Shuttle between the Squares

[salpal]

I think it would be a great idea if there were some kind of shuttle service between the 3 squares. You could park your cart/car at the one closest to you and take shuttle to your destination. This would help a great deal for events and especially during the busy season. Thoughts?

[graciegirl]

I think it would be a great idea if there were some kind of shuttle service between the 3 squares. You could park your cart/car at the one closest to you and take shuttle to your destination. This would help a great deal for events and especially during the busy season. Thoughts?



I find your request interesting, because I have never found myself wishing to go from one square to another on the same day or evening, other than to show visitors an overview of The Villages.. To me the squares are places to dance/listen to music and to eat and to shop and usually one is enough for an evening.


If there is an event, such as a parade or something like a tree lighting, those are usually not scheduled for the same day.

[Challenger]

I think it would be a great idea if there were some kind of shuttle service between the 3 squares. You could park your cart/car at the one closest to you and take shuttle to your destination. This would help a great deal for events and especially during the busy season. Thoughts?

Who pays??? How much are you willing to pay???

[salpal]

I would be willing to pay up to $5. If I live near Brownwood and want to go to the Sharon or eat at Katie Belles, I'd much rather hop on a shuttle/bus than drive to Spanish Springs and look for a parking spot.

[photo1902]

I would be willing to pay up to $5. If I live near Brownwood and want to go to the Sharon or eat at Katie Belles, I'd much rather hop on a shuttle/bus than drive to Spanish Springs and look for a parking spot.

Great idea. I think a shuttle would be well used and people would happily pay for the service.

[Bonny]

What time would they do this til ? If someone decided to have dinner and missed the last shuttle, then what ? The cost of gas and a driver when only 2 people get on the shuttle to go from maybe Brownwood to The Sharon.
I have never gone to 2 squares in 1 night.

[photo1902]

What time would they do this til ? If someone decided to have dinner and missed the last shuttle, then what ? The cost of gas and a driver when only 2 people get on the shuttle to go from maybe Brownwood to The Sharon.
I have never gone to 2 squares in 1 night.

Since this is all hypothetical, maybe run from 9am-9pm. This shouldn't be limited to nighttime events/dancing, etc., as plenty of people visit the town squares during the day for shopping, sightseeing, dining, etc.

[chuck90199]

One word... Monorail. Could be built over existing MM paths. I mean, what's a DisneyWorld for Adults without a monorail? Right?

[photo1902]

One word... Monorail. Could be built over existing MM paths. I mean, what's a DisneyWorld for Adults without a monorail? Right?

Haaaa. Last time we were at Epcot I said the same thing to my wife...The Villages need a monorail :)

[Bonny]

Since this is all hypothetical, maybe run from 9am-9pm. This shouldn't be limited to nighttime events/dancing, etc., as plenty of people visit the town squares during the day for shopping, sightseeing, dining, etc.
But if they are getting the shuttle at a square, they might as well just go to the square they want.

[thelegges]

Didn't the valet parking go away due to $5 to use

[photo1902]

But if they are getting the shuttle at a square, they might as well just go to the square they want.

It wouldn't be for everyone, but I could see people using it. Especially if people wanted to make a day of visiting more than one TS and not having to worry about driving and parking.

[Chi-Town]

I like the monorail. No traffic issues and a good way to sightsee. A subway would be my next choice.

[nkrifats]

Valet Parking did not work. Don't think this would either.

[Taltarzac725]

Valet Parking did not work. Don't think this would either.

Probably not enough of a supply and demand to make this an economical business. And, I do not see the developers fronting something like this with their funds. Nor would the property owners of the Villages.

[Bogie Shooter]

For the few who would use this...................why not just call a cab?

[tomwed]

One Word: Pub Crawl!
[maybe that's 2 words but you get the idea]

[cquick]

take a taxi
then you can stay out as late as you want, and not worry about a DUI

[onslowe]

I find your request interesting, because I have never found myself wishing to go from one square to another on the same day or evening, other than to show visitors an overview of The Villages.. To me the squares are places to dance/listen to music and to eat and to shop and usually one is enough for an evening.


