Is Cambridge seriously going to put its money where its mouth is? Making the #1 bus free would cost around $100k/week. That $2 million in federal funding won't go far. How much money is Cambridge actually willing to cough up?
Instead of more bus lanes which most non-commercial (and commercial) drivers ignore anyway I'd be in favor of bigger busses. Those articulated buses work a treat on Huntington and Blue Hill Aveneues (#39 and #28).
I rode the Route 1 bus frequently when I worked in Watertown (easy connection to Harvard Square) and if a bus was delayed, it was almost always crowded. Putting articulated buses on the 1 would make a world of difference.
Dunster Street in Harvard Square is pretty narrow. Until a few years ago, the route instead went around Harvard Yard and down twisty and equally narrow Bow Street.
After many decades of riding the 1 bus from Harvard to Mass Ave and having it loop around Johnson Yard, I forgot it now uses Dunster to return to Mt. Auburn St.
Comments
Good idea
Given how dysfunctional the #1 is and has been for decades, people shouldn't have to pay to ride it when it finally shows up.
Unless they can increase the
Unless they can increase the frequency, bad idea. The 1 is too crowded already.
No charge and more bus lanes
No charge and more bus lanes would be a start.
money
Is Cambridge seriously going to put its money where its mouth is? Making the #1 bus free would cost around $100k/week. That $2 million in federal funding won't go far. How much money is Cambridge actually willing to cough up?
Bus lanes
Making it free is great but bus lanes would probably make a bigger difference frankly. More people on buses stuck in traffic helps no one.
Instead of more bus lanes
Instead of more bus lanes which most non-commercial (and commercial) drivers ignore anyway I'd be in favor of bigger busses. Those articulated buses work a treat on Huntington and Blue Hill Aveneues (#39 and #28).
Yes
I rode the Route 1 bus frequently when I worked in Watertown (easy connection to Harvard Square) and if a bus was delayed, it was almost always crowded. Putting articulated buses on the 1 would make a world of difference.
Will articulated buses fit?
Dunster Street in Harvard Square is pretty narrow. Until a few years ago, the route instead went around Harvard Yard and down twisty and equally narrow Bow Street.
Forgot about that
After many decades of riding the 1 bus from Harvard to Mass Ave and having it loop around Johnson Yard, I forgot it now uses Dunster to return to Mt. Auburn St.
They might fit, but it'll be a tight squeeze.
Great Idea
It was a great idea when they pushed for it 4 years ago, too. Hopefully this manager is a little different.