Sir: On a typical damp, cold spring day, when many of us need to go out shopping, the rain is a problem as there is hardly any place to shelter. In a continuously growing town/city, it has taken years for basic changes that could be easer, however for transit riders, it’s always wait and see, last on the agenda for improvements.
The main terminal is basically an eyesore you could hardly call a place for waiting for the bus. You get rained on and it’s badly in need of a facelift or makeover.
Truthfully, we need a better place to call a terminal, but when will this happen? It’s all pending.
Shelters, sure there are a few, however, if you must depend on the bus for your mode of transportation, it seems realistic only if there is no rain with nowhere to shelter.
Sadly, inclement weather means cancelling your appointments or taking another mode of transportation. Most people can’t do this, but this is the reality.
The size of buses is an issue. Most time some buses have no room to sit, and so the topic of safety is a factor. Why do we have such small buses in the city?
Time constraint; buses only run 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Are there changes in the works? Most stores close at 9 p.m. and if you are across town, you can’t get home. Only if you drive or have someone to give you a ride. How do the rest of us get home; call a cab?
It’s great to hear all the improvements coming to the city, however, it will exclude many who do not drive, so hopefully these are some ideas for the future plans.
The tiny bus signs that are not visible to most people don’t even represent the present transit company and could be a bit bolder with a larger font.
Most routes need reviewing as the practicality or usage is not suitable to most riders. Here is an example: Travelling from St. Clair Street and needing to go to Food Basics, Shoppers, the post office, bank or other stores in that plaza. It’s planned that I need to go downtown and return to said plaza or get off and walk from the street over (Victoria Avenue) with half an hour to return!
If you have no need to use the bus, it’s hard to understand the plight of riders who need the service. It’s a service to prevent isolation and a necessary service for a city to provide.
In gratitude for many, so here is hoping for a more progressive future for transit going forwards
Barbara Fischer
Chatham