If there is an event, such as a parade or something like a tree lighting, those are usually not scheduled for the same day.

I agree. The cost of building a monorail and and the disruption during construction and the ongoing labor costs would be borne by guess who?

Even a bus shuttle's initial and on going cost, including labor, would add to our monthly amenity fees.

If elevated sightseeing is one's cup of tea, spare us the expense and go rent a helicopter for a few hours. Visitors considering this still wonderful locale can ride The Villages existing tour bus or trolley.

Nothing is free. Add an amenity and greater payments would be required of us each month - not the developers. This whole country truly needs to return to the wisdom of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[villagetinker]

This is an interesting idea, and probably the only entity that could pull this off would be villages transportation. I am guessing that it would not be a profitable business, but I could be wrong.
Consider the following:

There were problems in the past with tour buses using the squares, and having cars parked for extended periods, so the bus pickup and drop off locations would need to be some distance from the squares to avoid the previous concerns, IMHO.

It would probably take an hour for a single bus to make a loop to all 3 squares, this may be too long for people to wait, especially if it is raining.

If you just missed the bus, then you have up to an hour wait for the next one.

During a very popular event (parade, show at the Sharon, farmers market, etc.) I could easily see more people arriving then seats available on the bus, while at other times the bus would be mostly empty.

It would be an interesting comment for the annual survey, and POA or VHA meetings to see if it gets any traction.

On a personal note, we go from the Brownwood area to the Spanish Springs square area 3 times per week, and would not use a shuttle or bus if it was available. We can make the trip by car in 20 to 25 minutes, and parking is typically available, except during the days with parades. The shuttle/bus would simply not be as convenient as our own car. This may change in the future, if we are no longer able to drive this distance, or at night.

[tomwed]

Why not just have the tour bus make stops? Imagine yourself on a tour bus, not knowing very much about the place and a bunch of people that live here jump on. They are having a good time and being very friendly.

[looneycat]

there are cabs available for this.

[Taltarzac725]

Why not just have the tour bus make stops? Imagine yourself on a tour bus, not knowing very much about the place and a bunch of people that live here jump on. They are having a good time and being very friendly.

They do have tour buses which do not make very many spots though. I remember my visiting Aunt Gert went on when even though she would have never movie from her hometown of many decades.

[graciegirl]

But if they are getting the shuttle at a square, they might as well just go to the square they want.



I agree Bonny. I can't see the practical use of it. My husband said he thought it might be a good idea, he had our one car repaired at Mulberry and I could have picked him up in the golf cart but he waited for it, had lunch, took a book. But times like that are few and far between and if you have something done to a golf cart, they give you a loaner.


I think this place is geared toward people who are able to use motor vehicles. Maybe that is right and maybe it isn't but it is what it is. When we start trying to get services for things the majority won't use or try to add everything to a community a few desire, the cost of that has to be paid by somebody and that is where this place differs from others. We don't vote and tax. I rather like that.

[photo1902]

I agree Bonny. I can't see the practical use of it. My husband said he thought it might be a good idea, he had our one car repaired at Mulberry and I could have picked him up in the golf cart but he waited for it, had lunch, took a book. But times like that are few and far between and if you have something done to a golf cart, they give you a loaner.


I think this place is geared toward people who are able to use motor vehicles. Maybe that is right and maybe it isn't but it is what it is. When we start trying to get services for things the majority won't use or try to add everything to a community a few desire, the cost of that has to be paid by somebody and that is where this place differs from others. We don't vote and tax. I rather like that.

So it's settled...we'll have one up and running by next weekend :)

[goodtimesintv]

Every night we see, parked behind the Lake Sumter Landing Sales Center, the nice TheVillages' Trolley Tour Buses, parked for the night.

