Have you ever
stood at a transit stop and seen an apparently crowded bus or
streetcar go by without stopping -- only to notice room for more
customers at the back of the vehicle? It’s a frustration that occurs
especially during peak periods, but is increasing as new low-floor
buses finally replace older models.
When passengers
are able to board through both doors, every spare centimeter is more
likely to be occupied -- yet in many situations riders fail to move
all the way back. This can occur aboard the TTC’s decades-old
streetcars and now in the elevated rear section of buses.
Toronto transit
riders have long insisted vehicle layouts emphasize sitting and not
standing, but the newer Mississauga-made Orion buses have ended up
cramped and uninviting. The raised platform makes it hard to see if
seats are free and many riders never bother to mount the stairs.
Worse, some models cannot be easily re-engineered to allow for
side-facing seats or a wider aisle.
This design
weakness means we’re missing precious capacity just when demand is
acute. A limited number of streetcars have wide aisles throughout,
but Torontonians now have an ingrained habit of avoiding the back --
possibly for fear of being unable to squeeze out for their stop. Our
existing trams are due to be replaced in a few years, potentially
longer if the TTC insists on a custom-made vehicle for the next
generation.
On the bus
side, Orions will eventually make up Toronto’s entire fleet, so we
need a strategy to avoid leaving people at transit stops. Everyone
is going to have to pitch in -- riders, employees and the
politicians who oversee the system.
First, TTC
drivers can consistently urge riders to fill the bus. This task can
be disheartening because some folks don’t pay attention or don’t
care. If even a handful of riders can be convinced to head back,
that’s a few more who won’t be stuck waiting. Operators, please
activate the pre-recorded announcement if your vehicle is equipped,
and add a personal touch via the microphone.
Riders, please
pay attention and fill the whole vehicle -- whether asked to,or not.
Notice how many people are waiting at the next stop, and move back
accordingly -- especially if you’re on a medium or long trip.
What can the
transit commission do? Acknowledge that collective errors were made
on the rear of the Orion buses and explore all remedies. Rearranging
seats in the existing fleet may be a drastic and expensive option
but must be considered. As for new vehicles -- including the
proposed streetcars -- be creative with the traditional dilemma of
more-seats vs. more-standing.