A few weeks ago I posted this letter to RocSubway readers asking them to join me and Reconnect Rochester in casting a symbolic vote for the future of public transit in Rochester. Those votes will be cast tomorrow, on Critical Mass Transit Day. Thank you to the hundreds of people who asked us for pins and pledged to ride. With your help this could be the biggest day for Rochester’s transit system since the Rochester subway opened in 1927. I believe it already is.
Posts Tagged ‘Rochester’...
The Biggest Day for Transit in Rochester Since 1927
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011Tags: Critical Mass Transit Day, Rochester, Rochester NY
Posted in Events, Transit + Infrastructure | 2 Comments »
Prohibition in Rochester
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011![The Doud Saloon on Front Street in the late 1800s. [PHOTO: Local History Division, Rochester Public Library.]](http://rochestersubway.com/images/photos/doud-saloon-rochester.jpg)
A much anticipated documentary on the prohibition era
will air Sunday night on WXXI. Ken Burns and Lynn Novick tell the story of “the rise, rule, and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution” which outlawed alcohol and tossed everything we thought we knew about America upside down.
The following is an excerpt from a 1992 edition of Rochester History magazine, edited by Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck, City Historian…
Tags: American Brewing Company, Bartholomay Brewery Co., Cataract Brewing Company, Clarissa Street, Doud Saloon, Frankfort Tavern, Front Street, Genesee Brewing Company, Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, prohibition, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester history, Rochester NY, Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck, speakeasy, Standard Brewing Company, temperance movement, Wehle Baking Company
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | 1 Comment »
UFOs Over Rochester? Abductions??
Thursday, September 15th, 2011![Are you kidding me with this?? [PHOTO: Anonymous]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/rochester-vanishing-ufo-abduction.jpg)
A RocSubway reader (who has asked to remain anonymous) submitted the above photo a little over an hour ago. All we know is that the picture was taken at a gas station on Main Street near downtown Rochester. The victim has not been identified. At this time the FBI has stepped in and taken the scene over from RPD.
![UFO sighting over High Falls/Greentopia Festival. [PHOTO: VJ Ortiz]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/rochester-greentopia-ufo-sighting.jpg)
Yesterday, this photo (left) went viral after it was posted to Reconnect Rochester’s web site. It was taken at a Greentopia event in the High Falls neighborhood on Wednesday. The object in the sky has yet to be identified.
Something very unsettling is happening here…
Tags: Critical Mass Transit Day, flying saucer, Greentopia Festival, Reconnect Rochester, Rochester, Rochester Vanishing, UFO
Posted in Events, Rochester Images, Rochester News | 6 Comments »
What’s Up With This Picture?
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Have you seen this photo? It was posted yesterday on Reconnect Rochester’s site. The organizers of the Greentopia Festival turned Commercial Street (in High Falls) into “green” space and hosted a lunch picnic for workers in the neighborhood. As if that weren’t strange enough… Then I looked a little closer at the photo. WHAT THE HELL IS THAT IN THE SKY?!?
I took the liberty of digitally enhancing the area of the photo that caught my eye. Tell me this isn’t the least bit curious…
Tags: Critical Mass, Critical Mass Transit Day, flying saucer, Greentopia Festival, High Falls, Reconnect Rochester, Rochester, UFO
Posted in Events, Rochester Images, Rochester News | 2 Comments »
Inner Loop Officially ‘Dead Man Walking’
Friday, September 9th, 2011![An aerial view of Rochester on April 25, 1963. On the right is the cleared right-of-way for the final segment of the Inner Loop. [PHOTO: Local History Division, Central Library of Rochester.]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/rochester-inner-loop-construction-01.jpg)
It’s no secret that I am wholeheartedly in favor of removing Rochester’s Inner Loop roadway which encircles downtown and chokes it off from the surrounding neighborhoods like an ever tightening noose. What we didn’t know until today was that City Council and Mayor Tom Richards feel the same…
Tags: Carla Palumbo, Carolee Conklin, Democrat & Chronicle, Democrat and Chronicle, downtown Rochester, highway, highways, I-490, infrastructure, Inner Loop, New York, Rochester, Rochester City Council, Rochester NY, transportation, WXXI, Zack Seward
Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 5 Comments »
I Spy a Bike Lane
Sunday, August 28th, 2011
Last week fresh paint went down on Saint Paul Street – from the Monroe County Social Services building north to School #8 near Avenue A. But wait a cottonpickin’ second… why’s that lane so darn skinny? How am I supposed to squeeze my Hummer through there?
