Week 1, Day 4

Today was another busy day with several meetings.

First two meetings were with Road Traffic Authority. With each meeting, we raised the same topics repeatedly to seek their thoughts. For example:
1. Is Light Rail or Tram a viable option?
2. Can the existing Bus system be improved? If so, will it be enough?
3. Is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) a solid comprise between #1 & #2?
4. Can any of these systems be implemented without widening the existing road?
5. Will there be enough funding?
6. What can drive higher mass transit ridership? This has been decreasing over the years while individual cars have increased.



It appears that the City has already done numerous studies of various proposals. However, it's becoming clearer that there are no easy solutions. Maybe that's why we are here as we all chose to accept the mission. It's just that I don't recall hearing all of the details of this mission before the tape player exploded :-0


On a lighter note, my wife back home has been most interested in my diet. So, honey, here is what we had for lunch ;-)

During the afternoon, we were invited by the City Council Chairman and his direct staff. It was another warm reception and wished the team to help solve the traffic problem. A local TV crew was present, so I assume we will make the news.

The last meeting was with an university professor who probably had the deepest traffic analysis mind. This was another great opportunity to bounce ideas. We really appreciated his insight and time. BTW, the university campus looked amazing. Just by us walking the hallways probably raised our I.Q. by 10 points.

Well, the day was almost over but we had to conduct a Team only workshop to collect and summarize our work products. At 9:30PM, we decided to wrap up which means today was a grueling 13 working hour day for the team.

Here comes my next mission: