Tram Change At Airventure

[Bill Greenwood]

If I am reading right, plans are to stop the tram that comes into the convention from the Bus terminal just outside the main gate, I think it is the green tram and it runs in to just across from the tower just south of the A and P burger place.
I think we really need this tram, many people use it. So I phoned EAA office and was disappointed to hear the yes they are stopping it. They claim that a survey of members said WE want it stopped.
I don't think so. I never received any such survey, as a matter of fact since I joined EAA bout 40 years ago I have never once received a single survey that asks my needs, wants, or opinions.
How about you? Do you think that tram would be useful? And did you ever have a survey on this or any other subject?

[CHICAGORANDY]

The older I get about the ONLY time anyone ever asks me something happens at the grocery store - "Need any help getting those bags to your car sir?" lol..so No, I wasn't surveyed either about the tram changes.

IMHO dropping the Green tram to the Bus Park is a huge mistake. Someone else posted that they will be eliminating the stop at Vintage/Boeing Plaza on Vern St? IMHO a bigger mistake.

The general demographic in GA is aging, and geezers like me who are not as mobile as we wish we were are why trams exist in the first place. Making us walk further to catch a ride makes no sense to ME.

[robert l]

The older I get about the ONLY time anyone ever asks me something happens at the grocery store - "Need any help getting those bags to your car sir?" lol..so No, I wasn't surveyed either about the tram changes.

IMHO dropping the Green tram to the Bus Park is a huge mistake. Someone else posted that they will be eliminating the stop at Vintage/Boeing Plaza on Vern St? IMHO a bigger mistake.

The general demographic in GA is aging, and geezers like me who are not as mobile as we wish we were are why trams exist in the first place. Making us walk further to catch a ride makes no sense to ME.

And I think for the most part, old guys like us obey the rules, not like the many, MANY young people zipping around on scooters and golf carts last year.
Bob, I might be old, but I'm slow !

[skyfixer8]

I also agree with an earlier post Randy made. With no stops on new blue route from Hanger Cafe to Camp ground entrance, lots of people will be jumping off as we slow to make the corner. Talk about a dangerous situation. I wonder what Vintage folks think about this.

[CHICAGORANDY]

We could easily stop at the Vintage Restaurant? Or just before that? There's GOT TO BE someplace between the Hangar Cafe and the new Hangar B Depot where a stop can be created? Maybe one will be created by Monday afternoon after a few tram jumpers get injured or after all those folks the tram blows by start loudly complaining to the 'Powers that Be'?

[skyfixer8]

Maybe the trams will have automatic doors installed the only open when tram stops. I have asked EAA and posted to Gene and Sandy. just waiting for reply.

[Bill Greenwood]

I spoke to management at headquarters this afternoon and mostly I was disappointed in what I was told. Short version of bad news, yes its true the green tram to the bus park and into the grounds to the other trams just across from the tower is not going to run at Airventure.
Why cancel it? EAA hired Northwestern to come in an do a survey? last year and they said to cancel. it is claimed that 10,000 members were asked or given a gps gadget and its based on this. I asked how these chosen ones were selected last year, I used that tram a number of times and was never asked my opinion. I also have never seen any sort of survey since I have been a member, which is since 1982. They claim surveys are sent frequently, but only to people who have given their email. I've been a member for 38years and attended every convention, every year, if that counts for anything. I probably spent $2500 last year in the area for the three of us.
I may be sort of reading between the lines, but this reminds me of AOPA canceling the red board forum, and it being an already decision made at the top by a relatively few people and those not caring what the membership at large thinks. I know AOPA drove dozens of people, even long time members into not renewing.
EAA has been very important to me, along with CAF its been the highlight group of my years flying. I have brought show airplanes, sometimes two per year, flown in the show, given forums, given Young Eagle rides, and taken a builders course in Feb one year.

[Auburntsts]

Bill thanks for the update. Sheds a lot of light on the situation

[jbandstr]

I too am disappointed that the Green tram will not run any more. I used that one a lot. I never got a survey asking about the trams.

[ssteve1]

I too am disappointed that the Green tram will not run any more. I used that one a lot. I never got a survey asking about the trams.

I have filled out a lot of EAA Surveys (none on this topic, however). I know, stupid. On each survey there is a section near the bottom asking for comments. ON EVERY survey I ask them to acknowledge back to my email that they have read my survey. I have NEVER had one acknowledgement!. I have stopped wasting my time on their stupid placating surveys. They're going to do what they want.