Comments on: Bus Commuting Sucks More Often Than Not

By: Roundup | Minneapolis Metblogs

Roundup | Minneapolis Metblogs — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:52:12 +0000

[...] the metro needs a comprehensive LRT system, there is a lot of opportunity in adequately funding and fleshing out our bus system and bringing back [...]

By: Erica M

Erica M — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:47:48 +0000

It takes me the same amount of time to bike to work and shower as busing. I still bus though; I feel it’s important and it lessens my carbon footprint. That doesn’t change the fact that it sucks.

It sucks that folks even have to make this choice. If they really want to encourage more people to take public transit, there’s got to be better commuting options. To make it compelling for new riders, they have to make it dead simple for commuting, and that is not happening.

I think it’s telling that so many people are willing to give it a shot but don’t because it’s not just not convenient, it’s highly inconvenient.

By: kitt

kitt — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:40:45 +0000

Even if you live in the city, it’s not convenient unless your destination is on the way to or from downtown. I live in NE Mpls, and my workplace is on the edge of Golden Valley. My drive is about 15-20 minutes, all of 6 miles in distance and it takes 45-50 minutes by bus. Why? I have to go downtown! I bus downtown, get off, wait for another bus, and that takes me to work.

Metro transit’s "Let’s make everyone go downtown" scheme is extremely inconvenient for those of us who don’t need to go there. Even busing to the U of M is 30-40 minutes for the same reason, and I live right off of University Ave. I bus downtown and then to campus. No wonder so many people avoid the bus.

It takes me the same amount of time to bike to work and shower as busing. I still bus though; I feel it’s important and it lessens my carbon footprint. That doesn’t change the fact that it sucks.

By: yoshi

yoshi — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:51:05 +0000

Art – its not true and thousands of people disagree with you. Park and Rides are very popular. So much in fact that Park and Ride lots are overflowing. But suburb to suburb or -from- the city to suburb does not work with Metro Transit. As its largely a wheel and spoke transit design.

As I work downtown – I take the bus or bike in from my south minneapolis home. I know many who do park and rides from woodbury, eagan, minnetonka, etc. The cost and convenience factor trump trying to get into the city and parking. If I don’t work downtown – I am forced to drive or bike it. Now that’s the unfortunate truth.

By: Art

Art — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:06:17 +0000

Buses (or other public transit) are only really cost effective if you live in the city and don’t own a car. This is unfortunate but true =\