By Antonio D. French
Filed Friday, April 14, 2006 at 7:54 AM
A few weeks ago, we published a commentary on why Metro is its own worst enemy when it comes to getting more people to use public transportation. We suggested 3 easy things Metro could do to improve pubic transportation in the City. Labels: Travel
To date, Metro hasn't implemented any of our suggestions. But they have started to invest in helicopters. Go figure.
Well, apparently we are not alone in thinking that something is very wrong at the region's public transportation system operator.
Yesterday, the Belleville News-Democrat published an editorial explaining how Metro has made it very easy for people deciding whether to drive their cars or take the bus or train.
You guessed it -- the car wins again.
Metro's bus and MetroLink services take some resourcefulness, determination and patience. That's in large part because maps, schedules and prices seem to treat passengers as an afterthought...
Frustrated with the Web site? Call the customer service line at 271-2345. Four minutes of Muzak, but the representative seemed pretty knowledgeable and was helpful. Too bad the phones are off after 7 p.m. and on weekends...
Heading to the ballgame? Two gallons of gas plus $5 parking is still cheaper than $14 round trip on the train for four...
The point is, Metro has priced itself out of competition for a large segment of potential riders. Then they narrow the field of folks who need to go where they go when they go, and the mass transit option takes a back seat to the convenience of our cars. It's just not user friendly.
Click here to read the full editorial.
1 Comments:
If worried about leaving work early for a sick kid or other unplanned emergency, then enroll in CMT/MCT's Guaranteed Ride Home program. The program reimburses registrants for cab fare home.
And it doesn't cost only $5 to park at the ballgame. More like $20. So unless carpooling in vans or crammed cars, MetroLink is still very competitive with its free park'n'ride lots.
And as for figuring out Metro's website, all that will change late this summer when Cross County opens and bus routes change. Plus, booklets of combined schedules, and an on-line trip-planner (with the choice of fewest transfers or quickest trip) will debut later this year.
4/14/2006 9:10 AM
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