I think The Villages (Sales) would be wise to run one or two of these buses (after the last trolley tour of the day) as shuttles on a set path from Brownwood to Lake Sumter to Spanish Springs and back on the same route, with pickup on the half hour or even on the hour, from let's say, 4pm to 10pm.

To me that's a logical function of the Sales Dept., since Villagers are the best word-of-mouth promoters of TV to new people, and giving existing Villagers a ride to the squares at distant north and south ends will inform them better about all that TV has to offer newcomers.

If TV Sales didn't want to offer this shuttle for free, they could sell $2 tokens at the Sales Center desks in each town square, where they sell the maps.....or at the Mercantile Banner shops at the sales centers.

[graciegirl]

Every night we see, parked behind the Lake Sumter Landing Sales Center, the nice TheVillages' Trolley Tour Buses, parked for the night.

I think The Villages (Sales) would be wise to run one or two of these buses (after the last trolley tour of the day) as shuttles on a set path from Brownwood to Lake Sumter to Spanish Springs and back on the same route, with pickup on the half hour or even on the hour, from let's say, 4pm to 10pm.

To me that's a logical function of the Sales Dept., since Villagers are the best word-of-mouth promoters of TV to new people, and giving existing Villagers a ride to the squares at distant north and south ends will inform them better about all that TV has to offer newcomers.

If TV Sales didn't want to offer this shuttle for free, they could sell $2 tokens at the Sales Center desks in each town square, where they sell the maps.....or at the Mercantile Banner shops at the sales centers.



You wanna drive? As a community spirited donation?

As for The Villages needing any more word of mouth promotion to sell anything...don't think it is needed.

[joldnol]

I think it would be a great idea if there were some kind of shuttle service between the 3 squares. You could park your cart/car at the one closest to you and take shuttle to your destination. This would help a great deal for events and especially during the busy season. Thoughts?

I think it's an awesome idea for special events. I believe people misunderstood what you were saying based on their responses such as "who would want to go to two town centers in one day". We took the shuttle to Everbank Field in Jax from the Beaches all the time. Amazing that some posters who complain about "negativity" on this message board were some of the first to whiz on your suggestion.

[Bogie Shooter]

Would be cancelled within 3 months.

[graciegirl]

I think it's an awesome idea for special events. I believe people misunderstood what you were saying based on their responses such as "who would want to go to two town centers in one day". We took the shuttle to Everbank Field in Jax from the Beaches all the time. Amazing that some posters who complain about "negativity" on this message board were some of the first to whiz on your suggestion.





Drying myself, and then asking what events would that be, here?

And I like Salpal to pieces. I would never pee on her suggestions.

[joldnol]

parades and events such as the st paddy's day, columbus day, Christmas Tree lightings, and college color days. The shuttle wouldn't be running ordinarily. The Shuttles in Jax for sporting events worked well. They cost 5 to 8 dollars depending on how far away you were from the stadium and you got a pass for the return trip. I stay away from squares having special events due to the hassle of parking but would utilize a shuttle service if it was available.

No need to dry off Gracie since I didn't name names

[graciegirl]

parades and events such as the st paddy's day, columbus day, Christmas Tree lightings, and college color days. The shuttle wouldn't be running ordinarily. The Shuttles in Jax for sporting events worked well. They cost 5 to 8 dollars depending on how far away you were from the stadium and you got a pass for the return trip. I stay away from squares having special events due to the hassle of parking but would utilize a shuttle service if it was available.



Sounds good...but generally they have these events on different days. Our cheerleaders could get overtired and also our twirlers, so they have them on different days. The tree lighting is on different days too. That was my point.

Just as Bogie said, they tried valet parking and poof it was gone. I am trying to introduce a realistic argument, not whiz on someone's good idea. Niche businesses like this do exist, but usually are government funded and there I will stop.

[photo1902]

Sounds good...but generally they have these events on different days. Our cheerleaders could get overtired and also our twirlers, so they have them on different days. The tree lighting is on different days too. That was my point.

Just as Bogie said, they tried valet parking and poof it was gone.

