If Your city, town etc. offered reliable public transportation...

[ScreamingMeemie]

Would you take them up on it? The KurtNYC thread got me thinking on this. I currently live outside Detroit, home of miserable MDOT and DDOT services.

I admit I'd then be forced to put up or shut up. I'd like to say I would, but feel I might have to be honest.

[hlthe2b]

1. I'd keep a little motor scooter around to do small errands...

and so that I can maintain my insurance, ride mass transit exlusively, and only rent a car when I need one to travel out of town, where public transportation is not available. I wish I lived in Europe.....:shrug:

[newportdadde]

2. Would love to see light rail in KC.

There was a proposal a few years back but in the day of cheap gas it never passed.

I live in a suburb of KC and the thing that kills me currently with the bus is its times of departure. I work in IT so its not unusual for me to work extra unpaid OT or since its IT the very nature of the job means an unexpected problem means I need to stay an extra 30min etc.

The bus schedule is just too rigid. I'm hoping lightrail would have more frequent departures from both ends.

[ScreamingMeemie]

17. Detroit had a proposal and came up with "The People Mover" a raised

rail system that only traverses the downtown area in a large circle. Basically only good for commuters to go to lunch on and Redwings fans to get from parking somewhere else to the JLA. It's really disappointing. :(

[tenshi816]

3. OK, admittedly I live in the UK, which has

a good national public transportation system (although people nevertheless still love to bitch about it). I do have a vehicle, a small four-wheel drive that I need because in winter the road I live on is impassable without it, but I only use it to take my kids to school and go to the supermarket. Everything else is bus or train or by foot, so yes, I use public transportation.

I generally drive less than 3,000 miles a year and have never driven more than 4,000 a year in the UK. When I still lived in the US it was a completely different story. Even when I did still live in the Atlanta area, I used public transportation if it fit in with my journey (the rapid transit system didn't go very far in any direction at the time), but I still had to drive too much too often. I'm a huge fan of letting somebody else deal with the stress of getting me from point A to point B.

Edited to finish a thought.

[sharp_stick]

4. I'd love to use it for commuting

but I need a car to run errands, I hate hauling groceries and other stuff on transit.

[MadHound]

5. Sure I would,

If they would bring decently fast, reliable mass transit out to the wilds of Mid Mo, I'd use it. I would even walk the mile to the nearest paved road to use it.

But pigs are going to fly before that happens:shrug:

[libnnc]

6. light rail would be a dream in North Carolina

Are you kidding? Connecting the major cities in NC? A light rail system between Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Raleigh (and points inbetween) would be an answered prayer. I'd use it every freaking day in my commute to and from grad school.

But alas, it ain't going to happen any time soon.

And the bus system in Winston-Salem is already talking about changing/shortening routes and cutting back hours. :banghead:

[ScreamingMeemie]

22. That is how it is in Detroit. At one time, it being the "Motor City" and

all, I could see them not having some sort of rail system. Be it subway or a decent elevated train...but, it will never happen...and we have no bussing system worth talking about. :(

[TahitiNut]

29. We once had terrific streetcars.

When I was a kid, we often took a bus to Woodward and then took the streetcar into downtown Detroit, to shop at Hudson's and lunch at Sander's. That particular streetcar line ran along the center of Woodward, al the way out to Pleasant Ridge. As far as I know, lines ran out Grand River, Jefferson, Woodward, and various crosstown routes. I remember them vividly. They were terrific. Then they were gone.

When I lived in the San Francisco Bay area, I'd take BART and/or the cable cars whenever I could. Working on a 9-month contract in Oakland, I took BART from Milpitas almost daily. Public transit is the way to go.

[FlaGranny]

23. Taking public transportation is

ideal for students. You can get a lot of reading or writing done on the train. I had a long commute to high school - about 25 miles. Unfortunately, I can't read when I'm in a moving vehicle because of motion sickness.

[0007]

37. I was in North Carolina three years ago and it was one of the most

traffic congested states in the country. They do need a good transportation system.

[LSK]

7. i used to commute to school in downtown Chicago via train

But its kinda hard when you live in suburbs and your job is in the suburbs. It depends on the circumstances and its not such a simple solution for everyone.