Tags: Bertina Forde, bike lanes, bike plan, complete streets, downtown Rochester, El Camino Trail, pedestrian safety, red light camera, Rochester, Rochester Bicycle Master Plan Project, Rochester NY, Saint Paul Street, transportation
Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure | 17 Comments »
St. Paul, South and Clinton Avenues Could Soon Go Two Ways
Thursday, August 11th, 2011
The City of Rochester has contracted with Laberge Group of Albany, New York to determine the feasibility of converting the one-way street couplets of St. Paul Street/South Avenue and North/South Clinton Avenue between Byron Street and Cumberland Street to two-way traffic to improve neighborhood accessibility and walkability. Key considerations are expected to include impacts to traffic congestion, safety, parking, bicyclists, pedestrians, transit, and service provision.
Tags: City of Rochester, Clinton Avenue, downtown Rochester, Genesee Transportation Council (GTC), Laberge Group, Monroe County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), NYSDOT, Rochester, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), Rochester NY, Saint Paul Quarter, Saint Paul Street, South Avenue, South Wedge, traffic conversion study, Washington Square
Posted in Rochester Subway, Transit + Infrastructure | 2 Comments »
New Images of Rochester’s Subway Tunnel Speak Volumes
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011![Rochester subway tunnel. [PHOTO: Lizz Comstock]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/lizz-comstock-subway-01.jpg)
“And the sign said, The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls.” If Simon & Garfunkel are right, these photos could be considered divine. They were taken over the past 2 years by local photographer Lizz Comstock and shared with us today via RocSubway’s Facebook page.
It was abandoned by Rochester Transit Corporation over 55 years ago, but as debris piles up and messages are written on top of other messages, the walls of Rochester’s subway tunnel seem to echo with indelible voices. And these photos are wonderful illustrations of the life that can still be found beneath our streets.
Tags: abandoned subway tunnel, Facebook, Graffiti, Lizz Comstock, photography, Rochester, rochester images, Rochester NY, rochester photos, Rochester Subway photos, Rochester Transit Corporation
Posted in Rochester Images, Rochester Subway, Urban Exploration | 2 Comments »
55th Anniversary of Rochester’s Darkest Day
Thursday, June 30th, 2011![These notices were posted in anticipation of the end of passenger service in the Subway on June 30, 1956. [Image from Railroad.net]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/topics/wp-content/uploads/RSB_notice19571.gif)
As we look back on 55 years without our subway, the U.S. Highway System . Coincidence?
Some old photos of Rochester’s lost subway after the jump…
Tags: history of Rochester, New York, old photos of Rochester, Rochester, Rochester history, Rochester NY, Rochester Subway, Rochester Subway photos, Rochester Transit Corporation, this date in Rochester history
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Rochester Subway, Train/Railroad Stuff, Transit + Infrastructure | 7 Comments »
Awe, Look Deer, A Kodak Moment
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
Check this out. This photo is for real – absolutely no Photoshop involved here. You’re looking at the Kodak building to the right, and smack dab in the middle of the big bad City of Rochester… grazing deer. I’ve heard of Urban Greening before but come on.
Tags: downtown Rochester, Kodak Tower, Rochester, Rochester NY, rochester photos
Posted in Rochester Images, Rochester News | 1 Comment »
‘Dump the Pump Day’ Coming This Thursday
Sunday, June 12th, 2011
On Thursday, June 16 Reconnect Rochester and the people of Rochester NY, will join the rest of the country for National Dump the Pump Day. We will leave our cars in the driveway and instead use public transit. Share this on Facebook and let your family, friends, co-workers, and employers know.
Useful Information:
Use Google Transit to plan your trip.
Find RTS schedules & route maps .
RTS Fares:
Adults : $1.00
All-Day Unlimited Freedom Pass : $3.00
Adult 5–Day Unlimited Freedom Pass : $14.00
Adult 31-Day Unlimited Freedom Pass : $56
Children age 6-11 : $0.50
Children age 5 and under : FREE
Senior/Disabled : $0.50
Senior/Disabled 1-Day Unlimited Pass : $1.50
Senior/Disabled 5–Day Unlimited Pass : $7.00
Senior/Disabled 31-Day Unlimited Pass : $28
For more information: www.rgrta.org/CommuterResources
or leave a comment below with any question you might have about riding RTS. We will get you an answer.
Let’s ride!
