The Mass Transit Discussion

[trevize1138]

Don't really see a thread on this, but it's a topic close to my heart in Minneapolis. Did anybody catch this one in the Strib yesterday?

http://www.startribune.com/stories/368/5089927.html

Intriguing idea. A cheaper rail alternative to LRT. I really like the idea of a streetcar along the greenway because that's only 2 blocks from my house and the #21 bus on Lake St. moves way too slow for my taste. It will have to do for now the next time I catch a flight somewhere I can now hop on that bus to the Lake St. station for the Hi (that's what I'm trying to set as "slang" for the Hiawatha Line).

Especially with the new re-development of the old Sears Building and the potential for that side of 35W on Lake St., seems like a better mass-transit system along tha corridor only makes sense. And, if it only costs $50 million or so ...

If any of you out there keep up with the articles in the Strib about mass transit you get a feel for how behind-the-times our city is in that department. My belief is that we will catch up eventually, but we struggle with this old belief that we're still a small town and we don't need no stinking mass transit.

Ideally, for inner-Minneapolis transit, in addition to the Hi we need a greenway trolley then another trolley connecting downtown with Uptown, the lakes, longfellow and Edina, even. Then, of course, there's the Central Corridor LRT project connecting up with the Hi by the dome into downtown St. Paul, the Northstar Commuter Line and eventually a SW corridor LRT.

Partially, I think putting all this into our region would be great for the economy, environment and traffic conditions. But, I'm also just a huge geek, and must admit I fall for the "mass transit is neat-o" factor :D.

[Worst Username Ever]

1. When we used to have street cars, they were heavily used.

We then decided they were antiquated and sold them to some place in Canada. Mass transit has been a mess ever since. IF we still had them, imagine how much cleaner and efficient out mass transit system would be. Pity.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. Actually, it was Mexico, where they are still being used

I was thrilled to see the Portland streetcar on the front page, since I lived there until August 2003. (In Portland, not on the streetcar :-) )

It goes from Portland's equivalent of the Warehouse District through downtown and south to Portland State University in an elongated elliptical route that runs on parallel streets for most of its distance.

Downtown Portland and much of the surrounding territory is so-called Fareless Square, which means that you can hop on and off any means of public transit without payment within an area that's about ten to twelve blocks on each side. This includes most of the streetcar route.

You're right, the Twin Cities are very much behind the times in this respect. Even places like Dallas and Denver are more progressive when it comes to transit.

[trevize1138]

3. Trust me, I know!

I have a map of my neighborhood circa 1903 (Central in Mpls). It shows trolley lines all over the place. Until 1954 I would have been able to walk 1/2 a block north and catch a trolley. That pisses me off!

I've done my own research on the whole subject. I'd certainly love to learn a lot more about it, though. Anyone got some good mass-transit links? =)

[MrZack]

4. yessiree

It would be even neater if some undercover police officers would ride along.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

5. And your meaning is...?

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and hope that you don't have any racist or snobbish feelings about mass transit. (Sadly, a lot of Americans do.)

I rode the buses and trains in Portland at all hours from dawn to midnight for ten years, and I never had any reason to be frightened. I even rode buses and the subway in Los Angeles day and night when I visited there.

Now driving on Portland's streets before I gave up my car--THAT was scary!

[MrZack]

6. Mass transit = good thing.

:-)

I enjoy riding the city buses in Minneapolis and St.Paul. That's how I get around (if it's less than 4 miles, I walk). They're very good about being on time, very courteous, and above all, very safe on the road, in all weather conditions.

I would rather pay the small fee and ride in safety, than take my chances with malicious idiots with huge SUVs and cell phones (I drive a small Honda, but rarely).

I have however witnessed couple of escalating behavioral situations between teenagers on route 16, and that's what I had in mind when I mentioned police. It would make it a little safer, especially for the participants.

Overall, I wish more people here would rely on mass transit, like Europe does. It's the smart thing to do.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. Okay, just checking!

:-)

[mzmolly]

8. Ah yes, I remember route 16 about 25 years ago. It was hairy back then.

My friend drives bus for the MTC and they've really had some rough experiences. She's a tough gal but she said at times they've needed counseling to deal with some of the stuff that has gone on.

I don't care how "street wise" or tough a person is, a ride on the city bus can be an eye opener.