05-05-2015, 11:43 AM
That's an important point, that the iXpress has become less fast as our local routes have become faster and wider stop spacing. It's too bad that wider stop spacing was not pursued for both, and that more stops were added to the iXpress. That the "express" route (I don't think that there is a clear dividing line between "express" and "limited-stop," but I agree that the iXpress is much more the latter) is only 20% faster than the local between Fairview and Laurier is pretty sad. BuildingScout's point (3) is also important, and should tell us that we should pursue more BRT features with iXpress, including eliminating on-board payment.
I certainly hope that the Ion is faster between Conestoga and Uptown than the 7. I think an express along the King corridor might still be called for, though: Ion stop spacing is not particularly wide. Depending on ridership patterns that emerge once the Ion is launched, it might become clear that there is a need for an express bus service connecting just the malls and the downtowns.
I certainly hope that the Ion is faster between Conestoga and Uptown than the 7. I think an express along the King corridor might still be called for, though: Ion stop spacing is not particularly wide. Depending on ridership patterns that emerge once the Ion is launched, it might become clear that there is a need for an express bus service connecting just the malls and the downtowns.