for all possible funding

b. Made timely and accurate applications for all current programs and received the maximum amount available

c. Missed deadlines for applications for applications or provided incomplete information required

d. Not qualified for certain Federal programs because of lack of local funding for the local match portion of some programs

11. Although StarTran has had to include expanded service to the new South Walmart, Super Target and to the Lincoln Municipal Airport, StarTran currently receives no additional funds from Impact Fee collections, which money currently is going to Parks & Recreations for park facilities and more hiker/biker trails: (Lincoln Journal-Star Article.)

True. StarTran is definitely impacted by growth and new development and expected to expand its services but is being given no portion of the Impact Funds collected.

The correct answer is True. StarTran is definitely impacted by growth and new development and expected to expand its services but is being given no portion of the Impact Funds collected.

True

False

12. The College View trolley line was funded in great part by the predecessors of Wood Bros. Realty in order to promote home ownership along Sheridan Boulevard and in adjacent areas owned by Frank Woods and Mark W. Woods: (Nebraska Street & Interurban Railways by E. Bryant Phillips)

True. This reflected the use of public transit to promote real estate development. On the Pacific coast one developer built "Electric Village" along the streetcar line and touted advantage of buying a home with access to good public transit. Even today in cities with good public transit housing near a bus or light rail line is worth about 25% more for a comparable structure than those further away from transit.

The correct answer is True. This reflected the use of public transit to promote real estate development. On the Pacific coast one developer built "Electric Village" along the streetcar line and touted advantage of buying a home with access to good public transit. Even today in cities with good public transit housing near a bus or light rail line is worth about 25% more for a comparable structure than those further away from transit.

True

False

13. Portland, Oregon has an excellent public transportation system which includes Light Rail Lines, Vintage Trolley Cars and feeder bus service. This has become possible because of transportation-based zoning that identifies transportation corridors and then groups dense housing close to the corridors with duplex, townhouse and single family zoning tapering away from corridors. Lincoln currently employs transportation-based zoning concepts in making palling decisions: (Conversation with Planning Department)

False. Although there has been identification of transit corridors in Lincoln's Comprehensive Plan, there has been no serious attempt to develop along such corridors in a way to support and promote public transit.

The correct answer is False. Although there has been identification of transit corridors in Lincoln's Comprehensive Plan, there has been no serious attempt to develop along such corridors in a way to support and promote public transit.

True

False

14. Constant effective marketing must be done to maintain and increase StarTran ridership because StarTran's riders change by about 20% year: (Lincoln TPD Plan, Draft 2)

True. Constant marketing must happen to simply maintain current ridership levels. New people come to Lincoln and some bus riders move elsewhere. Some people who rode the buses now drive and new potential riders come to Lincoln for higher education. The 2012 Audit Report of StarTran urged that more marketing be aimed at obtaining "choice riders" and less done for special events using buses which have little long-lasting ridership increase benefits.

The correct answer is True. Constant marketing must happen to simply maintain current ridership levels. New people come to Lincoln and some bus riders move elsewhere. Some people who rode the buses now drive and new potential riders come to Lincoln for higher education. The 2012 Audit Report of StarTran urged that more marketing be aimed at obtaining "choice riders" and less done for special events using buses which have little long-lasting ridership increase benefits.

True

False

15. Transit riders are beer-drinking, pot-smoking unemployed people living on welfare who ride the buses for entertainment:

False. A former member of the city council once described StarTran riders in this way, but the reality that only "low-lifes" ride public transportation is false because many hard-working, tax-paying citizens use StarTran on a regular basis. A constant effort must be made to dispel the stereotype.

The correct answer is False. A former member of the city council once described StarTran riders in this way, but the reality that only "low-lifes" ride public transportation is false because many hard-working, tax-paying citizens use StarTran on a regular basis. A constant effort must be made to dispel the stereotype.

True

False

16. Although Nelson Nygaard conservatively estimates a 5% ridership increase as a result of the system revisions, ridership increases of 7-8%, 10% and even 19% have been realized in other cities like Lincoln following service revisions: (Various transit system websites

True. Better service results in "choice riders" opting for public transit use. Lincoln's last major bus route revision was in 2008 and there have been many changes since then which must be reflected in the system upgrade.

The correct answer is True. Better service results in "choice riders" opting for public transit use. Lincoln's last major bus route revision was in 2008 and there have been many changes since then which must be reflected in the system upgrade.

True

False

17. "Choice riders", people who own cars but would use public transit if convenient won't make the switch unless the new frequency of service is: (2012 StarTran Transit Audit Report)

C - 30 minutes. As bus frequency increases and the wait for the next bus shortens, people tend to ride the buses rather than drive. Data from cities across the United States indicate 30 minute frequency as the tipping point. The current Preferred Alternative has 30 minute daylong frequency on only one route - O Street.

