[Winona Online Democracy] First -- off the thread for a second -- when a subject like this gets lots of action, it will help save bandwidth if when you reply you delete all the prior responses except the very last one. Some of these can get to be huge and take up too much space in the computer and internet netherworld.
On mass transit -- just an additional comment or two from prior discussions over the years... The disabled and the seniors do have some special needs. There are equipped vans being used at many service providers every day. Much of the day many of those sit waiting for the program to end or the work shift to end - therefore sitting idle. I wish there was a way to aggregate all those needs AND the school's to create one larger coordinated system. The reason school buses are full is due to the fact that the route is determined based on the kids that need to be picked up. If more persons need to be picked up, the route will change and, if needed, the number of buses and routes will increase. Yes, the bus company needs to get paid for the extra time. But, that is cheaper than having these overlapping transportation systems like we do now. WORC, DAC all the nursing homes and other providers are using vans and cars to transport people to medical appointments and shopping all day and all over and not much of it is coordinated. Many years ago an attempt was made to combine the school bus routes with the needs of the DAC and WORC (adults with handicaps). It did not work out. Not because of buses being filled. Not because of no funding. Not because of a lack of need. Not because the persons with handicaps lived far afield from the school's existing routes. It failed because of not wanting those persons on the same bus with the kids. It was a personal preference issue and not a money one. Volunteer or paid bus attendants could have been provided. That was not the barrier. Another example of where personal preference has barred a transportation system attempt from working is for seniors. Everyone says that older persons need more public transportation, especially nights and weekends and outside the city. The problem came in when we found that they would not use it. The personal preference is to have an individual, you know and trust, take you in a personal car. Even having the bus come to the door would not meet the wishes. There was a grant and there was a service offered at one time. It failed because it was not what the consumer wanted. What I think is needed and what I say I would personally do is all too often not what the majority of end users want. I can have the best of intentions but fail and then scratch my head wondering why 'they' couldn't see the value of such a wonderful idea. But then I don't know why people haven't gone to my favorite restaurant or watched my favorite TV show resulting in my losing something I value when it is closed or canceled. Craig Brooks ----- Original Message ----- From: "Terri Hyle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2003 2:00 PM Subject: RE: [Winona] mass transit > [Winona Online Democracy] > > The state requires that school districts provide transportation for all > students living further than 2 miles from their school, which is somewhat > different than saying that schools are not paid to transport students who > live closer than 2 miles. > > I recently talked with the state (CFL) about transportation matters. The > school district is allowed to provide bus passes or tokens for students to > utilize other public transportation to and from schools. It was noted that > this may or may not save money. > > My best guess (purely based upon personal observation) is that the city does > not have adequate buses or bus routes to take over much of the school > district's bussing needs and given the financial situation, it is not very > likely that the city will have funds to expand its services. I think this > is very unfortunate, because previous to the abysmal budget revelations, I > was hoping that the city and school district might be able to strike a deal > and even qualify for some grant money. I would love to be proved wrong, but > I don't think the school district would save money under this scheme, as > things are now. My understanding is that school bus routes are filled, > leaving no room available for general public ridership. Again, I could be > wrong. Assuming that the busses picked up non-students, other issues to > consider would be if this would increase the length of the bus route, and if > the public is willing to allow young children to ride the bus with adults > who have no connection to the school district or bus company. > > Terri Hyle > _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
