08-06-2016, 05:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-06-2016, 05:48 PM by Pheidippides.)
Having read the entire report finally (it is a long one!) I am pretty pleased with the overall changes. I found it hard to separate my feelings for how the changes will affect my options personally vs. what I know will be best for the greater good/network. I'm sure any flaws will be spotted amongst this group and brought to GRT's attention; still lots of time for feedback.
As for the 8's frequency and direction, from the report:
"operate as a smaller two-way loop connecting"
"Both the Belmont-Margaret and Westmount-Weber routes would have 15-minute frequency during weekday peak periods with 30-minute frequency at other times."
One brave admission in the report is that "the Region has endeavoured to provide fixed-route transit service within 450 metres to 95% of residents and jobs in the urban municipalities. This target has not been met." and that "The current network provides service coverage for 87.5% of residents in the urban area. There are several reasons why achieving 95% service coverage with fixed-routes is challenging and not necessarily desirable."
"implementation of iXpress routes on major corridors and streamlining of local routes to travel more directly and frequently on arterial and collector roads has proven to be a more effective ridership growth strategy than trying to increase service coverage by deviating routes on local neighbourhood roads."
"focusing service on existing high-ridership corridors and areas with high transit propensity results in higher ridership. This strategy is proposed to continue in the implementation of the draft 2021 Transit Network. However, this would have the impact of introducing longer walks to service in certain pockets of the Region"
So basically moving away from one long-standing goal in favour of another knowing full well it may mean longer walks from some people.
As for the 8's frequency and direction, from the report:
"operate as a smaller two-way loop connecting"
"Both the Belmont-Margaret and Westmount-Weber routes would have 15-minute frequency during weekday peak periods with 30-minute frequency at other times."
One brave admission in the report is that "the Region has endeavoured to provide fixed-route transit service within 450 metres to 95% of residents and jobs in the urban municipalities. This target has not been met." and that "The current network provides service coverage for 87.5% of residents in the urban area. There are several reasons why achieving 95% service coverage with fixed-routes is challenging and not necessarily desirable."
"implementation of iXpress routes on major corridors and streamlining of local routes to travel more directly and frequently on arterial and collector roads has proven to be a more effective ridership growth strategy than trying to increase service coverage by deviating routes on local neighbourhood roads."
"focusing service on existing high-ridership corridors and areas with high transit propensity results in higher ridership. This strategy is proposed to continue in the implementation of the draft 2021 Transit Network. However, this would have the impact of introducing longer walks to service in certain pockets of the Region"
So basically moving away from one long-standing goal in favour of another knowing full well it may mean longer walks from some people.
Everyone move to the back of the bus and we all get home faster.