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Post by Mark Dewdney on Mar 11, 2010 18:02:07 GMT -5
Now, if you own a bike, don't start in on me; I'm not using this thread as an anti-bike argument. I wish everyone rode their bike to work; I'd be ECSTATIC if there was enough cycle volume to force us to close, say, Richmond St to cars during rush hour.
However; I have NEVER seen anyone standing out on the street measuring how many bikes per hour actually use the bike racks on TTC buses.
I want to hear a simple equation; X number of bikes used the racks this year.
Then I want to see X+Y+Z - divided into the amount of money it takes to install and maintain those bike racks.
Okay, so now how much did we just spend per bike?
I have the sneaking suspicion that we wouldn't much like the answer.
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Post by lukev on Mar 14, 2010 22:31:18 GMT -5
I've used the bike racks on TTC buses once or twice. Their value is indeed limited by the fact that biking is usually faster and cheaper than the bus, so only on the rare occasion would somebody feel the need to use it.
I use the GO bus bike racks often, and they are truly useful for that kind of inter-city travel.
I believe these racks were paid for and installed by the provincial agency Metrolinx, which is why you will see them on all buses in the GTA.
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Post by Mark Dewdney on Mar 15, 2010 11:33:39 GMT -5
OK, it's good to hear from a rider (especially one who's used the racks). I guess my perspective is that, regardless of the agency, their funding all comes out of our pockets via taxes, and it seems like those racks weren't exactly well-thought through, much less money well-spent. (just tell me that the bid process was adhered to, and I'll be a little happier) However, mine is just one taxpayers's opinion, which is why I like to hear from you guys.
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Post by lukev on Mar 16, 2010 16:32:49 GMT -5
Yes, but don't blame city council or the mayor for this one, they didn't have the option to use the money on something else.
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Post by Mark Dewdney on Mar 16, 2010 23:06:04 GMT -5
That's fair. However, Council can certainly exert some pressure, and it's all coming out of the taxpayer pockets. Cameras work just fine when focused on us too. It may be that these racks didn't cost much at all (and would therefore not be worth antagonizing anyone over) but if we're talking more than $10m for the whole project, that's lunches for a LOT of schoolkids.
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Post by Mark Dewdney on Mar 16, 2010 23:07:10 GMT -5
Oh - thanks, Luke. I appreciate the chance to talk things over, and you're helping focus me by participating. This way, I'll be the candidate with the best grasp on the issues - how can I avoid it?!?
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