Well I for one would definitely buy in to a bus with free Wi Fi. I always use public transportation because Hawaii has been recognized multiple times for having the "best bus service in America." The question I have is about how the provider will account for the defaction of terminals.

I have to agree that what riders really want (Torontonians at least) is a system that is simply reliable and gets you from point A ot B faster than walking.

"reliable" also means somehow getting around the strike action that seems to cripple the city every 3-5 years by holding us common citizens hostage.

One system that I saw and really liked, was implemented in Christchurch New Zealand. I have to say, the transit system there rocks! For one, all buses are equipped with a GPS system that transmits data to receivers at bus stops. This tells you if you have 5 mins, or 35 mins to wait for the next bus. Novel idea, eh? Now I can get that coffee.

They also had something so simple... Free transit! Yes. COMPLETELY FREE. It's what they call the 'ring bus'. It's a few routes that travel around the city (in a ring) and allow you to get from point A to B, or simply onto one of the lines heading into town (which do cost regular fare).

So would a green bus, free wifi or anything else like that spur me to buy every increasing fare? not likely. Simple things first please.

Jon
( whom is awaiting another transit union strike )

Lloyd Alter said: “But like any business, if you provide good customer service you attract a customer base.”

I'm afraid Lloyd has it backwards.

Business 001: Successful businesses find out what people (customers) want, and provide that service or product.

Having seen and used public transportation in other western countries and cities in the US I have to say I think that the US is far, far behind. Living in NYC I think there is not a single bus that does not squeak when braking, not to mention all the other loud and ignoring noises they give off. Already there is a design fault with the consequence of noise pollution.

I think for a commercially used car/bus these should be better designed, for durability and looks. Second would certainly kill the perception, "No one wants to pay for public transportation, because they think only the poor use it." Sevices is also key. I personally don't like using the bus b/c I have no way of knowing if it is going to be on time. I just can't trust them. Once on board, it is very bumpy, loud, and if you don't have the right change....you can't take the bus.

Overall I think they should be a lot more environmentally friendlier than they are. They should be the ones setting the standard. Companies should not advertise on them but sponsor the state of the art eco bus. Who can and will make that happen? Who will be first?

This is probably a dumb question, but are hybrid buses any quieter than non-hybrids?

Thank you SF I like what you are doing.

@ jcard21
Lloyd isn't backwards at all you are saying the same thing that he is except you added the research.
The business finds out what people want, then provide that service, and then you will get those customers.

As someone who commutes daily by bike and then bus, I can really appreicate their effort to improve the bus riding experience. What is funny to me is that San Francisco had the best public transit I've ever experienced in the US.

I like this strategy; although there are many more poor people than rich, if the rich take up something it generally flows on to the rest of society.

What if the new fancy buses were 3 times as expensive as the old buses? Would it still be good? (I imagine that such fancy bus systems as described above might be more pricey, but not necessarily so.)

I think it would be. If the rich decide to use these pricey buses instead of their SUVs etc, wouldn't that effect a big change? Then they might be interested in sponsoring or endorsing more and more buses, and why not trains and trams while we're at it.

I realise that price wasn't mentioned above, and of course it would be ideal if it were free. But if it were free, would the quality of the buses remain high? People tend to desecrate things that they don't perceive as having value. Just some thoughts to perhaps spark debate on getting rich people on board first, perhaps at the temporary cost to the poor, for the longterm benefit of all...

I would be perfectly happy with a bus service that was safe, clean, and turned up on time

In Hawaii there are already numerous route that use what we call thEtransit. It's a diesel-electric that can propel the bus at low speeds and shuts the engine off at lights. Most are also accordion style buses that can seat about 20 more so seating space is not as limited. I hear it gets up to 50% better milage as well.

And yes, they are quieter. I don't know, but the turbo spool is not as atrocious as older buses. I think it's because of the electric assist.

Did they ever try those 12 piston calipers on buses? I hate the brakes [I believe they are drums] that buses have now.

Don't be mean, keep it green.

normal peopel all over teh workld (other than the US) use public transport be it buses or trains or light rail even.

when will americans wake up.

It's a wonderful idea to get rich people to ride the bus but first we would have to add stops at the golf course and the country club. Next a Star bucks in the back of the bus and finally raise the fare to keep those smelly poor people(especially those tree huggin hippies)off the bus.

From what I've heard and seen of the 'new' Hybrid buses (I was a bus driver for 7 years, mostly school buses though, but some transit) they are no louder or quieter than a regular bus. I'm sure with several years of pounding curbs, sewer grates, and potholes they will rattle and squeak just like any other bus does too.

As far as 'free' buses go, bad idea. They'll become mobile apartments for the homeless (or whatever the PC term is this week). People will just hang out on the bus, especially if it runs in a ring-route fashion.

-Lego

The Rapid Ride system in Albuquerque has had wifi for a while already, and all public city transit (buses and double-length buses) are free for students at UNM and the local community college.