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May 9, 2008
On the bus: CARTA raising rates, seeking budget increase
The top story on Chattanoogan.com as of this writing is that CARTA plans to raise rates; has asked the city and the county for additional funds; and states that cuts to some services (such as the awesome free electric shuttle) could be made if the requests are not approved.
We all knew the increase was coming: look at Diesel prices. Also, look at almost any given bus en route, and calculate the fares received based on the number of passengers you see in its seats. Taken together, these things present a dismal forecast.
However selfish the motive, I do not want to see the electric shuttle program eliminated. Though it is somewhat of a novelty, its usefulness is growing. It is a great feature for downtown tourists, workers, and residents. It looks good, frankly, on our city's résumé.
I have found the shuttle to be indispensable on several occasions, when I had meetings on or near Main Street and I had to get there from 5th, and the wife had our only car. No problem: hop on the shuttle at 6th and Market, and ride it all the way to the Choo Choo. And back. For free.
So what can we do? One thing I have considered is using the bus for transportation to and from work. It would not be the most convenient, in terms of where the stops are, relative to home and the office; inclement weather could be a challenge. But the line is still pretty close to me. (We just need better sidewalks in this area.)
Will you join me in contacting your city and county representatives to ensure that we adequately fund our public transportation system? With fuel prices so high (in my book, probably more realistic and market-corrected, but painful even so), and with national energy policy at the forefront, public transportation is that much more vital.
And let's get those regular CARTA buses running on something like BioDiesel — not necessarily the kind made from soybeans that are needed for food, but alternative fuel that makes sense.
Other ideas?
Community | By joe lance | 8:34 AM
Comments
I'm a ne'erdowell college student who lost his license some months past. I recently got it reinstated, but in that time I made so much use of the bus system that I rarely drive anymore! I ride my bike and hitch it to the bus everywhere I go, and I live in Brainerd.
I have no solutions to offer for the budget problem. Personally, I think that the Tennessee beurocratic system is so backwards that it might as well be run by some jug band rejects from the hills have eyes. They've already proven time and again a craven lust for drugs and money, but I'm a college student, so supposedly I should be able to relate!
I have been looking at a beautiful home halfway up ochs hwy. on lookout. I am an rabid cyclist, and moving there would be entirely contingent on using the Incline Railway to transport my bike up and down the mountain so i can get to and from school.
The Incline mgmt deferred me to Carta. The Carta mgmt was both willfully obtuse and terribly rude.
Who can I call to see about a fostering a membership pass for a devout public transport commuter????????????????
Posted by: Lorin at July 8, 2008 4:03 PM