Me on the Sunday Buses

Yep: I actually rode buses today. Here's what happened:

• Bike Rack Full (we both boarded at VB Blvd & Witchduck – the other passenger is going to Military Circle)

• Inbound 20 had a 10-16 at VB Blvd & Newtown; we're down. 1:41 as we turned onto K-Ville

• Question: why do buses enter Leigh? What's wrong with the bus stops on Kempsville? Buses don't go into DePaul, for example.

• It's 1:45 as we turn onto the Blvd from Kempsville – should be at Military Circle now. Held up by 10-16 who wanted off at VB Blvd & JANAF, but then didn't want off. There goes lineup :( Passengers were hot headed, and knew who to blame (not the driver)
  

• Picked up another 10-16 at Military Circle. What a day.

• Oh what fun: the 2:18 #11 was shot at by some preschooler with a BB gun. Colonial & 29th. There was no damage and no injuries, but plenty of paperwork.
  

• Done with the concert at ODU. Time to head home.
  

• I boarded the 960. One bike in front, then I loaded. Two more bikes came up wanting to ride as well. The first biker didn't grasp that they could take the 20 with their MAX Day Pass. This is why when you see your bus, get in line. Perhaps HRT should look into SportWorks Trilogy racks (although that 4^th rider would still be SOL)?

• Passengers were running for the bus as it started taking off, but still inside Cedar Grove. I called forward to the driver but he ignored me. 5 PM #960 – bus #3001 – out of Cedar Grove.

• As always, why do I need to pay extra to ride The MAX? Why can't I have a 30-Day E&D MAX? It's a pain carrying around the extra change.

The Day Pass: Another Cedar Grove?

HRT needs to swing into action and start explaining the new pass structure. Passengers are aware that something's happening in October. They are aware there will be no more Transfers. They are having a hard time grasping the Day Pass concept and some are seriously looking at getting a car.

Even drivers are misinforming since they don't have all the details. I've been having to step in (drivers know me and will have passengers talk to me when they're unsure) and clarifying, but even I don't know everything.

What is the Go card? How does it work? What's the Go + MAX plan (for example, now: 30 Day + $1.50 = MAX fare)?

What's the plan for ODU students who want to ride The MAX? ODU Card + $1.50 isn't a good end-all-be-all. There should be an ODU MAX card.