The more I use mass transit, like the light train or bus rapid transit, in Guadalajara metropolitan area and compare it to using a car for everyday commute, the more I'm convinced that we need a larger integrated system.
Today I had some errands to run, and had to transfer between both systems to get where I had to be. If I had to use the normal bus, I´d have to pay four fares to get where I was going and would have taken at least half an hour longer since on normal bus it shares the road with private transport. Which means that it runs slower overall.
Using the Macro Periférico rapid bus line and the Línea 3 of the light train system it took an hour and 20 minutes, even accoutring for waiting time for the bus and train to arrive both ways, since they have their own right of way. Not only that, the transfer cost half the price of the fare, which means that for the round trip I paid the price of three fares, instead of the four it would had cost me using the bus. For one trip it doesn't mean much, but for those who make the trip for work between five and six times a week, or those who have to make it daily, it adds up quickly.
While the Macro Periférico is getting extended, and the another Macros Bus is getting done to get to the airport, and a fourth light rail line has been completed early this year, there is room to expand both systems. For example the Línea 2 of the light rail could be extended to at least the Periférico from where it ends now, and more light rail or rapid bus lines need to be added in mayor avenues like Mariano Otero and Lopez Mateos, where options to cars are badly needed.
Mass transit in not a luxury, or nice things to have, on metropolitan areas like Guadalajara. They are must haves, that make commuting within the city not only easier, but much faster. Just having a few lines is not enough, they must be complete systems that allow people to move around the city, and with the same payment system to allow seamless transition between them. The same goes for the normal bus system, adding that they should also accept the transfer discount when taking near the stations of the light train, and rapid bus systems.
Public transport should be seen as system, not as independent services. Taxis, and shared ride apps, could be seen as exceptions, but light rail, rapid bus, buses, and trolleybus should be considered as part of the system and integrated as such. And should be made so that everyone living in the metropolitan area should be within a 15 minute walking distance of a bus stop, trolley bus stop, light rail, or rapid bus station. Not only that, transferring between them should be seamless when needed. Not only that, it should be cheap enough for most of the population to pay, even free in some cases.
Public transport should so good that most people can consider it as the first option for their daily commute, with private transport being primary mode of transport for as little as possible. It is not about taking freedom of choice away, is that the making the choice of public transport easier to make for a larger portion of the people living in cities.
Public transport makes building cities for the people who live in them much easier, it is time to make cities for people not for cars.
No comments:
Post a Comment