(10-06-2016, 11:10 AM)urbd Wrote: I want ION to be open and running as soon as possible even at 15-18 min peak intervals... There probably will be a special 200 still in operation at the same time as ION starts to fill the gaps, and as long as it is very clear that it's a transition phase for a few months it shouldn't be a big deal. Bus riders are already used to so much change that i'm sure this wouldn't affect ridership.
Also, I could not care less if the opening ceremony is December 31st at midnight with 2 feet of snow. We need this service, asap.
I'm less concerned about existing riders and more concerned about retaining new riders who decide give ION a shot because trains are sexy. If your train is suddenly a bus and has to travel in mixed traffic, it is no longer sexy. Also, if a local bus in mixed traffic ends up getting you to your destination on the ION route quicker than the ION train because it left closer to when you wanted to leave, that is also not sexy.