While I don't think your idea is a bad one, and I'd encourage you to pursue it as much as possible (though it would take a TON of work to make a real dent), it doesn't address the overarching problem.
That problem is that the Twin Cities invests only about 2/3 of what peer cities invest in transit, per capita, and I believe that was BEFORE the last round of cuts two years ago. If the funding were competitive with peer metro areas, and you'll get the busses to run every 6-8 minutes.
This discussion connects to the discussion about housing above retail. You get critical demand by doing urban infill housing that increases density along key transportation corridors. Smart growth policies that, for example, encourage the building of housing above retail on major corridors like White Bear Avenue. Of course, its a chicken and egg thing...that kind of housing becomes more attractive when it is on a transit-rich corridor.
St. Paul took an important step last year in not prohibiting the construction of such structures outright (Traditional Neighborhood Zoning), but all that did was put such development on a level playing field, and then only in areas that are zoned TN.
Bob Spaulding Downtown
On Mar 18, 2005, at 9:05 AM, CRISTY DELACRUZ wrote:
Hi folks,
The transit cuts have me worried, and I'm not even transit dependent. I've been considering giving up my car to save money and to more fully live my principles by using transit, thereby eliminating another extra car from the roads. Poor timing, on my part, given the Guv/Met Council's short-sighted plan to raise fares and cut service.
What so many fail to understand (but some of you have written about) is the issue of _Critical Mass_ in developing transit solutions that work. The psychological effect of reading about "less service, higher fares" is that people begin to plan for auto transit and other options. Ironically, it's a well-traveled and frequent service that attracts riders like me.
If I have to wait a long time, or have poor options for transfers to get to where I need to go, I take use selfish "rational choice" option and use my car. If I know there's a bus every 6-8 minutes, then I'm more likely to rely on it as a viable solution.
Would anyone be interested in helping to organize a grassroots bus-rider campaign, riding the buses and talking to fellow riders, perhaps handing out a small (recycled) lit piece and getting more critical mass ridership? Maybe we could do something like "invite a friend" to ride the bus? Or hand out "Never Park The Bus" buttons to people? (Disclaimer: that's my favorite button from Wellstone Action, and I wear this green icon faithfully). Donating bus tokens? Bus-share (like foodshare?) Other ideas?
Cristy
* * * * * * * * * * * Cristy A. De La Cruz Highland Park
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