![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1){kind=small}
Cash-strapped T proposes 23 percent fare increase
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/somervillWhile not totally happy (there is still a fare increase and minimal cuts to service), I breathed a sigh of relief to see the T's "final" plan to attack its spiralling deficit. This will have only a minimal impact compared to the scenarios put out a few months ago that would have involved fare increases of up to 43% and cuts in service of up to 50% or more.
But this is only a one year fix. The deficits will only increase if a long term solution is not found. First, the amounts allocated to the T required under federal law to offset the environmental impacts of the Big Dig must be taken off their balance sheet. This should have never been allocated to them as the Big Dig was to benefit drivers.
It it now time for the state legislature to address our transportation funding for all modes. Transportation is an important issue that we can't continue to punt on. We need to find a stable way to fund our vital transportation resources, whether it a raise in gas taxes, more tolling or some other innovative idea. I know gas tax or toll increases are not popular, but are probably necessary.
It is time for drivers to pay more of their share of transportation costs. Gas, excise and other similar taxes only cover about half of the costs of highway construction and maintenance. And consider this - a deficit in road funds will not mean roads will be closed or torn up. Those of us who use public transportation don't have that guarantee.
One of the best articles I have seen on the problems of the economy and what we need to do about it.
The Appalachian Mountain Club operates a hikers shuttle to hiking trails throughout the White Mountains during the summer and weekends in the fall. The stop at the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead is 2/10ths of a mile from the base station of the cog railway.
It may be a little late for this year, but if you can do a weekend in the next few it may work or you can start planning for next year.
Coming from outside of the area, it will require an overnight stay in Pinkham Notch in both directions where bus service is availale from Boston once a day via Concord Coaches.http://www.concordcoachlines.com/
This years schedule from Pinkham Notch leaves 810am changing shuttles at Bretton Woods Irving at 910am and arriving at the trailhead at 920am. Return leaves the trailhead at 440pm and arrives at Pinkham Notch at 630pm.
There is a hotel right at the bus stop in Pinkham Notch, the Joe Dodge Lodge.
Another possibility is taking the Concord Coach to Lincoln NH where the AMC Shuttle makes a connection to the Highland Center at Crawford Notch, staying at the Highland Lodge and leaving the next morning at 900am arriving at the trailhead at 920am. The return leaves at 440pm and arrives at the lodge at 515pm. The next day, the shuttle leaves at 930am arriving in Lincoln at 1110am where a same day Concord Coach connection at 125pm travels south to Boston. This assumes that you aren't going to spend more time seeing the rest of the area.
I know this is a little complicated, but for those who do not or chose not to drive it permits a visit to this historic site.
Popular Places - Glacier National Park
Getting There
Amtrak - Amtrak's “Empire Builder” operating between Chicago and Seattle serves Glacier National Park with two stops, E. Glacier near the Glacier Park Lodge and W. Glacier about three miles from Apgar Village. The Belton Station Shuttle provides a connection from the W. Glacier station into the park to Apgar Village Inn and Lake McDonald Lodge.
Getting Around
Glacier Park Shuttle - Seasonal (early July to early September) two-way service along Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Apgar Transit Center and St. Mary Visitor Center. Buses run every 15 or 30 minutes dependent on location and time of day between approximately 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m
East Side Shuttle - Operates from the Glacier Park Lodge, near E. Glacier Station along the east side of the park continuing to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park. Connections to Glacier Park Shuttle available at St. Mary's Visitor Center.
Another example of how much public transportation exists especially in California, notoriously famous
for its car culture. Who would have thought that you could do a trip like this all on local transit. As the
author points out "who would want to do this" considering the availability of Amtrak, several intercity
bus lines and flights, but the point is, it is possible and points out the large amount of public transit
that exists, much more than most people realize.
The King City to Paso Robles segment mentioned in the article as only available in December is now
possible year round (weekdays only) via MST (Monterey-Salinas Transit) routes 82 (Salinas and King City
to Fort Hunter) and 83 (Fort Hunter to Paso Robles). The buses operate twice a day in each direction
and make connections in both directions outside the gate of Ft. Hunter.
Thanks to San Francisco Weekly reporter Joe Eskenazi for doing the "crazy" expedition.
A wonderful speech. Something to really think about
The colorful buttes, pinnacles, mesas and canyons surrounding Sedona are famous the world around for its red rock vistas. The remains of ancient wetlands, these crimson cliffs have been carved by the forces of the desert into one of natures most magnificent masterpieces. US Forest Service In addition to its spectacular natural beauty, Sedona is know for its thriving arts colony with numerous shops an galleries throughout the town. Sedona isn't as well served by public transportation as some other popular destinations, but it is possible to visit without a car. For areas near Sedona that are not served by public transportation, many tour companies provide service. Visit Sedona provides a comprehensive list of tour operators in the area.
Getting There
Sedona Phoenix Shuttle – Shuttle from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Sedona. Nine departures daily with additional stops at nearby towns of Cottonwood, Oak Creek Village and Camp Verde. Reservation required. Sedona stop is in West Sedona. With connection via Verde Lynx to Uptown Sedona. Flight connections to points worldwide.
Arizona Shuttle - Twice daily shuttle from Flagstaff Amtrak station to Sedona. Operates March to October. Connections in Flagstaff to points nationwide.
Amtrak Thruway Bus - Thruway bus from Flagstaff. Connection to points nationwide in Flagstaff.
Getting Around
Sedona Roadrunner - Free shuttle in Uptown Sedona. (** Have just learned this service has been discontinued**)
Verde Lynx - Local bus between Cottonwood and Sedona serving W. Sedona, Uptown Sedona and the Poco Diablo Resort.
In recent years, the need for environmentally sound forms of transportation has become obvious: transportation that uses less fossil fuel, that emits less toxic gases and transportation that helps eliminate the need for more or larger roads. The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report (which represents the consensus of the world’s leading climate scientists and was approved by member governments including the U.S.) concluded that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 50 to 85% by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 4 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby avoiding many of the worst impacts of climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation will require a broad range of strategies, including increasing vehicle efficiency, lowering the carbon content of fuels, and reducing vehicle miles of travel. Public transportation can be one part of the solution.1
1. “Public Transportations Role in Responding to Climate Change” Department of Transportation, FTA Jan 2009
Read More and see more reasons
Syndicate
