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Automotive News & Views Are gas prices fueling your pain? 
10042 messages, Last post on Jul 12, 2008 at 3:07 PM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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Replying to: jae5 (Apr 16, 2008 9:46 am) I have used both San Fran and Phoenix mass transit dozens of times, and for the most part everything was on schedule and problem-free. Canonizing Mass Transit because of one incident or another is a silly thing to do, IMHO. Like another poster said - does a shutdown freeway during rush hour mean that personal vehicle commuting is not a good idea and should not be used? The answer is obvious. No system is perfect, but then you have to weight the pros and cons - and in almost every case, the overall "PROS" for mass transit IN GENERAL come out ahead. Mass Transit as a personal way to get to and from work is not for everyone. But the millions of riders who use it certainly appreciate it being an option for them.
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Sounds like a good place to work, but the service isn't too good. Now not to be biased, the roads are no better in Boston. Thus I avoid it when possible. http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/02/22/columns/columns06.txt As gagrice said; you're better off out of the city, have your own land and your own transport. I live and work in a city of 20,000, and have a 4 mile commute. |
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...it already is almost upon us. Just filled all three cars today - the Park Ave, girlfriend's LaCrosse, and the new Caddy. Sunoco Ultra is an absurd $3.539 and regular is a not much less reasonable $3.279. It's expensive to maintain a fleet.
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Replying to: tpe (Apr 16, 2008 10:21 am) I've taken the DC Metro when visiting relatives and really enjoyed it. I don't know how it would be for commuting to work though. The problem with mass transit, at least outside of major metropolitan areas, is acessability. I live in a suburban area in upstate NY where there is no passenger rail for local travel. The nearest bus stop is 11/2 miles away. If you are over 40 or if it's raining or if it's -10 degrees that means public transit is non-existent. This I think is why mass transit will always be a second choice for many. |
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Replying to: kernick (Apr 16, 2008 11:48 am) That's just your and his opinion, and it's fine to have. But just because YOU and Gary prefer that, no one should attack Mass Transit to justify their personal living preferences. Some people don't want to live like that. Some people enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life and all a big city has to offer. I know that's hard to believe, but it's true. And many people are forced by economics to use mass transit. It allows them to live their life with fewer hassles. People who have suspended licenses, or have lost a car to repossession, or who were forced to give their cars up to keep food on the table, or who have a good job but cannot afford the time and money to commute by car, or whatever. Big City Mass Transit provides a real and valuable service to millions of Americans.
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Replying to: kernick (Apr 16, 2008 11:48 am) I hope you aren't DRIVING that commute !!!
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Replying to: kernick (Apr 16, 2008 11:48 am) Anyway, I am thinking about trading my TCH for a Yaris and "downsizing" my life a little bit to help pay for more expensive groceries, etc. With the cost of transportation and other items on the upswing, I'm looking into a mortgage refi to take advantage of lower rates and buying an $18K Yaris to replace my TCH and shaving about $200 a month off my car payment. |
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DC's "Metro" system, what they call the subway here, is pretty nice. It's not cheap, and parking costs a fortune, plus I'm not close enough to walk or bike there so it's just not a good option for me. I used it when I lived in my previous house, and liked it OK. Had a bike and a scooter stolen from the Metro station, though. 
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Replying to: larsb (Apr 16, 2008 12:43 pm) That article wasn't written by Gary or I, but I could find other local reporters who have written the same thing. And to say "no one should attack Mass Transit" is just sticking your head in the sand. When something is lousy and corrupt , you should encourage people to complain. I'm glad the cities you have lived in have not been that way. Big City Mass Transit provides a real and valuable service to millions of Americans. It still doesn't mean it's any good. Sawdust and glue used to be mixed in the bread in Russia which many millions were glad to eat. 
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Replying to: kernick (Apr 16, 2008 1:20 pm) As for whether transit (or any other system) should be subject to criticism - of course it should be; everything can be improved. The statement "Mass transit is no good" makes no sense in a vacuum - If you agree that the job of transit is moving people, then it works. We might agree that it could be more comfortable, more efficient, less crowded, etc etc, however the primary purpose is being achieved, and in most cases, cost efficiently. |
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