I feel that valet parking is apples and oranges to a shuttle service. It would be anybodies guess as to whether or not it would be successful, but its an interesting concept to throw out as a topic.

[joldnol]

I feel that valet parking is apples and oranges to a shuttle service. It would be anybodies guess as to whether or not it would be successful, but its an interesting concept to throw out as a topic.

especially since there is a fleet of trolleys which will be obsolete as soon as.....wait for it......build out occurs:icon_wink:

[photo1902]

especially since there is a fleet of trolleys which will be obsolete as soon as.....wait for it......build out occurs:icon_wink:

:ho:

[Bonny]

parades and events such as the st paddy's day, columbus day, Christmas Tree lightings, and college color days. The shuttle wouldn't be running ordinarily. The Shuttles in Jax for sporting events worked well. They cost 5 to 8 dollars depending on how far away you were from the stadium and you got a pass for the return trip. I stay away from squares having special events due to the hassle of parking but would utilize a shuttle service if it was available.

No need to dry off Gracie since I didn't name names
Why would anyone drive to one square to take the shuttle to another square for an event ? If you are going to an event, just go to the square where the event is.
If people are going to get a token for a couple of dollars to cover gas & wear & tear, who's paying the drivers ?

[RickeyD]

Why would anyone drive to one square to take the shuttle to another square for an event ? If you are going to an event, just go to the square where the event is.
If people are going to get a token for a couple of dollars to cover gas & wear & tear, who's paying the drivers ?



Because the OP presented the question.

[Bonny]

especially since there is a fleet of trolleys which will be obsolete as soon as.....wait for it......build out occurs:icon_wink:
:clap2:

[photo1902]

Why would anyone drive to one square to take the shuttle to another square for an event ? If you are going to an event, just go to the square where the event is.
If people are going to get a token for a couple of dollars to cover gas & wear & tear, who's paying the drivers ?

Would probably be a niche market, but I could foresee people going to one town square (not necessarily during an event), doing some sightseeing, then jumping on the shuttle do to the same at one (or both) of the other TS's. And, by the looks of things, I foresee a 4th Town Square eventually being built near Orlando, once the final of the fifteen "build outs" occur.

[Bonny]

Would probably be a niche market, but I could foresee people going to one town square (not necessarily during an event), doing some sightseeing, then jumping on the shuttle do to the same at one (or both) of the other TS's. And, by the looks of things, I foresee a 4th Town Square eventually being built near Orlando, once the final of the fifteen "build outs" occur.
:1rotfl:

[joldnol]

Why would anyone drive to one square to take the shuttle to another square for an event ? If you are going to an event, just go to the square where the event is.
If people are going to get a token for a couple of dollars to cover gas & wear & tear, who's paying the drivers ?

Brownwood is five minutes away from where I live. If a special event (such as college color day) is going on at Spanish Springs it would be easier for me to drive to Brownwood and park in an outlying lot and hop the shuttle to SS. I can then leisurely ride while enjoying the scenery and talking to my wife and friends. The shuttle would drop me off at the square. I avoid events because of the hassle of trying to find a spot, dodge pedestrians in the parking lot and hoofing from BFE to get to the square (my wife is handicapped and can't walk distances of more than a few hundred feet).

How are any bus drivers paid? The drivers would be paid by the trolley vendor from the fares generated.

[Bonny]

Brownwood is five minutes away from where I live. If a special event (such as college color day) is going on at Spanish Springs it would be easier for me to drive to Brownwood and park in an outlying lot and hop the shuttle to SS. I can then leisurely ride while enjoying the scenery and talking to my wife and friends. The shuttle would drop me off at the square. I avoid events because of the hassle of trying to find a spot, dodge pedestrians in the parking lot and hoofing from BFE to get to the square (my wife is handicapped and can't walk distances of more than a few hundred feet).

How are any bus drivers paid? The drivers would be paid by the trolley vendor from the fares generated.
I would think that's why the valet parking didn't work. Not enough fares were generated to pay people. That was just paying people, not having to figure gas & wear & tear.

