Public forum for bus service

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

I've ridden on several light rail systems in this country. Portland, San Diego and the one line that is in operation in Phoenix. None of them have turnstyles. I know Portland is pitiful for not collecting fares or checking passes. Thousands ride free everyday in that city. I use to work at the Portland airport, and rode the train to the airport every work day. It was ridiculous as the train made its way thru the city, just how many people rode free. If there was a fare inspector that came on.( which was almost never) these passengers would fly off that train if it stopped in time. Of course Portland has an unusually large down and out type population. Much more than other cities I have seen of similiar size. So fare evasion is high partly due to that. These people are broke or many are just plain high and on Meth half the time. So I agree these stations should be built, with some type of structure that prohibits people entering without paying.

Again, it's too late for that-- they made that choice when the system was designed, knowing that not everyone would pay.

[Voebe]

Thank you for the serious responses. At the time I posted, I was really only thinking about bus riders. But, broadly, a viable transit system is important to just about everyone in terms of a sort of ripple effect - fewer cars needed equals better air, for instance.

As to the turnstile idea - well, I see so much that is stupidly designed (e.g. the bus shelters), that's it's just one more instance of poor planning.