Public transit is the lifeblood of any thriving city, offering a better alternative to personal vehicles, reducing traffic congestion, and lowering our CO2 emissions. However, in order to truly harness the potential of public transit, it’s critical that we adapt to new technologies and listen to our communities. Here are four key areas where I believe improvements can make a significant impact:
- Dedicated Communication Channels – Communication is key for any government entity, especially transit. Our current system is using the CBRM’s own social media channels to relay this critical information. What ends up happening is those critical messages get lost in a sea of other posts. Creating dedicated social media channels specifically for transit updates would streamline information, keeping riders informed about service changes, delays, or other critical updates.
- Efficient Bus Routes and Interconnectivity – The efficiency of bus routes directly influences the attractiveness of public transit. By reevaluating and optimizing bus routes, and creating competition with car travel times, we can make public transportation a more appealing option for all riders. Additionally, creating more interconnected routes allows for seamless transfers without the need for lengthy walks between stops making riders’ journeys longer. Residents should be able to hop on and off buses quickly and easily, making the entire transit network not an inconvenience but a no-brainer to use.
- Tap and Go Payment System – We are in the digital age and it’s time for public transit to catch up. Implementing a tap-and-go payment system across all buses would simplify the boarding process, making it more convenient for passengers. Enabling riders to use their debit or credit cards for seamless transactions not only enhances user experience but also eliminates the need for exact change. On the flip side, introducing an online web portal for purchasing bus passes, checking scheduled arrival times, and accessing service updates would bring up further into the future.
- Enhanced Advertising, Accessibility, and Awareness: A well-informed public is more likely to embrace public transit. To achieve this, each bus stop should be equipped with clear signage detailing route information and arrival times. Main stops should have proper shelters, live ETA displays, and easy-to-digest route maps. Advertising campaigns should highlight the benefits of public transit, educate residents on how to use the system, and increase overall awareness. To create more interconnect routes, establishing bus terminals that act as hubs for various routes would enhance the speed and usability of our transit system.
These are merely suggestions of what could be. An improved transit system would reduce carbon emissions, eliminate congestion, and be a worthy challenger to personal transit. A trip that takes 15 minutes by car should not take over an hour to complete. It’s time we invest in public transit and be at the forefront of public innovation!
My daydream
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) covers a vast and sparsely populated area. Establishing transit connections between each town within the region could prove to be prohibitively expensive, with the cost potentially outweighing the benefits. However, if financial constraints were not a factor, I would strongly advocate for the revitalization of our rail system.
Imagine a scenario where we develop a central hub in Sydney, seamlessly connecting it to Glace Bay, New Waterford, Sydney Mines, and North Sydney. This network would significantly reduce travel time, facilitate the redistribution of buses to areas with higher demand, and enhance our capacity to transport larger numbers of people simultaneously. By reallocating buses, we could potentially extend transit services to smaller communities that have previously lacked access.
Furthermore, I envision a rail link extending from Sydney to Halifax, a connection that could revolutionize regional transportation and foster greater economic and social integration between our communities.
Of course, these proposals must contend with the realities of personal travel in terms of cost, speed, and comfort. While light rail systems have become commonplace in major urban centers, their implementation in the CBRM may present financial challenges. Nonetheless, the concept serves as an inspiring model that encourages us to think innovatively about the future of transportation in our region.