Full post with links:
http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/06/wheelchair-accessible-...
Earlier this month the Sam Sullivan had a perfect photo op for Translink’s 100% wheelchair accessible system. I don’t know that we can credit Sam Sullivan for this breakthrough in Vancouver, but I have to admit that the city is making amazing progress with respect to making physical spaces accessible to people.
Mayor Sam Sullivan said being able to get around with ease and freedom is a luxury most people don’t know they have.
“It’s amazing to (now) be able to go into any bus in the city,” he said.
“I love the new buses,” McCain added. “I love the fact that you can back in and don’t have to lock your chair. You don’t need any help.”
“(This) will get more people on the transit system.”
By samanthaorwell on March 19, 2008 - 2:51pm
Read full post here:
http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-want-to-want-to-like...
Today the bus driver almost made me cry.
I love the 3-door entrance on the B-Line but today, as I was running towards the back door my arm was the only thing that was going to fit so I quickly gave up my chances of getting in the front and ran to the front entrance as the bus doors were about to close. I stood there and waved and the driver opened the door.
As I got on I flashed my bus pass and the driver said to me in a snooty voice, “what was wrong with the other bus?” (I guess I should mention now that two B-line busses came at the same time and half the crowd opted to run up to the 1st one to spread out, as did I- I just didn’t run as fast in my heels). Anyhow, I tried to reply and say that the backdoor just closed on me and etc, not that there was anything wrong with that 2nd bus but naturally, when 2 buses come at the same time people try to spread out so they don’t’ have to be packed on one bus. I started to explain myself and then he CUT ME OFF and said, “pshh, yeah..whatever..”
I seriously felt angry, upset and embarrassed all at once. And the rest of the morning I was in a rotten mood. And I even woke up in a good mood.
A few things to draw out of my anecdote:
Finish reading post here:
By samanthaorwell on February 28, 2008 - 4:33pm
read full post here: http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/
February 27th, 2008 EcoDensity Talk #2
This morning I took the bus out to UBC. I used to do this commute daily during my undergrad and had no problem with it since it really was my only option. Now that I have to have a car for work purposes I’ve gotten used to my own personal space. I like personal space. Anyhow, back to the bus. Taking transit it always the same during peak hours. The two qualities that remain constant are 1) Busses are always at least 10 minutes late, and 2) The late bus is picking up slack for the other late bus so its packed- the dozens of people waiting at the bus stop won’t fit.
…I’m so glad transit responds to increased ridership with the exact same amount of busses that still arrive late.
But let me tell you two more trends that I am beginning to see.
The first, and completely irrelevant point, is that bus drivers are getting hotter. Yep, I said it, the days of ugly old fat bus drivers are over. I’ve seen QUITE a few cute guys and a couple nice lookin’ gals sitting in the drivers seat. And I must say it does make it quite a bit easier to smile as you get on the bus and leave that “thank you” as you get off.
By samanthaorwell on February 4, 2008 - 4:16pm
Ode to a Vancouver trolley bus,
With your seats so blue.
You once were so orange,
So strong, and so true.
I rode you down Oak street,
Down Cambie and Main.
I rode you up main corridors,
Finding your stops? Never a pain.
You’ve changed over the years,
But I will always love thee.
From high seats to low seats,
Your views still impress me.
My favourite bus,
Is almost long gone.
It remains on a single line
The #4, orange like dawn.
But alas, the orange trolley allowed
Little access for most.
Replaced, indeed it was.
Dual tiered it did boast.
The next model to come,
Had blue and soft seats.
But it was the pleathery smell,
That lessened its feats.
Newer even still,
Is the plush simple design,
With lean solid frames,
A new favourite of mine.
For although people complain,
Of the fewer number of seats.
If one were to count,
You would see that these busses still meet
Almost the same amount of people,
Of course less by two,
Than the beloved old orange
With the advantage of new
Wheelchair accessible,
Even strollers too!
They bend and they bow,
And create opportunity in lieu.
But the creeping change,
Of the transit system is failing.
The construction has left me,
Questioning and bailing.
For many changed routes,
And the new “Montreal-style” busses
Are leaving me wary,
And confused through my cusses.