[hlthe2b]

8. So few cities/towns are "alternative" friendly...

Even before gas started climbing, I bought an electric bike with the hope of riding to work when the weather would permit (Denver), for both the exercise (which I need) and for the social consciousness of it. Unfortunately, I have to be in the city (and live there) several days a week-- which is quite pedestrian and fairly bike-friendly--but work out west in the foothills. There is NO surface street that allows bikes that is direct to go to where I need to go. Bikes are not allowed (for good reason) on 6th Avenue and there are meandering bike paths for some, but not all of the way--there are no interconnections, either. So, the 16 mile ride each way would be on the order of 28, if I tried to find a "mostly bike path" and thus safe route to get out there, and it would have me going through some areas that are questionably safe, especially early in the morning or in the evening as it gets dark.

This so pisses me off. I've spent $$ and considerable effort trying to find a way to make it work. My option is to ride a bus part of the way, which would add an extra hour each morning and evening, as none of the routes are direct--and to ride the rest. I already work 60-70 hour weeks and I just can't do this....

I love Denver and other cities I've lived in were far worse--Atlanta, for example which has been so averse to mass transit that it literally is built up around its interstate highways, once you leave the main part of the city. Many areas there (Atlanta) make it impossible to even walk anywhere, given the lack of sidewalks or shoulders on the roads, and heavy traffic. Yet the "not-too subtle racist" fears of crime, preempted constructing light rail for years to suburban areas.

What is wrong with this country, that we allowed our city "planners" to do this to us--chaining us to automobiles, at the cost of our health, environment, sense of community, and well-being? So many of our origins were from Europe--how could we have forgotten what constitutes a city and neighborhood?

NOne of this is new to me. I've been ranting on this for a long time, but our current situation just brings it to the forefront.

[AngryAmish]

9. My town has excellent public transportation

I prefer my car, tho.

[lastliberalintexas]

10. I lived for a relatively short time in DC with no car and did fine

If my husband and I both had the option of light rail or a metro system and a bus system within the city, we'd be more than happy to use it almost all the time. About the only thing we'd need a vehicle for would be weekend trips to see family or trips.

In fact, I'd loooove to be able to commute via metro, read a book during the commute and actually unwind on the way home rather than dealing with the traffic I do now.

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. I am amazed at how well the Metro was planned out.

It makes me jealous. It really made our trip there easy and much more fun, not having to deal with traffic and being able to focus on the kids and the capitol itself.

[lastliberalintexas]

16. I absolutely loved the Metro!

The bus system/schedule was just as good, in fact. I had a 45 minute commute to and from work, but didn't mind in the least because it wasn't "wasted" time. I read, did crosswords, even *gasp* talked to other commuters! There was an older lady I saw several times a week who would do her knitting on the bus I took to get out of Georgetown towards the Capitol. I'd go back to that kind of commute in a heartbeat, no doubt about it.

I now have a 30 minute/12 mile commute that is sheer hell for me, even though I know it isn't nearly as bad as what some people face. I just hate it because it does seem like wasted time, where the only thing that I can do to try to be productive is listen to my language CDs. And the stress of dealing with idiot drivers of SE Texas is a pain in the arse. (yes, I know it's nothing like LA)

The people who have great public transportation systems just don't know how lucky they are!

[charlie]

12. I did

In Japan. Dependable to-the-minute rails and busses for wherever you want to go, whether across town or from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Plus, pedestrian and bike accomodations are ubiquitous. It was heaven.

[recoveringrepublican]

13. I would in a heartbeat...I HATE driving around here

too many asshats (US 19 in Pinellas Florida, and to get to work, malfunction junction, I-275 to I-4) freakin crazy. We need a bullet train, train, or just freaking a bus lane (something with a high curb so assholes couldn't use it) to make it work. But no we keep building condos for families so they can add at least 2 more freaking cars to the insanity. I would love to use my commute time to do something productive than just staring off into space, screaming inside my head "fucking move Grandpa Moses".

I would still keep a car, but would love seeing it parked with minimal miles on it. I have 2 small kids and can't see myself biking home from the grocery store or other places where I load up on things.