The correct answer is C - 30 minutes. As bus frequency increases and the wait for the next bus shortens, people tend to ride the buses rather than drive. Data from cities across the United States indicate 30 minute frequency as the tipping point. The current Preferred Alternative has 30 minute daylong frequency on only one route - O Street.

a. 10 minutes

b. 20 minutes

b. 30 minutes

d. 1 hour

18. The City of Lincoln has built and currently owns no fewer than 17 parking facilities with an assessed valued $54.1 million, which pay no real estate taxes: (City of Lincoln Website and Lancaster County Assessor)

True. While StarTran tries to get people to park their cars and ride buses, Economic Development throws up parking garages with cheap parking that keeps people driving.

The correct answer is True. While StarTran tries to get people to park their cars and ride buses, Economic Development throws up parking garages with cheap parking that keeps people driving.

True

False

19. Because the city charges less for monthly parking than privately-owned facilities, the city subsidizes those who drive and discourages use of StarTran: (Survey of Parking Facility fees)

True. The monthly fee for city-owned facilities is as much as $20 less per month than for privately-owned facilities like Rampark. This "hidden subsidy" is counterproductive in con convincing people to use public transit.

The correct answer is True. The monthly fee for city-owned facilities is as much as $20 less per month than for privately-owned facilities like Rampark. This "hidden subsidy" is counterproductive in con convincing people to use public transit.

True

False

20. During 2015 if you drove a car for transportation the annual cost, depending upon size, type of vehicle and the number of miles drive was: (AAA- Your Cost of Driving)

D - Between $7,000 and $12,000. We don't realize this because we pay it in bits and dribbles. Although people will probably keep their cars or vacations and out of town trips, using StarTran would save them considerable money and this would be a key part of StarTran's ongoing marketing.

The correct answer is D - Between $7,000 and $12,000. We don't realize this because we pay it in bits and dribbles. Although people will probably keep their cars or vacations and out of town trips, using StarTran would save them considerable money and this would be a key part of StarTran's ongoing marketing.

a. Between $3,000 and $4,000

b. Between $5,000 and $7,000

c. Between $7,000 and $9,000

d. Between $7,000 and $12000

21. For every dollar spent on public transit, the local economy enjoys a four dollar ripple effect. (Various)

True. There have been instances when a major employer pays its employees wages in the form of unusual money like coin dollars, $2 bills and so forth. It is thus easy to see the impact of this money rattling around the community. Money spent on public transit ripples in the same manner and creates substantial economic benefits for the community.

The correct answer is True. There have been instances when a major employer pays its employees wages in the form of unusual money like coin dollars, $2 bills and so forth. It is thus easy to see the impact of this money rattling around the community. Money spent on public transit ripples in the same manner and creates substantial economic benefits for the community.

True

False

22. Compared to 9 other peer cities Lincoln ranks how in terms of span of bus service offered currently: (Lincoln TPD Plan, Draft 2)

True. The bigger the fare increase the bigger the drop in ridership. A fare increase for StarTran may be warranted, but be aware of its consequences on ridership. Public transportation worldwide does not recover its full cost from fares and receives outside support in varying amounts. Public transit should no more be expected to operate at a profit than a city water and sewer department. It is a basic service for the city's residents.

The correct answer is True. The bigger the fare increase the bigger the drop in ridership. A fare increase for StarTran may be warranted, but be aware of its consequences on ridership. Public transportation worldwide does not recover its full cost from fares and receives outside support in varying amounts. Public transit should no more be expected to operate at a profit than a city water and sewer department. It is a basic service for the city's residents.

a. 3rd Best

b. 5th Best

c. 8th Best

d. At the very bottom

23. The experience nationwide is that an increase in transit fares results in a loss of ridership: (2012 StarTran Audit Report)

True. The bigger the fare increase the bigger the drop in ridership. A fare increase for StarTran may be warranted, but be aware of its consequences on ridership. Public transportation worldwide does not recover its full cost from fares and receives outside support in varying amounts. Public transit should no more be expected to operate at a profit than a city water and sewer department. It is a basic service for the city's residents.

The correct answer is True. The bigger the fare increase the bigger the drop in ridership. A fare increase for StarTran may be warranted, but be aware of its consequences on ridership. Public transportation worldwide does not recover its full cost from fares and receives outside support in varying amounts. Public transit should no more be expected to operate at a profit than a city water and sewer department. It is a basic service for the city's residents.

True

False

24. Even though StarTran has been chronically underfunded, ridership on the system continues to grow yearly from 2009 to the present with nearly 2.5 million riders in 2015: (Lincoln TPD, Draft 2 - 2014 ridership from StarTran)

True. There were enough trips during 2014 when compared with Lincoln's current population to amount to each Lincoln Resident taking 10 bus trips per year. The reality is that some people took many trips and some took none, but it is fun to play with figures. How much more would ridership have increased if we had a good, fast, responsive bust system.

The correct answer is True. There were enough trips during 2014 when compared with Lincoln's current population to amount to each Lincoln Resident taking 10 bus trips per year. The reality is that some people took many trips and some took none, but it is fun to play with figures. How much more would ridership have increased if we had a good, fast, responsive bust system.

