Buses, RTA and Irony.

So precious. There’s a public hearing on the RTA tonight, but if you ride the bus, how do you get there?

THE MEETING
Robbie Webber explains the meeting and why its important and starts to explain the issue with transportation.

Reminder: Tomorrow – Wed, Feb 9, 6:00-8:00 PM – there will be a public hearing on the draft RTA plan. The meeting will be held at the Fitchburg City Hall, 5520 Lacy Rd.

This plan would be the basis for any referendum that might be on the ballot, either this April or at a later date. The draft plan is NOT a full plan for when, where, or how often buses will run, or what other services will be considered, however, it is a broad overview of the types of services that would be included in the RTA: express bus service, service to new areas, improved service to areas currently served, and infrastructure and equipment improvements.

The plan is fairly short (16 pages), so easy to read. It’s worth a look even if you do not plan to attend the meeting, and certainly should be the basis of comments if you do attend. You can find the plan here.

There is a bus from the South Transfer Point to Fish Hatchery Rd and Lacy, about a half mile from the hearing, and of course, the Cap City Trail runs behind the location. Getting back into town from Fitchburg could be a challenge, as I think the # 44 runs only during peak hour. However, I’m guessing that others at the meeting with cars would be willing to provide a ride to a more transit-friendly location at the end of the meeting. In addition, I believe Fitchburg Alder Steve Arnold is working on providing bus service from the hearing back to the South Transfer Point and downtown.

ISSUE
Yeah, if you ride the bus, how to you get there to talk about how the bus plan will, or will not, work for you? Here’s a bit more of an explanation of the problem by people who are dependent on the buses.

Fitchburg City Hall is close to commuter runs (check the bus schedule, just a few runs) which means it is truly Not accessible to those who rely on public transit.

You may get there by bus but you will not get home by bus. Upon your arrival, you will need the ability to go through ice and snow up a steep hill to the building.

To return home, you need to walk down a steep hill to Fish Hatchery Road. Bring your flashlight and be prepared to walk a very long distance down a very dark bike path to the nearest Route 40 bus stop. This is an hourly bus back to the South Transfer Point. This stop is also located near an area with high police calls so be careful.

INITIAL RESOLUTION

. . . yes it is true bus service does not cover the meeting because the resources are not present for a regional service system. Thus our work to make it so.

We will also take comments sent to us as well as listen to those who come to an actual meeting. I will personally read into the record such comments during the meeting. . . .

FINAL RESOLUTION
Sounds like Fitchburg is paying for extra bus service.

Attached is a route map and schedule for the shuttle to the RTA hearing in Fitchburg on Wednesday, February 9.

The shuttle will provide service between the Capitol Square and Fitchburg City Hall before, during, and after the hearing. Watch for a bus displaying “SPECIAL” in the destination sign.

The shuttle will stop at any regular Metro bus stop along the route.

The first trip to Fitchburg City Hall will depart from the bus stop on Main St at Carroll St at 5:20 p.m., arriving at Fitchburg City Hall at 5:50 p.m. The next trip will leave from Main & Carroll at 6:20 p.m., arriving at Fitchburg City Hall at 6:50 p.m.

The bus will make return trips from Fitchburg City Hall to Main & Carroll at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. If the hearing adjourns at or near 7:00 p.m., the last trip will depart from Fitchburg City Hall 10 minutes after the adjournment. If the meeting ends well after 7:00 p.m., an additional trip will be scheduled to depart 10 minutes after the hearing ends.

Thanks to the bus advocates who made this happen. On the other hand, I’m surprised they had to intervene in this manner to make this happen . . . and that it wasn’t thought of or taken seriously while planning the meeting.