I'd say the only thing short-sighted about this analysis is that the other "Step 3" should be "where parking takes a lane of road", because parking is basically always (but particularly at the AM rush) serving a truly tiny share of people (by any metric: per mile, per minute or whatever)
Completely agreed. That is one of the major complaints I have with Boston is that it seems that parking always comes before mobility for both personal autos and buses. Where are the rush-hour parking restrictions, turning lanes and general lane enforcement rules that are so prevalent basically everywhere else?
As evidenced by the map you linked to, a bus lane (even if only during rush hour 6-10a and 3-7p) along Washington Street between Roslindale Square and Forest Hills would be infinitely better for the neighborhood than the current glut of parking.
YES! Let Boston, Cambridge & Somerville know that they just got schooled in transportation innovation by Everett.More good reviews of Everett's Broadway bus lane. The original plan was to do a one-week demonstration this fall, take it down, and then do a longer-term pilot in the spring. Now they've decided to keep the demonstration going for as long as possible.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/re...way-success/9wDjozXVolbCkz2ziPf9lJ/story.html
This was such a quick and obvious win we need to question what Everett did right (and how Cambridge and Boston can copy it). Was it the unusually supportive mayor? A more recent plan for local transit improvements?
A really interesting question is how Everett chooses to spend its $$$ from Wynn's Casino. On the Casino's PR site they say:The stretch of Lower Broadway between Sweetser Circle and Sullivan Square is where the bus lanes are REALLY needed, as shown by the map. There's no parking there for the most part, so I don't know what the solution is there...
Sweetser Circle and Revere Beach Parkway — Access lanes will be widened and the circle will be modernized to relieve congestion. Improvements will also be made to intersections along Revere Beach Parkway.
Lower Broadway (Route 99) — A four-lane boulevard will be created with new turn lanes, ultra-modern ‘smart’ lights, upgraded street lights and furniture, trees and a landscaped median.
Sullivan Square — An effective, short-term solution is being created that ties into Boston’s long-term plan. Wynn is also committed to fund planning and help realize Boston’s preferred Sullivan Square design. Wynn will jump start the improvement process which has been under discussion for more than 15 years.
Wellington, Malden and Sullivan Square T Stations — Continuous shuttle service will be provided for guests and employees travelling to the resort via public transportation.
Woohoo! The Lechmere bus terminal has countdown timers (2 units, w/2 lines per side). So I saw next bus in xx minutes for the 80, 87,88 and one other
How are the other major bus terminals doing? Davis, Dudley, Alewife, Sullivan, Wellington, etc?