True trainspotting

Chestnut Hill Local (11/18/04) page one "above the fold" has the latest in a long series of misstatements regarding SEPTA's service to this area. It is certainly commendable to speak in favor of public transportation, especially for those for whom regional rail and bus routes are a necessity. But to state (quoting Susan Biemiller) that "On weekends and off-peak hours, some train service is as infrequent as every 90 minutes" is simply not the truth. 

The R7 Chestnut Hill East line runs hourly between Center City and Chestnut Hill every Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of Christmas Day. The R8's Saturday schedule is also hourly, while the Sunday trains have been reduced, and yes, this is a problem.

For those for whom public transportation is not a way of life, (the recreational rider, the accidental tourist, the "take the granddaughter to the Nutcracker in December" rider), it might be useful to know that distance between the end-of-the-line for both trains is less than two blocks. And contrary to the oft-quoted myth, there are in fact three station stops for the Ugly Stepsister R7 in Chestnut Hill.

With all the (very) local hand wringing, it's hard to appreciate how lucky this area is. The only other place having two regional rail lines is Trenton, N.J. It is, however, the state capitol with a population of 86,000 or so.

I am not now, nor have I ever been an employee, executive, or paid apologist for SEPTA.

It's unthinkable that public transit should experience these all-too-frequent crises at the hands of the state, the city, or the transportation authorities themselves. But if there is to be a conversation about "service" of any kind, why can't our contribution to the dialogue come from a position of truth?

M. Ni h'Uailaighe
Chestnut Hill

Editor's note: While service from Chestnut Hill (the R8 and R7 lines taken together) is never as infrequent as 90 minutes, service on the R8 line runs at 90-minute intervals on Sundays.

Redirect frustration

I am writing in response to the letter titled "Voter Frustration" in last week's Chestnut Hill Local. While Ms. Segre's frustration with the voting process is understandable and likely shared by others, the focus of this frustration seems inaccurate. Those who oversee the polls do not create the process; they are simply charged with administering the regulations and making the best of the conditions set in place by the city.

The individuals who work at the polls are not full-time city employees; they are neighbors who willingly set aside their daily routine, jobs and family responsibilities twice a year to work a 12 to 14 hour day for not much more than minimum wage. They do so out of a sense of civic responsibility, for which they should be commended.

Finally, it seems a bit unfair to judge the efficiency of the voting process in the context of a presidential election with such a high voter turnout. The process can probably be improved, but complaints and suggestions should be directed to those empowered to improve it.

James W. Wiesenhutter
Chestnut Hill

Change of command at Engine 37

A change of command has taken place at Engine 37 Firehouse at 101 W. Highland Ave. in Chestnut Hill. John Maule has been transferred to Engine 46 at Frankford Ave. & Linden Ave. and Lt. Mark Jackson has been transferred to Engine 51 at Old York Rd. and Champlost Sts. The officers and members wish them good luck in their new assignments.

Capt. Charles Wallace, a 21-year veteran, has been transferred in as the station Captain and Lt. John Turk, a 35-year veteran, has been transferred in as the B Platoon Lieutenant.

The officers and members of Engine 37 wish to continue their cooperation with the Chestnut Hill community and invite everyone to stop by, say hello and pick up helpful fire prevention literature. We are always there for you!

Charles T. Wallace
Captain