[goodtimesintv]

Brownwood is five minutes away from where I live. If a special event (such as college color day) is going on at Spanish Springs it would be easier for me to drive to Brownwood and park in an outlying lot and hop the shuttle to SS. I can then leisurely ride while enjoying the scenery and talking to my wife and friends. The shuttle would drop me off at the square. I avoid events because of the hassle of trying to find a spot, dodge pedestrians in the parking lot and hoofing from BFE to get to the square (my wife is handicapped and can't walk distances of more than a few hundred feet).

How are any bus drivers paid? The drivers would be paid by the trolley vendor from the fares generated.

This post provides several of the many good reasons for having a shuttle between town squares.

Unfortunately, this thread, like all others, has "owners" lying in wait, ready to pounce on reasonable suggestions from others. They know everything.

[photo1902]

:bigbow:This post provides several of the many good reasons for having a shuttle between town squares.

Unfortunately, this thread, like all others, has "owners" lying in wait, ready to pounce on reasonable suggestions from others. They know everything.

[graciegirl]

Owners? What does that mean?

My very smart husband thinks a bus service could work. I would like to point out that no matter how I come up with anything to argue, discuss, disagree, he almost always turns out to be right. And I don't know how he does it. I think I am wrong a lot and all of what I just said is most sincere and is not meant to be disparaging. I just am of the belief that many of the things that only a few out of all of us want and need could not be easily kept financially afloat. And that is the reason for a lot of overspending in "typical" cities.

I was born with a condition called fiscal conservatism. And Sweetie has it too, so there MUST be some merit in a bus service.

[photo1902]

Owners?

I took it to mean residents of TV, nothing sinister.

[dbussone]

Would probably be a niche market, but I could foresee people going to one town square (not necessarily during an event), doing some sightseeing, then jumping on the shuttle do to the same at one (or both) of the other TS's. And, by the looks of things, I foresee a 4th Town Square eventually being built near Orlando, once the final of the fifteen "build outs" occur.

Photo - I have to disagree. The 4th square will be built near the Turnpike entrance to the Village of Okahumpka. The square near Orlando will be the 18th and adjacent to the Village of Disney. After that it is only 6 more build outs to the Ft Lauderdale area where the Village of Everglades will complete the official last & forever buildout of The Villages. At least until the developer buys Cuba and starts all over.

[Bonny]

This post provides several of the many good reasons for having a shuttle between town squares.

Unfortunately, this thread, like all others, has "owners" lying in wait, ready to pounce on reasonable suggestions from others. They know everything.
Who's the "owners" ? So no post should be made unless they agree that this would be a good idea ? I thought it was open for discussion, not just "yes" people.

[photo1902]

Photo - I have to disagree. The 4th square will be built near the Turnpike entrance to the Village of Okahumpka. The square near Orlando will be the 18th and adjacent to the Village of Disney. After that it is only 6 more build outs to the Ft Lauderdale area where the Village of Everglades will complete the official last & forever buildout of The Villages. At least until the developer buys Cuba and starts all over.

HA! Good one! I have reconsidered my initial thoughts on Orlando, and yes, you are correct, the 4th square should be built near Okahumpka. Plus, its a darn fun name to say.

[HoosierPa]

We live across from Brownwood and would take a Shuttle every time if it were available to either LSL or SS.

[Cedwards38]

REASONS WHY:
Say I want to have dinner at Ay Jaylisco but hear the band at Brownwood. Don't want the hassle of parking and walking. Or I am torn between two bands and want to hear some of both. Or I catch a movie at Barnstorm Theater and then want to hear the band at Spanish Springs or get ice cream at Kilwins. Or we have one car and my wife wants to go out with her friends and I wanna go listen to some music but don't want to take the golf cart. I wanna avoid the gasoline, parking, driving, and the hassle and I want to converse with my group of 8 who can't fit into one vehicle.