Tags: National Dump the Pump Day, public transit, Regional Transit Service (RTS), Rochester, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)
Posted in Events, Transit + Infrastructure | 9 Comments »
Join WCMF in Claiming Beach from Punk Asses
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011![Bill Moran of WCMF has set up a last minute family picnic and concert at Charlotte Beach to answer the beach park brawl that took place there last weekend on Memorial Day. We need all hands on deck to come out show support for one of Rochester's most well loved assets. [FLICKR PHOTO: jimmywayne]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/rochester-ontario-beach-park.jpg)
There are several insanely awesome events going on this weekend from the East End Fest to the Rally for Roc City Skate Park at High Falls. All very worthy and worthwhile. But there’s one that deserves a mention because of what it represents for our community.
Bill Moran of WCMF has set up a last minute family picnic and concert at Charlotte Beach to answer the beach park brawl that took place there last weekend on Memorial Day. The idea for Bill Moran came after the fights at Ontario Beach Park Monday night and the calls he got from his listeners. “One that stuck in my head is a guy that lives on Latta Road. This is his back yard and he said I’d rather drive 40 minutes to Sodus than come here. Let’s not be bullied out of here. The sum of our families is greater than the people who make bad decisions.”
He’s calling it “Rockin’ the Beach” — a park-wide picnic with lives bands and face painting for kids. See the event details on Facebook and RSVP to let your friends know you’ll be there.
Tags: Bill Moran, event, Ontario Beach, Port of Rochester/Charlotte, Rochester, Rochester NY, The Breakroom, WCMF
Posted in Events, Rochester News | 5 Comments »
Academy Building will get a Digital Makeover
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011![The Academy Building will get a virtual facelift thanks to Scott Wolf, winner of The Great ROC Digital Makeover Contest! [Photo: Scott Wolf]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/the-great-roc-digital-makeover.jpg)
The Great ROC Digital Makeover Contest has come to a close. Scott Wolf’s photo of the Academy Building on Fitzhugh Street collected the most thumbs-up from our Facebook fans. That means Scott will receive a free print of Rochester’s Old City Hall and the Academy Building will get spruced up with a little Photoshop magic. Stay locked in to RochesterSubway.com for the unveiling in a few weeks.
And thanks to all of you who participated by posting your pics to Facebook.com/RocSubway. All is not lost if you didn’t win. I just might get bored one day and give your photo a digital makeover anyway.
Tags: Academy Building, contest, Facebook, Fitzhugh Street, makeover, Photoshop, Rochester, Rochester City Hall, Rochester NY, rochester photos, Scott Wolf, vintage postcard of Rochester City Hall and Subway entrance
Posted in Freebies, Rochester Images | 4 Comments »
ROC Digital Makeover Contest… 1 Week to Go!
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011Post Your Photos to
Facebook Before June 1.
Given Rochester’s status as the “Image City” and our surplus of neglected real estate, I figured photos of Rochester would be raining down on the RocSubway Facebook page by now.
Here’s an opportunity to see what your city, town, or neighborhood could look like if given a little time and attention. And all you have to do is post a snapshot and get your Facebook pals to “like” it. RocSubway and Photoshop will do the rest.
Tags: bus-stop, Conkey Avenue, contest, Facebook, Kodak Tower, makeover, Photoshop, Rochester, Rochester City Hall, Rochester NY, rochester photos, vintage postcard of Rochester City Hall and Subway entrance
Posted in Freebies, Rochester Images | No Comments »
The Great ROC City Digital Makeover
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011Now Accepting Your Photo
Submissions (via Facebook)
Former Mayor Robert Duffy once described Rochester as a gem that just needs to be dusted off. That may be over simplifying things just a bit, but I tend to agree. Look around this city and it’s easy to find great beauty in our natural landscape and our built environment – in the new, the old… and the rusted.
Have you ever caught yourself staring at an abandoned building or a grand old house that has seen better days? Is there a park or a public space that could use a few trees, flowers or a fountain? Maybe you squint your eyes to try and see what once was, or what could be? Whatever it is, take a snapshot.
Then head over to our Facebook page and post your pic on our wall. If your photo gets the most “Likes” by midnight May 31, 2011 we’ll give it a Photoshop makeover and you’ll win a FREE 16″x10″ print of this Rochester City Hall vintage postcard. Pretty cool.