[lastliberalintexas]

18. We'd likely keep our Taurus too

We have a young son, and there would be a few times we'd need a car because of him. But you're right- being able to ride the bus and do something other than drive actually allows you to wind down at the end of the day, and you feel so much more refreshed by the time you get home from work. It really is a shame that people in the South and West refuse to invest in public transportation systems.

[Quantess]

14. I would use my car a lot less.

But I would still keep the car for grocery shopping, multiple-errand days, and anytime I needed to lug a lot of stuff around with me.

I would definitely use public transportation to and from work, but only if it was reliable and fast. That's the rub- public transportation in most US cities are iffy.

[Bridget Burke]

15. I commute via Mass Transit in Houston...

Using the bus & light rail. Not all neighborhoods & workplaces are served here--but mine are. I know some people who would use Metro if they could. I also know some who could, but don't bother. (Every time parking goes up, the scream!)

Houston is not do-able depending ONLY on mass transit. But it's more do-able than many suspect.

[HereSince1628]

19. I think it would mean shopping more often for groceries.

For people here in Wauwatosa a near-west suburb of Milwaukee there is very reliable bus service although usually running the buses on a route at least 30 minutes apart.

Evenso I can't see riding a bus either 2 or 3 miles for groceries(my nearest real supermarkets). It would take three different buses routes and most of an hour. I can't imagine trying to carry a week's worth of groceries to and from the bus stop or sitting with 6-8 bags around me. Add as appropriate to your thinking attending to infants, toddlers and young children the whole time. Ugh!

Similarly those weekend trips to the lumber/hardware store for house repairs, paint, lawn and garden supplies would be "awkward" at best on a bus. I can't imagine a bus company letting a can of gasoline for the mower or snowblower on board. Imagine the hassle of toting a 40 lb sack of sack of weed and feed home on a bus and the pain of carrying it a 1/4-1/2 mile from the bus stop back into the neighborhood.

Being primarily dependent on public transportation here isn't impossible but it would result in very different purchasing patterns and life-style changes for 'always in a hurry', lawn-loving home owners living in maintenance and remodelling needy 75-100 year old homes in Wauwatosa. It would also be easier if the old 1940's corner store infra-structure was still in place and everyone could hire out their home/lawn care to professionals.

Not surprisingly, buses aren't the primary transportation for anything near a large minority of residents here. When you look at ridership here in Wauwatosa the buses run mostly empty most of the day and get used for the sorts of things you'd expect... commuting to work/school, trips to doctors and the Mall/movies by the young and the elderly, although they are very popular for transit to big events (summerfest, State Fair) where parking is a hassle.

I know, I know...Screw everyone with a suburban gas-guzzling eco-unfriendly lifestyle as well as people with home owner responsibles attending single family homes, lawns and driveways. Everyone ought to live in high rise condos, make purchases in the neighborhood shops, eat at the restaurant or soup nazi's on the corner, and take a cab if it's too far to walk and the bus/light rail can't get you there.

[ScreamingMeemie]

31. How well I remember Wauwatosa. My father ( a poor kid from the city)

Always said it was where the rich people lived.

In re your comment on the old '40's store. Some building contractors are seriously looking into ( and actually building) PUDS (Planned Urban Developements). Communities that are completely self sufficient. Think part of your homeowner association fees going to support smaller stores, theaters and dining/recreational facilities...all within the community. Kind of like Main Street, USA. So far, here in MI they have not gone over well. The homes tend to look too "Pleasantville-ish". It would all come down to changing priorities for some people.

[HereSince1628]

33. Brookfield is where the rich live now.

'tosa west of 76th is mostly middleclass managers and beginning professional types. Very much the sort of place that Ward and June Cleaver would have chosen to live. Much of 'tosa east of 76th would never be considered where well to do people live. It's pretty modest.

[ScreamingMeemie]

36. I visit WI quite a bit yet ( my family and my heart still live there).

Back in the 40's it was where the people who had "arrived" lived...to my father.

I have family in Brookfield. Newer McMansion...living on credit. I lived mainly in Grafton (way out) and Greendale...where the homes were (and are) way too expensive.

[MsTryska]

20. When I lived, Worked and Played in the same county

I used Public Transit for everything.

It's quite good within the county. I would go to work, stop at the gym, pickup a few groceries and then take the bus home everyday.