HOW:
Run the existing trolley buses from Parking lot behind Kilwin's Ice Cream with stops at Lake Sumter Landing parking lot behind the shops, and Brownwood parking lot, with possible additional stop at Colony Plaza or Pinellas Place. $2-$3 a night per person or a monthly, weekly, or annual pass for appropriate charge. Run all trolleys continuously until at least 11:00 PM.

I like it.

[graciegirl]

HA! Good one! I have reconsidered my initial thoughts on Orlando, and yes, you are correct, the 4th square should be built near Okahumpka. Plus, its a darn fun name to say.



I think so too. I am sad I have made you think I am an opinionated old woman because I am such a fan of yours.


Sigh. I am pretty sure I am an opinionated old woman too.

[dbussone]

REASONS WHY:
Say I want to have dinner at Ay Jaylisco but hear the band at Brownwood. Don't want the hassle of parking and walking. Or I am torn between two bands and want to hear some of both. Or I catch a movie at Barnstorm Theater and then want to hear the band at Spanish Springs or get ice cream at Kilwins. Or we have one car and my wife wants to go out with her friends and I wanna go listen to some music but don't want to take the golf cart. I wanna avoid the gasoline, parking, driving, and the hassle and I want to converse with my group of 8 who can't fit into one vehicle.

HOW:
Run the existing trolley buses from Parking lot behind Kilwin's Ice Cream with stops at Lake Sumter Landing parking lot behind the shops, and Brownwood parking lot, with possible additional stop at Colony Plaza or Pinellas Place. $2-$3 a night per person or a monthly, weekly, or annual pass for appropriate charge. Run all trolleys continuously until at least 11:00 PM.

I like it.

Your plan seems pretty reasonable. I especially like the suggestion for pre-purchased tickets. That would certainly give a prospective operator some idea of income and profit potential. As an operator I would also give priority access to those with monthly or lengthier pre-purchased tickets. The incentive would be especially noted at peak use times (like parades) when a single use ticket holder has to wait for preferred passengers to take their seats. If there are any seats left then single use ticket holders can take a seat or wait for the next bus. (if you think of the tee time system and priority golf status, it could function something like that. In fact, a similar system could be used to make reservations.)

[photo1902]

I think so too. I am sad I have made you think I am an opinionated old woman because I am such a fan of yours.


Sigh. I am pretty sure I am an opinionated old woman too.

No worries, Gracie. I'm an opinionated old man! :)

[dbussone]

I think so too. I am sad I have made you think I am an opinionated old woman because I am such a fan of yours.


Sigh. I am pretty sure I am an opinionated old woman too.

Don't feel too bad, GG. We are all opinionated aren't we? And you are only as old as you think - which makes you about 28 IMHO!

[VILLAGERBB]

Definitely a good idea!

[njbchbum]

Definitely a good idea!

Of course it's a good idea! We and our friends have stopped dining and attending the movies at the squares because of the difficulty of finding parking. We figure it means nothing to the developer and business folks because there always seems to be someone to take whatever space we don't take up! It's too bad though - we used to enjoy dinner and a movie on the square often.

[Polar Bear]

Yeah, nobody goes there any more. It's too crowded.

[Eg_cruz]

Agree

[Bogie Shooter]

Been here 14 years and have never not found a parking place at any square.

[tomwed]

I would think that's why the valet parking didn't work. Not enough fares were generated to pay people. That was just paying people, not having to figure gas & wear & tear.
I think this is different. With the valet service everyone arrives at the same time and leaves at the same time. You need a lot of drivers in short spurts.

It's worth a try.

This might sound weird and a sign of my age but I like riding in a bus and looking out the window.

[skip0358]

I see no reason for it at all. If more people used their Golf Carts we'd have much easier parking. Also in Sumter Square IF TV put a Walk Thru like the one by Starbucks where the Sales Center is there would be more then enough parking. Also as others have said I pick my Square before I go out and that's where I go. So no need to Square Hop especially at night. JMO

[salpal]

Something to consider: Many people do not drive at night or drive cars at all. I agree that it would be an economic challenge, but thought it was a good idea. The merchants may or may or agree if asked to subsidize. The overall consensus here seems to be that it is not a good idea. That's fine...I just put it out there.

