If the local bus is going to function as an express sidewalk, I can’t overstate the importance of high-frequency, reliable service. That means it can’t be stuck in traffic jams. On multi-lane roads, the obvious answer is dedicated transit lanes.”
Absolutely! Cities need to build transit lanes for buses only. Otherwise, their buses are going to lose a TON of efficiency and reliability.
I agree you do meet all kinds of people on the bus and then as your transit network grows next thing you know you have a whole community of riders and advocates
I've long worked on a bus transit design concept dubbed LOTi (Loop Oriented Transit Intermodal). Its nearest model is Denver's 16th Street shuttle on a mile-long loop from the Capitol building to Union Station. The shuttles run every 2 minutes with the least number of buses exactly where high demand generates patronage on the shuttles, 2 light rail lines and 2 bus transfer centers. I think of the LOTi system as "community transit" in that they serve as a tool to guide mixed-use economically diverse infill development while conveniently connecting to much longer bus routes and rail lines.
I’d argue we need to treat it like a desirable consumer product, something so good that you want to pay to experience it. Even if the fare is ridiculously good value. A product so good that you’d feel insane for choosing to drive.
Sidewalks are still things people urinate on. A bit like a lot of America’s buses unfortunately.
As someone who doesnt drive, or know how, but has moved to a city where the buses run twice an hour, are often late and stop runnimg by 10pm during the week - I have seriously considered getting a car.
Moving to places like Seattle or NYC is expensive. Many cities have massive gaps in their public transit system. You can only get so far and then have to walk. Setting up shelters for all stops is very much not a priority. Having useful and reliable transit to get to other parts of the state is also a non-issue.
I have noticed that the average American really doesnt care about public transit. There is a massive cultural indifference; either get a car or be left behind. Which is kind of hilarious because some alt right people lose their minds at 15 minute cities. And cities themselves seem to see public transit as a courtesy they offer for living there but not a necessity.
I've aready reasoned that I will need to either get a car or leave the US (but still live in a major city). Having to walk for 45 minutes when it is 90 degrees outside because there is no bus service where you are going is a reality for many people. And Uber/Lyft arent always viable or affordable options.
Bicycles in the bus lane - rediculous. Slows down the buses and endangers the bicyclist. Bicycles on the sidewalk - smart. Legal in the city of Seattle (and the state of Washington). I walk, bicycle (about 3 miles per day), and take the bus. I'm a 78-year-old who quit driving 4 years ago to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
The big picture:
Make varied expansions of the following topic a recurring focus of your messaging. Doing so would be a major contribution to combating global warming.
Consumers (individuals, organizations, businesses, governments) must promptly minimize their greenhouse gas emissions to bridge the gap while we work on long-term green technology and infrastructure. Less heating and less cooling (none between 13C-30C/55F-85F, https://greenbetween.home.blog). Less driving. Less flying. Less meat-eating. Less population growth (2 children per family). Do it yourself. Tenaciously encourage others to do it. Tenaciously encourage others to tenaciously encourage others.
Embrace the message and tenaciously introduce the message "business card" to all you encounter. (You can print the business card 12 per 8.5x11 using a file from the Promote page of the website.)
Be a climate superhero - take it to the next level. Promote the message at local events. (Files for posters are available on the Promote page of the website.)
“The bus can’t be stuck in traffic.
If the local bus is going to function as an express sidewalk, I can’t overstate the importance of high-frequency, reliable service. That means it can’t be stuck in traffic jams. On multi-lane roads, the obvious answer is dedicated transit lanes.”
Absolutely! Cities need to build transit lanes for buses only. Otherwise, their buses are going to lose a TON of efficiency and reliability.
I agree you do meet all kinds of people on the bus and then as your transit network grows next thing you know you have a whole community of riders and advocates
I've long worked on a bus transit design concept dubbed LOTi (Loop Oriented Transit Intermodal). Its nearest model is Denver's 16th Street shuttle on a mile-long loop from the Capitol building to Union Station. The shuttles run every 2 minutes with the least number of buses exactly where high demand generates patronage on the shuttles, 2 light rail lines and 2 bus transfer centers. I think of the LOTi system as "community transit" in that they serve as a tool to guide mixed-use economically diverse infill development while conveniently connecting to much longer bus routes and rail lines.
I’d argue we need to treat it like a desirable consumer product, something so good that you want to pay to experience it. Even if the fare is ridiculously good value. A product so good that you’d feel insane for choosing to drive.
Sidewalks are still things people urinate on. A bit like a lot of America’s buses unfortunately.
Unfortunately, for some Americans the word "Public Transportation" is an insult. They do not see beyond the steering wheel of their car.
As someone who doesnt drive, or know how, but has moved to a city where the buses run twice an hour, are often late and stop runnimg by 10pm during the week - I have seriously considered getting a car.
Moving to places like Seattle or NYC is expensive. Many cities have massive gaps in their public transit system. You can only get so far and then have to walk. Setting up shelters for all stops is very much not a priority. Having useful and reliable transit to get to other parts of the state is also a non-issue.
I have noticed that the average American really doesnt care about public transit. There is a massive cultural indifference; either get a car or be left behind. Which is kind of hilarious because some alt right people lose their minds at 15 minute cities. And cities themselves seem to see public transit as a courtesy they offer for living there but not a necessity.
I've aready reasoned that I will need to either get a car or leave the US (but still live in a major city). Having to walk for 45 minutes when it is 90 degrees outside because there is no bus service where you are going is a reality for many people. And Uber/Lyft arent always viable or affordable options.
Prioritizing automobiles is harmful for so many reasons. It is wild how offering mobility options is interpreted as *removing* freedom. 🤦♂️
Bicycles in the bus lane - rediculous. Slows down the buses and endangers the bicyclist. Bicycles on the sidewalk - smart. Legal in the city of Seattle (and the state of Washington). I walk, bicycle (about 3 miles per day), and take the bus. I'm a 78-year-old who quit driving 4 years ago to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
The big picture:
Make varied expansions of the following topic a recurring focus of your messaging. Doing so would be a major contribution to combating global warming.
Consumers (individuals, organizations, businesses, governments) must promptly minimize their greenhouse gas emissions to bridge the gap while we work on long-term green technology and infrastructure. Less heating and less cooling (none between 13C-30C/55F-85F, https://greenbetween.home.blog). Less driving. Less flying. Less meat-eating. Less population growth (2 children per family). Do it yourself. Tenaciously encourage others to do it. Tenaciously encourage others to tenaciously encourage others.
Embrace the message and tenaciously introduce the message "business card" to all you encounter. (You can print the business card 12 per 8.5x11 using a file from the Promote page of the website.)
Be a climate superhero - take it to the next level. Promote the message at local events. (Files for posters are available on the Promote page of the website.)
I bicycle in the bus lane. Important to look out for the bus.