True

False

25. Attendance at events at the Lancaster Event Center in 2014 was: (Lancaster Event Center records)

D - 500,000. 500,000 with the 2015 numbers expected to be even higher. Assuming that we extend bus service to the Lancaster Event Center (not in the current Preferred Alternative) and a capture rate of 10% using the bus, this would amount to 50,000 additional trips during the year. Not serving the Lancaster Event Center is like not serving the Nebraska State Capitol or the State Office Building -- unthinkable!

The correct answer is D - 500,000. 500,000 with the 2015 numbers expected to be even higher. Assuming that we extend bus service to the Lancaster Event Center (not in the current Preferred Alternative) and a capture rate of 10% using the bus, this would amount to 50,000 additional trips during the year. Not serving the Lancaster Event Center is like not serving the Nebraska State Capitol or the State Office Building -- unthinkable!

a. 125,000

b. 200,000

c. 350,000

d. 500,000

26. Lincoln Street Cars and later buses would accept payment in either cash or by use of trolley of bus tokens: (Nebraska Street and Interurban Railways by E. Bryant Phillips)

True. This continued until the development of modern coded bus passes which can be "swiped" through the fare machine. Cash is still accepted but you can get change in the form of a card which can be used for other bus trips since drivers no longer carry coin belts to give change.

The correct answer is True. This continued until the development of modern coded bus passes which can be "swiped" through the fare machine. Cash is still accepted but you can get change in the form of a card which can be used for other bus trips since drivers no longer carry coin belts to give change.

True

False

27. The consultants hired to update the TPD an recommend changes in Lincoln's routes and schedules were told to do so assuming no increase in funding for StarTran. The Preferred Alternative recommended by them is a "cost-contained" plan which does not reflect what Lincoln needs to do to "fix" StarTran. The Phase 1 through 5 upgrades the consultants list are what they would have recommended needed to be done now if they had not been handicapped by the "no additional funding" provision: (Author's conversation with consultants)

True. At leas the consultants have given us a blueprint for what really needs to happen to fix StarTran in addition to the Preferred Alternative. By giving StarTran additional funding to do Phases 1 and 2 now, we will allow StarTran to catch up quickly from the ravages of funding starvation.

The correct answer is True. At leas the consultants have given us a blueprint for what really needs to happen to fix StarTran in addition to the Preferred Alternative. By giving StarTran additional funding to do Phases 1 and 2 now, we will allow StarTran to catch up quickly from the ravages of funding starvation.

True

False

28. Lincoln can be "Globally Competitive" as recommended in the Anjelou Report by having a bus system with scant evening service, no true crosstowns, inadequate frequency on most routes and StarShuttle not running in evenings or weekends. (Various sources)

False. Visitors from other cities are appalled at our lack of bus service. The young man at Lincoln Chamber of Commerce I visited with said businesses considering expanding into Lincoln don't talk about lack of public transit, but you can bet they do when they get back to headquarters. Lincoln's lack of good public transit will get it a black mark even if the C of C thinks it's not important.

The correct answer is False. Visitors from other cities are appalled at our lack of bus service. The young man at Lincoln Chamber of Commerce I visited with said businesses considering expanding into Lincoln don't talk about lack of public transit, but you can bet they do when they get back to headquarters. Lincoln's lack of good public transit will get it a black mark even if the C of C thinks it's not important.

True

False

29. People who work in job placement in Lincoln say that the single biggest obstacle they have in placing people in jobs in Lincoln is lack of good public transportation. (Telecon with Nebraska Department of Labor))

True. Not only is it difficult to get non-drivers out for interviews, but lack of transit service often means the prospective employee can not take and evening or 2nd shift job. In one instance a good worker who had completed his 30 days training had to decline and $18 and hour job in North Lincoln when assigned to 2nd shift.

The correct answer is True. Not only is it difficult to get non-drivers out for interviews, but lack of transit service often means the prospective employee can not take and evening or 2nd shift job. In one instance a good worker who had completed his 30 days training had to decline and $18 and hour job in North Lincoln when assigned to 2nd shift.

True

False

30. By giving StarTran more money now, the city will:

D - All of the above. If you an't see the importance of good bus service in Lincoln the absolute necessity for fixing our StarTran system sooner rather than later, then continue to starve StarTran and keep Lincoln from being part of the transit revolution that is sweeping the rest of the United States. Elsewhere people have learned, "You can't pave your way out of congestion." Can't we learn from the experience of others and do something positive now? Far too many dollars are being spent on streets and roads and far too little on public transportation.

The correct answer is D - All of the above. If you an't see the importance of good bus service in Lincoln the absolute necessity for fixing our StarTran system sooner rather than later, then continue to starve StarTran and keep Lincoln from being part of the transit revolution that is sweeping the rest of the United States. Elsewhere people have learned, "You can't pave your way out of congestion." Can't we learn from the experience of others and do something positive now? Far too many dollars are being spent on streets and roads and far too little on public transportation.

a. Make job placement easier and more flexible and boost the economy

b. Increase bus ridership and customer satisfaction

c. Lessen street congestion, shorten commute times, lessen pollution from people using cars

d. All of the above