[champion6]

I originally thought that this idea had no merit. Now I read about the Village of Fenney to be built on CR468. I'm beginning to see the possibilities for this idea.

[photo1902]

Something to consider: Many people do not drive at night or drive cars at all. I agree that it would be an economic challenge, but thought it was a good idea. The merchants may or may or agree if asked to subsidize. The overall consensus here seems to be that it is not a good idea. That's fine...I just put it out there.

With the new section of The Villages off of 468, a shuttle might be a reality after all

[Jima64]

Fares alone would not cover the expenses of a shuttle bus or busses to provide adequate service. Who would help subsize this service?

[photo1902]

Fares alone would not cover the expenses of a shuttle bus or busses to provide adequate service. Who would help subsize this service?

Who pays for the "trolley" busses (which are nearly empty) that run all day?

[CFrance]

Who pays for the "trolley" busses (which are nearly empty) that run all day?
Aren't those part of the TV marketing strategy? Maybe it's factored into the Lifestyle Visit fee, or else it's just part of their operating expenses.

[photo1902]

Aren't those part of the TV marketing strategy? Maybe it's factored into the Lifestyle Visit fee, or else it's just part of their operating expenses.

More than likely, that is true.

[CritterLover]

I think it's a fabulous idea~ nobody said it would be for everyone, but for those who want it, why not?

[Cedwards38]

Seems like something that could easily be done on a trial basis to see if there really is a demand. If using the existing trolleys then the startup costs would be almost nothing. If successful, great. If not, then stop it and very little lost.

[looneycat]

Seems like something that could easily be done on a trial basis to see if there really is a demand. If using the existing trolleys then the startup costs would be almost nothing. If successful, great. If not, then stop it and very little lost.

to accomplish two jobs more trolleys would need to be purchased as I assume this would not only be for nighttime otherwise it wouldn't fly financially.

[goodtimesintv]

to accomplish two jobs more trolleys would need to be purchased as I assume this would not only be for nighttime otherwise it wouldn't fly financially.

How do you know that?

We go to one, and often two town squares almost every night, to have dinner and watch the bands and dance. We live closest to LSL, and so if we like the band better at Spanish Springs or Brownwood, we go to one of those. We might dine at one square and go to enjoy music at the other for a couple of hours until 9pm when the bands finish.

A big reason to take a shuttle between squares is the time it takes to get there by golf cart. It's a long haul, going from north of 466 to Brownwood, and vice versa.

Faster transport by trolley bus would give people far more options of where to spend their time. Not everyone plants themselves for the whole night at one bar or in one square to enjoy the live entertainment.

Shuttles between squares would also alleviate parking (far away) at Spanish Springs when The Sharon has concerts and events with 1,000 attendees.

[justjim]

Transportation systems lose money. Who would pay? Without Government support, most transportation systems would close down today. Government support for a bus/train or whatever in TV----forget it. This might look good but when you peel back the layers it becomes less and less practical.

I would rather see a horse and carriage around Brownwood by a private entrepreneur on a Saturday night than a bus with about as many passengers (as a horse with a carriage) going back and forth between the various Squares wasting gas and money.

[graciegirl]

///

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=justjim;1206300]Transportation systems lose money. Who would pay? Without Government support, most transportation systems would close down today. Government support for a bus/train or whatever in TV----forget it. This might look good but when you peel back the layers it becomes less and less practical.

QUOTE]



You are correct. This says that municipal transportation systems typically only fund about a third of their operating costs from fares.


Public Transportation Funding: The Basics (http://publictransport.about.com/od/Transit_Funding/a/The-Basics-Of-Transit-Funding.htm)

[SCasey]

One of the things that surprised me when we first looked at TV was that there wasn't any sort of public transportation. I imagined a place this big would have some sort of shuttle. Maybe press those sales trolleys into service starting at 3:00 PM and run until 11:00 or something.

