Bus Stop Opera coming to Portland

What a unique idea!

In conjunction with the Open Engagement symposium at Portland State University, TriMet will host Bus Stop Opera performances. The opera troupe takes situations and conversations gathered during the everyday commute on public transportation and turns them into mini-operas.

The performers will also use TriMet to travel between their performance locations. The performances will break out through Monday evening's commute.

You can find the performances at the locations below (be aware that the times are estimates). Performances last for about 20 minutes. Regular service will not be disrupted.

Friday, May 14
6 p.m. Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center, 9900 NE Multnomah

7 p.m. Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center, 1410 NE 42nd Ave
8 p.m. SW Jefferson Street and 10th Avenue, next to the Portland Art Museum

Saturday, May 15
10 a.m. Rose Quarter Transit Center, 47 NE Holladay
11 a.m. Skidmore Fountain MAX Station, SW 1st Avenue and W Burnside Street

12 p.m. Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station, SW 6th Avenue between Yamhill and Morrison streets

Sunday, May 16
9:30 a.m. SW 6th & Pine St MAX Station, SW 6th Avenue and SW Pine Street

10:30 a.m. NE 13th Avenue and Holladay bus stop, Lloyd Center at Holladay Park

11:30 p.m. Clackamas Town Center Transit Center, bus platforms

Monday, May 17
4 p.m. Beaverton Transit Center, 4050 SW Lombard
5 p.m. Sunset Transit Center, SW Barnes Road at Highway 217

6 p.m. PSU Urban Center/SW 6th & Montgomery MAX Station, Portland State University.

Here's a sample from a Bus Stop Opera performance in New York City.

May 2009 New York City from Dawn Weleski on Vimeo.

Backing: Don't Let This Happen to You!

Watching the video below made me realize it would be a good time to remind everyone that backing is a difficult maneuver, and drivers should avoid it whenever possible. According to the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies about 25% of crashes involve backing, even though the average driver operates in reverse less than a mile every year.



Here are some tips for safer backing:

*Plan ahead to reduce the need to back. For example, in a parking lot, pull through the stall so you can be forward facing on your way out.
*If backing can't be avoided, you're better off backing in upon arrival so you can pull straight out on departure.
*Back toward the driver's side for better vision.
*Conduct a visual walk around before you get into the vehicle so you know what potential hazards may be in you backing path.
*Use your mirrors to help you back.
*Back slowly while continuously looking and listening for warnings.