Yes, I and a few other people ride the bus, but I and these few have come to rely upon it. The buses are clean, efficient, the drivers courteous, punctual and reliable.
I and my fellow riders have, I'm sure, diverse reasons for taking the bus. I have a car, but in the interest of saving money and my own sanity, I often choose not to add one more vehicle to the fray. In light of the events of the last few months, I consider it another excellent opportunity to reduce my own dependency on oil. According to Katie Alvord, transportation reform advocate and author of "Divorce Your Car," "Going by bus instead of car cuts nitrogen oxide pollution by 25 percent, carbon monoxide by 80 percent, and hydrocarbons by 90 percent per passenger mile." Others the elderly, children, the disabled and those with limited money have even more compelling reasons for riding.
Far from a "boondoggle," the T provides a necessary and civilized service to the citizens of Lawrence. Admittedly, riding the bus requires a bit (just a bit) more time, planning and a small measure of patience. In return, it gives stress-free rides and a reduction in traffic, pollution and consumption.
I realize that riding isn't an option for everyone, but don't disparage those taxpayers and non-taxpayers among us who do ride the bus or may do so in the future.
Kelly Barth,
Lawrence
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.