I did have to take a taxi or get a ride, when I had large amounts of shopping to do tho. But that's primarily because of the urban sprawl if I could walk to these places i would happily bring my old lady cart with me, and do what i need to do.

But then again, I'm a transplanted New Yorker.


But my county doesn't want to play with other counties and get a good metropolitan transit system going, and I don't live work and play all in one county anymore.

[ScreamingMeemie]

21. I intend on relying heavily on my bike for quick trips to the grocery

for milk and such this Spring. It has gotten ridiculous. Unfortunately, my job is currently on the road as a real estate appraiser, but I won't be going hither and yon this summer.

[nemo137]

24. I live in Champaign-Urbana

And we have excellent public transit, and since part of my tuition goes right to the MTD, I can ride any bus, any time. The only time I think I'd need a car would be for moving or very large errands.

[Swamp Rat]

25. The only exception is when I need to transport musical equipment.

It rains a lot here too.

Nevertheless, I ride a bicycle 90% of the time. :)

[huskerlaw]

26. I do use public transportation

Although many complain about LA's crappy and/or complete lack of public transportation, I was lucky enough to find a situation that works perfectly for me.

I walk about 3 blocks to the subway station 4 mornings a week and ride it for 40 minutes. I then hop on a shuttle that's provided by my place of employment, which picks me up at the subway stop and drops me off in front of my building. For going home, reverse the steps.

Because my work schedule is screwy one day a week, I drive to work. However, even then I carpool with one of my co-workers. Our commute is about 15 miles each way, which in LA translates to anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

I do use my car A LOT in the evenings and on weekends though...although most of that is for entertainment and/or beach-going purposes which clearly could be scaled back.

[SmokingJacket]

27. I'd **love** to take a little shuttle bus or trolley around town...

esp. if it were cheap, regular, and reliable. We have an okay bus system here, but it's expensive and only runs routes once an hour.

When I lived in Britain and didn't have a car, I loved taking the train/bus/underground everywhere. In fact, when I was house shopping eight or so years ago, I made sure I bought in a neighborhood that would allow me to be carless if need be. I walk to work most of the time, though I do drive to buy groceries once a week: my family of four eats a lot and it would mean either several weekly trips or an unmanageable number of bags to carry. I could do it, but it would be a ROYAL pain.

So I voted that I'd still use a car occasionally -- but who knows. If it was a zippy little cheapo light rail, I'd WAY prefer that to driving...

[guinivere]

28. I'm not sure.

I live in a kind of rural area. I would imagine the logistics of buses and timing here would be a nightmare.

When I lived in Chicago, I did not own a car. The public transport there is great.

[Nikia]

30. When I lived in an area with public transportation

Time was sometime a problem. It was alright for going to a popular place like the mall where you didn't have to be there at a certain time. For going somewhere that you needed to be at a certain time, it could be a pain. For example, the bus might only go past your destination once an hour. If you needed to be at work at 8 for example and it went past there at a quarter after, you could either be late or wait a long time at work.
My home community now has a bus system that sounds messed up but I guess it works. You reserve your bus ride a certain amount ahead of time, like 24 hours. They arrange the bus schedule based on those reservations, trying to meet the schedule as closely as possible. Given the number of rides that they are now giving, that must be a logistical nightmare.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

32. Anytime an American goes to Europe

they always come back amazed at the wonderful dependable and reliable mass transit. Even if you don't speak a lick of French, you can find your way around easily on the Metro in Paris.

We so missed the boat on mass transportation except in some of our nicest cities. It seems like we were more ahead of the curve when some smaller cities had fairly decent trolley systems that got ripped up. It's never too late though, right?

[zanne]

34. Around here, taking the bus is a stigma.

I live in a small city of about 100,000 people. We used to have a decent bus system; I could catch a bus on the corner every 30 minutes. It's less "popular" now to take the bus, as though the lack of a car is a source for shame or something. Less people use the system now, so the routes have been trimmed and they only come once an hour or so. It's a status thing with alot of people. They wouldn't be caught dead taking the bus.

[Retrograde]

35. beats looking for a parking place

I take the train if I'm going to San Francisco (about 40 miles) - I think the nearest parking is in my driveway anyway :-). It saves a lot of wear and tear on me. Closer to home, I either combine trips or walk.