[tomwed]

Operating Costs

In addition to paying for the bus, transit agencies have to pay to operate the bus. Usually we talk about the operating cost per revenue hour - how much does it cost to drive a bus in service for one hour? Some examples of operating costs include New York City ($172.48 for bus and $171.48 for subway); Los Angeles ($124.45 for bus, $330.62 for the Red Line subway, and $389.99 for the light rail lines); Honolulu ($118.01); Phoenix ($92.21); and Houston ($115.01 for bus and $211.29 for light rail). Learn more about the operating cost differences between buses and light rail transit vehicles .

Of the above costs, a majority is the cost of employee wages and benefits - about 70%. In addition to drivers, transit agencies employ mechanics, supervisors, schedulers, human resource staff, and other administrative employees. Some transit systems attempt to save money by contracting out to private operators, which is discussed more in my three part series about privatization in public transit . Of the above examples, New York City, Los Angeles, and Houston operate service directly while Honolulu and Phoenix contract out all of their service to a private company.

Lest you think that transit costs less to operate in smaller cities, it still costs $108.11 in Lansing, MI but only $69.27 in Bakersfield, CA and around $44 for Beach Cities Transit, which operates three routes in an around the Los Angeles suburb of Redondo Beach. Again, all of these costs can be expected to keep rising at a rate at least equal to inflation every year.

I gotta think we would more like Bakersfield, CA. We are not going to pay the drivers very much. They own the busses now and I know there is the total cost of ownership. In four hours how many miles would a bus go connecting the Squares?

Tie it into sales in the daytime during most months of the year. Are the busses filled on the off season?

[HoosierPa]

If Uber (or night time shuttle) were available in TV, we would use it regularly to get from Brownwood to SS and Vice versa getting home.

Why not start by trying 1 trolley certain nights each week (which developer already owns) at 5 pm returning at 9:15 from Brownwood to SS and then use the same one at 5:30 from SS to Brownwood returning SS at 9:45ish

We would be willing to pay $5 per person or so. Can't imagine that you would not be able to fill it up - try it for a month. Not really a big deal or expense. A whole lot different scale than a full blown city transit system.

[fromct]

I hope the good folks at Villages Transportation don't read this thread and start to wonder how they're staying in business. Maybe the 'Developer' is subsidizing them as one of our 'unseen' amenities???

[rubicon]

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Rubiconomics: Looking over the horizon it is going to get more costly to operate and maintain this community. suggestions on just how to do that more efficiently and effectively are most welcome. We do that as residents and we accomplished the impossible.

[looneycat]

How do you know that?

We go to one, and often two town squares almost every night, to have dinner and watch the bands and dance. We live closest to LSL, and so if we like the band better at Spanish Springs or Brownwood, we go to one of those. We might dine at one square and go to enjoy music at the other for a couple of hours until 9pm when the bands finish.

A big reason to take a shuttle between squares is the time it takes to get there by golf cart. It's a long haul, going from north of 466 to Brownwood, and vice versa.

Faster transport by trolley bus would give people far more options of where to spend their time. Not everyone plants themselves for the whole night at one bar or in one square to enjoy the live entertainment.

Shuttles between squares would also alleviate parking (far away) at Spanish Springs when The Sharon has concerts and events with 1,000 attendees.

let's see, how do i know that? how can you not?? how are trolleys, whose purpose is strictly PR and go all over the villages and not just to squares, to also ferry people to all the squares?? 2 different routes. now normally that would mean you need more vehicles since they can't be in two places at once, can they? well what do you know? I honestly don't see how anything else you said relates to needing more vehicles if you are trying to use the trolleys as shuttles. plus the trolleys are the developers' property and not public transit.

[Bonny]

For those who say they would be happy to pay, why not just call the Village Taxi ? You can even get picked up at your homes so you won't even have to worry about driving to a square.