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AKBigDaddy t1_j7uk47u wrote

Reply to comment by -cochise in Want passenger rail in Manchester? Make your voice heard by PurpleSubtlePlan

>Fleets of electric buses are presently far more feasible and affordable.

Isn't that just in the short term though? From my understanding the real savings from rail is long term, as there's far less maintenance required on a passenger car for a train than there is for any highway vehicle. Not to mention we already have bus service to boston from as far away as Concord. I don't know about you, but I despise taking the concord coach. Bout the only time I do it is if I'm flying out. It's not practical as it is now for going to a bruins game, catching a concert, etc.

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-cochise t1_j7uqow7 wrote

I’m imagining probably ten times the bus traffic we have now with regularly spaced schedules that would be workable for daily commuters. Imagining, of course.

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AKBigDaddy t1_j7ur9eh wrote

But that only works if you reduce the number of people driving, otherwise you're adding to the traffic problem. Maybe it's just me but I feel like there's a stigma associated with riding a bus that isn't there for taking a train- so for convincing people to take public transport, I think a train will get better adoption than busses. I could very well be wrong, this is just my personal bias- If it was convienient to my workplace, i'd take a train every day. I don't care if the bus is coming to my office door I would drive my own car before taking the bus.

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-cochise t1_j7uzbqm wrote

These would be newer and cleaner and full of middle class workers and professionals. Maybe even extend some stretches of HOV lanes to make it even more attractive. Load it with racks for bikes, e-bikes, scooters, yuppies love that shit. Not to mention the green aspect, you could sell that pretty well too.

Imagine a bus leaving from Manchester (Concord , Nashua) every ten minutes during morning commuting hours and you get access to the quick-moving HOV lane for a smooth 60-75 minute ride to Alewife or West Medford.

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AKBigDaddy t1_j7uzp3k wrote

> These would be newer and cleaner and full of middle class workers and professionals.

I fit that bill. I still would prefer to drive myself. Maybe I'm just jaded because of my prior experience on buses, or maybe it's just that I hate being in close proximity to other people. Even commuter trains give you SOME room to stretch your legs, stand up and walk around that busses simply don't.

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