I still do not see a massive use of the trains in the Boston Metro area. One issue is that parking lots are brimming with cars and those that want to use it cannot find a space. Building more lots is not a great idea.
While not the most ideal – I suggest that feeder buses be established to bring people from their homes to the stations. Routes established along the main streets in neighborhoods can be established to ferry people from (for example) Shrewsbury, Holden, West Boylston to Worcester; Wayland, Natick, Wellesley to the Framingham Station and so forth – adequate schedules, regular service will cut down on the amount of cars on the road. Rising fuel costs are having an unexpected environmental benefit and this is great. I certainly hope that the MBTA is hopping on this opportunity and should rightfully contemplate a way to recoup investments be it through advertising revenue as well pricing the service in a way it makes sense.
DART-ing in Dallas!
I had a chance to ride the DART train (It’s electric!) in Dallas and truly enjoyed the quiet ride and the incredible on-time scheduling. I took the DART from Richardson TX in the north, was able to jump on the connecting bus to Love Field and make my flight on time. No stress, only about $3.00 total!!! I was the ONLY person on this bus. It was definitely a loss to the transit authority. We have such a long ways to go. A taxi would have cost me $50.00 plus tip. (It was about 35 miles all told). With the amount of traffic in Dallas, I am surprised more people are not using DART. We need to invest more in these solutions that will make cities more livable and free us from our cars.
More Trains - Expanded Schedule Must Contemplated
