Good topic. Nothing like a topic to get people thinking and signing up to add thier 2 cents worth!
I agree that most people don't think of the bus as an alternative. I also feel that it important that we enable folks without vehicles or those with special needs to have the option of the buses.
Traffic and costs aren't high enough yet to have an impact, and the roads aren't crowded enough yet. But I still think LTD is laying the proper groundwork to be ready for that. And I think it's closer than most people think. To rush around and try to put things into place when it's badly needed will be too late. Besides, with the probability that funding will be less in the future, we have to be prepared for the infrastructure changes BEFORE we need them. Imagine having to try to put the EMX Line in on Franklin Boulevard AFTER the new basketball arena were to go in. My guess is the university will hog up all it can, and would cry the worst when we had to push back the street to make room for a dedicated line.
I would actually prefer to see a dedicated line all the way and not the chopped up piecemeal way they did it. They should have committed to doing it right.
As far a buses not being where you want them and when you want them... I think that if you commit tot he concept of taking the bus, you can plan ahead and adjust your schedule to the system. Our "I want it now" society expects to be given what they want now. Yet, we will wait until 8:00 pm precisely to watch our favorite program, or wait in line to see a just-released movie or to get into that new trendy restaurant. Yes... when it finally gets too expensive for people to drive by themselves, they seek more efficient and faster means of transportation. It will become a matter of practical priority.
A recent letter to the editor made the point that the ridership is up on the EMX route only because the EMX line is free. That may be partially true, but how many people still have pay and ride the feeder buses to GET to the EMX Stations? So the funds really are still coming in. EMX ridership HAS doubled compared the the line it replaced. And people that ride the EMX like it.
When fuel tops $5 per gallon and single driver traffic is so bad, LTD will be one of the few areas that we will look like we planned better than anyone else all along.
Besides, Eugene isn't interested in improving thier roads anytime soon. I avoid driving in Eugene at every opportunity because of it. Springfield, where I live, has it together and the government there has shown courage, insight, and is much better than big brother has across the river. If you get a chance, compare the two State of the City Address celebrations and speeches. They are very enlightening as to where the twin cities are headed.
LTD will continue to expand in Springfield, where it is welcome, and Coburg Road and West 11st will become parking lots soon enough. And they will get exactly what they deserve for being short-sighted. Talk about "not in my back yard"! Eugene has lost the bulk of a hospital, has a tax break sucking manufacturer that is demanding more tax breaks and wants to dump more pollutants in the air, and dowtown is dying off, with huge holes in the ground. In Springfield, we get a yes vote to improve our downtown, a new hospital, another hospital which will most likely stay in the Springfield/Glenwood area, and a green call center that employes 400 so far and is only 1/2 full.
Oh yeah... And we got round-a-bouts (they really do work, but it's amazing that Springfield would have so many and Eugene just doesn't get it...).
All of this with a supporting bus system that is ready to take on the growing area that Springfield has become.
Close down the West 11th and Coburg routes of LTD (or cut them back, if people aren't riding). Put the buses where people are riding and feel that LTD is worth it. THEN watch them complain when they want buses, but they didn't plan ahead enough until it was too late.
LTD is expanding quickly, and is getting the funding now because they have the forsight to see the future and ask for the funding. I won't ever say "I told you so" in the next 5 years, but I will enjoy the benefits of living on the right side of the river.
Great topic, Red. I hope that more folks join up and give thier input. My 2 cents is up...
