ION - Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit

[ijmorlan]

Oh, they never fail to disappoint. Still hurting that the region didn't go all the way up to Elmira. I mean, I can't figure out any other reason why they'd be upset.

Hey, at least he admits that the LRT gains significant ridership from the bus system.

And only an idiot could think that it’s a mark against the LRT that it isn’t as useful when the bus system is on strike, so clearly that can’t be what he is saying: he must just be saying that it’s unfortunate the bus system is on strike and some people can’t get to the LRT.

[robdrimmie]

I took the ION this morning from Mill to Frederick stations. It departed sometime after 8:30, I neglected to note the specific time though. By the time we got to Market station it was packed full of people. It's the heaviest load I've experienced to date, but I've only been taking the train in the morning since the start of the strike.

[MidTowner]

Hey, at least he admits that the LRT gains significant ridership from the bus system.

And only an idiot could think that it’s a mark against the LRT that it isn’t as useful when the bus system is on strike, so clearly that can’t be what he is saying: he must just be saying that it’s unfortunate the bus system is on strike and some people can’t get to the LRT.

That makes sense. It's a cartoon, though...isn't it supposed to be funny?

[timc]

That makes sense. It's a cartoon, though...isn't it supposed to be funny?

Most of them aren't.

[jeffster]

I took the ION this morning from Mill to Frederick stations. It departed sometime after 8:30, I neglected to note the specific time though. By the time we got to Market station it was packed full of people. It's the heaviest load I've experienced to date, but I've only been taking the train in the morning since the start of the strike.

This makes me wonder if more people are figuring out how to ride the Ion and might realize it's a better alternative to bussing or make it a part of their bussing routine. This strike could be a blessing in disguise.

[trainspotter139]

I took the ION this morning from Mill to Frederick stations. It departed sometime after 8:30, I neglected to note the specific time though. By the time we got to Market station it was packed full of people. It's the heaviest load I've experienced to date, but I've only been taking the train in the morning since the start of the strike.

There were a lot of cars in the Park and Ride parking lot at Fairway Station when I was up there around that time. Couldn't get a seat on the train that left at 8:40

[jeffster]

Free Ion every Saturday and Sunday for the rest of the month, also free Family Day. So if anyones interesting in riding the Ion for free, here is your chance.

[Spokes]

Are they doing this as a PR move, or to try to boost ridership?

[timc]

Are they doing this as a PR move, or to try to boost ridership?

Is this not just part of the general GRT free weekend in February thing?

[KevinL]

It is basically a PR move, to make amends for the bus strike.

[Spokes]

That's what I assumed. Much like what Ford is doing by paying off parents of young kids

[danbrotherston]

That's what I assumed.  Much like what Ford is doing by paying off parents of young kids

Except Ford is doing that during the strike as an attempt to sway public support to help his negotiation position.

This is fairly fundamentally different.

[ijmorlan]

Are they doing this as a PR move, or to try to boost ridership?

Is there a difference?

[jeffster]

Are they doing this as a PR move, or to try to boost ridership?

Is there a difference?

I think it has nothing to do with ridership, they're just aligning the two businesses. Not point of a free bus if you have to pay to get on the Ion.

[Bytor]

Is there a difference?

I think it has nothing to do with ridership, they're just aligning the two businesses. Not point of a free bus if you have to pay to get on the Ion.

It is a supposed to be a single system, don't forget.