Dahon.Steve

https://www.kansascity.com/782/story/733495-p2.html

I found an article that's actually a positive spin on bus transportation. I think this is the first one where the riders weren't subjected to creeps, thugs, crooks and every bad element in society. Here's a story about bus riders who made friends, saved loads of money and enjoy their trip. Amazing.

It's rare to read stories like this but my recent experience with the bus is just like the article. Then again, those of us who are car free have known this all along. The only articles that get published are used to generate fear and keep people in their cars.



Public transportation facts and figures
Facts on public transportation nationwide:

•In 2007, Americans took 10.3 billion trips on public transportation — the highest ridership level in 50 years.

•34 million times each weekday, people board public transportation.

•Ridership on public transportation is up 32 percent since 1995.

•Each year, public transportation use in the U.S. saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline. This represents almost 4 million gallons of gas per day.

•Public transportation use saves the equivalent of 300,000 fewer automobile fill-ups every day — 108 million fewer cars filling up annually.

•Each year, public transportation use saves the equivalent of 34 supertankers of oil, or a supertanker leaving the Middle East every 11 days.

•Public transportation households save more than $1,399 worth of gas each year.

•Using public transportation reduces the need for an additional car, which represents a savings of $6,251 a year.


Source: American Public Transportation Association

Nightshade

Funny, to see this. I can remember, as a boy in the 50's, that mass transit was used a lot.
So I see the humor in an old idea being "new" all over again. Just like the 1950's.

gwd

OK, I don't use the bus much but have to say that in DC the bus drivers seem to be the best drivers on the road. Twice when riding the bus the passengers have spontaneously stood up and given the driver a standing ovation for a job well done. I've never seen the citizens do this for any other public servant.

Dahon.Steve

I've noticed that most of the complaints come from city or local bus companies. You don't find these complaints as much when the bus is traveling over 60 miles from the burbs to the city. I find those motor coaches so comfortable with plush seats and some have bathrooms! Unfortunately, you have to live in the burbs to take advantage of those buses. ;-( Those long distance motor coaches cost alot per month but they are worth every penny.

I recently started taking a bus like this with plush seats and found it more comfortable than lightrail! Go figure.

cerewa

I don't think anybody claimed buses & trains were new.

Public transit is on the rise in the US, as well it should be since it reduces pollution and oil-scarcity problems.

Roody

And public transit has been rising steadily for several years, so it isn't only the big spike in ridership since gas prices went to $4. Unfortunately, fuel prices are really starting to hurt transit companies now. My bus company just raised fares by two bits to $1.25. This was the first increase in 19 years. It's still a pretty good deal!