Thread started by dolamyte at 03.27.08 - 4:51 pm

I've been watching the news and they just talked about a new public transportation idea that's kicking off in the New England area. It's called Bolt Bus and it's seems like a pretty good idea.

www.boltbus.com

-Super clean buses and drivers with nifty uniforms
-WiFi free on all buses
-$1 fares
-Hybrid Metro/Grey Hound type services (frequent stop routes, and longer haul trips as well)
-and few other niceties

How do you think SoCal would take to something like this?

No mention of how they cater to bikes though : (

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" Can I take a bicycle or golf bag?

We do allow them and consider them to be oversize items as long as space is available in the baggage area. The oversize item will count as your one bag allowed under the coach. You’ll be responsible for placing the item in the baggage bin. We will not charge you an additional fee for oversized item provided it is within your limit of one bag under the coach. BOLTBUS is not responsible for damage to oversize items or items that are not placed in normal luggage or a carrying case."

I don't know how they do such cheap fares. I know they get higher closer to travel date but how much higher do they get?



toweliesbong
03.27.08 - 4:58 pm

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I love this idea myself.
We used to have this thing up here called the "Victor Valley Commuter" a few, years back.
Mon-Sat service from the Amtrak Station on 7th street, along with pickup at the two, park'n'rides along the 15 were the norm.

But, I fear it's the planning and scheduling arrangements that killed it.
With no service whatsoever on Sunday, and majority of everyone up here clinging to their four-wheeled, ferries like they were their own kids, didn't help matters much either.

Now, if this sort of thing were to be unveiled and made available to all areas of SoCal, High Desert-beyond-Cajon-Pass included, I could see it gathering steam.
The only way it will stick is if it's made appealing enough to typical, car-commuters to use at least once, or twice a week.
Free and discounted fare days, viral-advertising through often-read newspapers, I could see it happening at a steady pace.



bentstrider
03.27.08 - 5:00 pm

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@towelies

They said that the fares are cheap because of the super low over head. They pick up curbside so there aren't any stations and what not. I think they somehting along the lines of the one buck being introductory but not for how long. They said that even thier regualr fares were extremely low compared to other mass transit options.

@bentstrider

We have the MTBA which does a good deed but unfortunitly can't cater to the majority of residents here in 29, that being Marines. Thought the fare of $10 to Palm Spring Air Port is awesome!
_____

I think if they added a small food service for a fee that these sould really convert a lot of cagers. Imagine a starbucks or Coffee Bean licensing deal.....

Be back later guys I have to sell some ideas



dolamyte
03.27.08 - 5:11 pm

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OK, so here's my brilliant bus idea:

A bus service for and by cyclists. It would only run on really busy streets during rush hour (Olympic, Sunset around Beverly Hills until Brentwood) or on hilly streets (Up Silver Lake Blvd, up Glendale near the 2 freeway) or where there isn't a good bike route. Everything else is rideable.

You'd be able to take your bike on the bus, where it would be stored on a special hook like they do in Portland.



cabhauler
03.27.08 - 6:10 pm

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Oh, and this bus service can be commandeered for SAG duty or to take ridazz to other cities or to the desert to get high.



cabhauler
03.27.08 - 6:14 pm

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