This subject line was buried in the following article. http://www.startribune.com/stories/1069/4731170.html
I think it explains why the bus strike did not have a larger effect than it did for the majority of the people commuting to work—few commuters use the bus. The buses may take a few cars off from the major corridors, but not enough to be a major factor. Before anyone jumps on me, I am not saying that buses are useless and everyone has an alternative to public transportation. I am saying, however, that the current bus system does not do an effective job of serving the needs of commuters. So what could be done to encourage more ridership (more carrot than stick)? I liked the idea where the riders just got on the bus and then had to prove payment when asked (proof of purchase). It was pointed out that this concept was used in Toronto, and I know it also used in Copenhagen. People who had not paid were levied a fine of about $35 in Copenhagen. My brother-in-law would know the exact amount… Another message pointed out that there is not a bus corridor on East/West 494. This was no surprise to me since I travel 494 between Eden Prairie and eastern Bloomington every day. I have checked into bus options and it would increase my travel time by a factor of 3, including the scenic tour since the bus would put on roughly twice as many miles as I do in my car. Tom Searles Waconia, Twp. _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Metropolitan Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/tcmetro Rules: Sign posts with real name. You may not post more than twice a day.
