I lose my bus at the end of this month.
There were hopes that stimulus money might save the service, but the way money for public transport is allocated is for development of transit, not operating costs.
In other words, a new bus or train line can be established, but the old ones are starved for cash.
So they get closed down.
Cockeyed, of course.
Meanwhile, I have to find another route to work.
It's very irritating. :insane:
The irony of closing public transportation routes when people are losing their jobs and faced with high fuel prices is surely not lost on government. I yearn to live within walking/cycling distance of work, grocery store and school.
Thanks for those comments, Matt & Lea. For me, transportation costs are zero because I get a free bus and train pass through my job for the St. Louis Metro service. But that's no good if the buses aren't there!Fortunately, I can get an alternative bus but it is not as desirable a route and is now likely to be very crowded. I just hope that the disruption to workers and travelers locally as a result of this will shake some money loose from somewhere to restart the lost service.
Sorry about that Sir Richard. Are the transportation charges high there?
I wonder, do public transportation where you live need to produce a financial surplus in order to stay operating?
Hi Allan, no they don't to produce a surplus but they need to stay within budget and the St. Louis Metro overran its budget last year.
I see. Same problem all over the world, I guess.
I saw that in the US, oil companies are "hurting," because we drove 4% fewer miles last year than the prior year. At the same time, public transportation ridership is up nearly 10%. It's hard to imagine a business where a non-overwhelming increase in business was not a good thing.
That is seriously stupid & it seriously sucks. I for one voted for increased funding for Metrolink. Oh well, did what I could. You could always do what Jeff does & ride a bike to work. :p
Indeed not! 😆
"That is seriously stupid & it seriously sucks."Well I can't put it any better than Naomi did.
You have an incredible eye…. maybe two.thanks for the words and images, truly.
My pleasure! 🙂