Tags: bus-stop, Conkey Avenue, contest, Facebook, Kodak Tower, makeover, Photoshop, Rochester, Rochester City Hall, Rochester NY, rochester photos, vintage postcard of Rochester City Hall and Subway entrance
Posted in Freebies, Rochester Images | 2 Comments »
A Better Bus Stop Sign for Rochester
Monday, April 25th, 2011
While visiting Seattle a few years ago something occurred to me. Here I was on the other side of the country in a city I had never been to before in my life, and I was navigating their bus system like seasoned Seattleite. There were no fancy digital real-time signs, I had no smart phone, no GPS anything… I didn’t even have a printed schedule. I didn’t need any of those things because I had this…
Tags: bus routes, bus-stop, design, George Salomon, graphic design, makeover, Massimo Vignelli, New York City Subway, New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA), Regional Transit Service (RTS), Rochester, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), Rochester NY, Seattle, urban design
Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure | 46 Comments »
Put My Road on a Diet
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011![You probably don't even remember what University Avenue was like before it looked this. Four lanes curb-to-curb and certainly no room for those pretty daisies. [PHOTO: Google Streetview]!](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/university-avenue-rochester.jpg)
Over the past few years Rochester has seen several area roadways slimmed down. East and University Avenues in the City and route 590 and Saint Paul Boulevard heading up to the lake have all been reduced from 4 lanes to 2 (usually with a center turning lane). Dan Burden of the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute coined the phrase “road diet”. Basically, a road diet is when one or more auto lanes are removed and replaced with either a center turning lane, bike lanes, wider shoulders, wider sidewalks or any combination of those things.
Personally, I LOVE this. Not only do less auto lanes make me feel more at ease as a pedestrian or riding my bike… but as a driver, I’ve found that I’m much more relaxed when I’m not thinking about the speedy jackass who’s trying to pass me from the righthand lane. And what’s good for my blood pressure is good for everyone. Believe me.
But before you make up your mind, take a look at this video from Streetfilms…
Tags: Dan Burden, East Avenue, road diet, Rochester, Rochester NY, University Avenue, video, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute
Posted in Opinion, Transit + Infrastructure | 5 Comments »
New Circulator Would Connect the Dots for Downtown Rochester
Sunday, March 20th, 2011![The Circulator bus in Washington D.C. [PHOTO: afagen's Flickr Stream]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/washington-circulator.jpg)
The City of Rochester has been busy busy busy. Last week we took a look at our new Bike Master Plan. This week we’ll get a chance to review and ask questions about the proposed Center City Circulator. What? You have no idea what a “circulator” is? No worries. Watch the video clip below and learn about Washington D.C.’s new-ish circulator system with Gabe Klein, Director of Washington D.C.’s Department of Transportation (DDOT).
Tags: Center City Circulator Study, circulator, City of Rochester, commuter survey, Erik Frisch, public input, public meeting, Rochester, Rochester NY, RTS, shuttle bus, streetcar, transit, transportation, Washington D.C.
Posted in Events, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Video | 4 Comments »
Vintage Views of Rochester; 178 and counting…
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
Greetings from Rochester! Lately you may have noticed lots of old images stuck to the sides of the buildings downtown. The images are actually larger reproductions of old postcards—some a century old—and they pay homage to the gorgeous buildings that once lined Rochester’s streets. For the past two years I’ve been collecting a lot of these same vintage postcards. I like to say “vintage” instead of “old” because most of them are new to me – plus I can’t imagine these incredible images ever getting old in the other sense of the word.
Well, I finally did it. It was a monumental task but now you can flip thru my entire collection of vintage Rochester postcard images right from your computer. All 178 views – scanned, uploaded, and labeled for your viewing pleasure…
Tags: Erie Canal Aqueduct, Flickr, Four Corners, Genesee Aqueduct, Genesee River, history of Rochester, Main Street, old photos of Rochester, Ontario Beach, Rochester, Rochester history, rochester images, Rochester Trust & Safe Deposit Company, vintage postcard, vintage views
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | 3 Comments »
Rochester, You Have a Bike Plan. Now What?
Monday, March 7th, 2011![The first marked bike lanes and shared use lanes will begin to appear this construction season across the city. [PHOTO: Phillip Barron]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/bike-lane.jpg)
Last summer I posted a progress report on Rochester’s Bike Master Plan and I commented on the importance of such planning—even if you don’t own a bike. Well, I’m all giddy with excitement to report… Rochester has a bike plan! Officially.
Tags: bike lanes, bike plan, city planning, Erik Frisch, infrastructure, New York, Rochester, Rochester Bicycle Master Plan Project, Rochester NY, transit, transportation
Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure | No Comments »
![\"RochesterSubway.com\"](\"https://rochestersubway.com/images/pixel_white.gif\"){kind=tracking}
