[RP TownTalk] F4 buses

[norm norton]

Oops!  This is mostly a repeat of something I sent yesterday.  I thought it hadn't been posted because I had not yet joined the mail group.

 

The last paragraph is new, so that is all that should really be posted.

 

Sorry about that.
 


From: normnorton at hotmail.com
To: towntalk at riverdale-park.org
Subject: F4 buses
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 10:17:28 -0400





Safety should be Metro's primary concern in determining the future route of the F4 bus.  Of course, I am defining safety as keeping bus passengers and drivers free from harm.  My worry is that Metro's definition of safety may be somewhat broader, and it may include limiting their own potential embarrassment.  Such considerations may lead to a permanent rerouting of the F4 to East-West Highway.
 
Anyone who has observed freight or passenger trains coming through town knows that the new double gates give ample warning.  It doesn't seem difficult to avoid getting caught on the tracks.  And as far as I know, there has been no other incident like the one that occurred last week.  It seems that adequate training of bus drivers--such as specifying which bus has the right of way should they meet at that corner--should be sufficient to avoid a repeat.
 
Rerouting to East-West Highway will result in the bus sitting in interminable rush-hour delays.  Furthermore, it will result in a pretty stretch of the route being without bus stops.  And if stops are added, it will require many passengers to cross or walk along a busy, pedestrian unfriendly highway. 
 
I think we need to be vigilant about making Metro substantiate the safety rationale of any proposed change in that bus route.
 
Some Riverdale residents may be interested to learn that Metro General Manager John Catoe will be participating in an online chat from noon to 1 PM tomorrow, Friday, April 3.  Information on the chat is available on Metro's homepage at www.metroopensdoors.com.
 
John Mullins





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