40-minute bus service is a step backward

I really am wondering what Guelph Transit is thinking in slowing things down with the introduction of 40-minute peak-time service.

Other public transit systems don’t slow down service during peak times, they increase it. These systems put extra buses and service on during peak periods to help get people from point A to point B.

Yes, there is more traffic and there are more stop signs in the city, but every other city has the same problem and has addressed it accordingly.

The problem with Guelph Transit is, it still hasn’t figured out how to run a proper rush-hour peak service, and on top of that, to start getting rid of the traditional 30-minute routes. The system needs a total review. It is time to seriously look at new delivery methods such as new route layouts, different service times and levels, and different types of express services.

The idea on having a bus every 15 minutes during peak times has been floated around since the late 1990s. However, when Guelph Transit tried to do it, it failed.

It is very simple to see why it failed — it did not follow the same method other transit systems use.

The idea is the bus comes in, drops everyone off, picks up people and goes. It does not wait around for all the buses to come in — it moves.

If people miss the connecting bus, they do not need to worry, as the next bus would be there in 15 minutes instead of 30 or more. This has been done in Toronto for decades.

The proposed 40-minute service is going to make it much worse, not better. By going to 40 minutes during peak times, Guelph Transit has taken a step backward.

With all the investment in transit lately, a growing ridership and environmental concerns rising, who in their right mind would decrease service?

With the loss of the Guelph Transit Advisory Committee a few years ago, there has not been a group to advise Guelph Transit on what the riders think.

There have been many reports, ideas and suggestions for years to improve transit. However, they seem to get lost in foolish choices like this, without seriously looking at all the options.

Let’s put the public back into public transit and ask the people first before doing something that lacks any real progress for Guelph Transit users.

Also read: http://insideguelph.wordpress.com/2007/05/31/in-transit-making-transit-work-in-guelph-and-area/