06-27-2019, 10:10 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-27-2019, 10:12 AM by danbrotherston.)
(06-27-2019, 10:03 AM)jamincan Wrote: I was thinking last night about how psychologically the various parts of the line feel far more connected now with LRT than with the bus. I'm not entirely sure why. I was going to a late movie at the Cineplex on Fairway with some friends and was early and considering options for food. With the bus, I would have only considered the options around the mall and theatre. Last night, I was running through all the options all along the line. Did I have time to run up to Vincenzo's? It's been awhile since I've grabbed a sandwich there.
I think the level-boarding trains and station infrastructure have a part in that. Physically there are few barriers (although the pedestrian infrastructure around the mall is horrendous right now, particularly with the construction there). The free fares is definitely another factor too, probably the largest. It makes me wonder if it is worthwhile for the region and municipalities to subsidize transit specifically to remove the mental barrier that the fare payment creates. Would free bus routes create the same sense of connection? It certainly doesn't seem that way, seeing as the bus system is free right now too.
Has anyone else noticed a radical change in their mental map of the city with the advent of ION service?
I know exactly what you mean. The ION line just feels closer. I do find it unfortunate, because the busses can be reasonably convenient, but often they don't feel that way.
Given that I bike most of the time, my feel of access to the city changes depending on the bike infra that gets built, as well as the weather. In winter, I feel very trapped, even walking outside DTK is dangerous feeling. I imagine the ION will help with this in the next winter.