Today we take a look at reimagining the WRTA's existing bus routes
Route 23 - City Hall to Mountain Village via Lincoln St. and
Route 27 - City Hall to Auburn Mall via Main St.
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| Current Bus Routes 23 and 27 Reimagined and Overlaid (Blue) on the proposed AIRLINE BRT System (Red), Visitor Trolley (Green) and other Proposed Bus Routes (Purple) |
The proposed combined routes 23 and 27 are pretty much identical to their current routes outside of downtown, but the present route downtown along Main and lower Lincoln Sts. is relocated to provide bus service along Park Ave. between Webster Square and Chadwick Square and then connecting to Lincoln Plaza via Millbrook St.
Presently there is no WRTA bus service along Park Ave. (current
Route 7 - City Hall to Washington Heights Apts. travels a zig-zag path southwest out of City Hall and briefly runs on Park Ave. in two locations), and bus riders traveling between the two
AIRLINE BRT connected destinations are required to travel through downtown.
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| Detail of West Side Segment of Proposed Bus Route 2327 (Blue) and Other Proposed Bus Routes (Purple) |
In addition to providing public transit riders with regular bus service along the West Side's commercial corridor, the reimagined Route 2327 provides a direct bus connection between the Gold Star Blvd. commercial corridor and the Lincoln Plaza commercial corridor.
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| Detail of Chadwick Square - Lincoln Plaza Segment of Proposed Bus Route 2327 (Blue) |
Like most current bus routes in Worcester, riders traveling from Lincoln St. to Gold Star Blvd. are required to travel between the two areas via downtown with a minimum of one transfer.
Years ago I used to ride the Lincoln Street bus almost everyday, and having to backtrack downtown (or walk an extra mile and a half) used to drive me crazy. I started riding a bike instead and saved the bus for bad weather only. It was much more efficient (and quicker). I would like to see your routes on an overlay with the existing routes. Also, two "rings"--an inner and outer--would connect the "spokes" as you have them and help enormously in getting folks around the city efficiently. This is good stuff, I hope folks are paying attention to it.
ReplyDeleteI agree in hoping folks are paying attention to this. I was recently speaking with some 20 somethings about Worcester, specifically what they thought of the city. They all said they were more excited than they were just a few years ago with the emergence of the Canal District, the Mayo Group work downtown, CitySquare finally getting off the ground, Hanover Theater, to name a few.
ReplyDeleteThey agreed that they would consider living in Worcester if there were much better transit options. They would like to see more frequent service and cross-town routes. Exactly what you have been promoting with these routes. And they stated that more Bodegas are needed to encourage people to live and walk in our urban neighborhoods.
DavidZ
Years ago I used to ride the bus Lincoln Street almost every day, and need to backtrack to the center of town (or walk an additional mile and a half), which is used to drive me crazy. I started riding a bike instead of the bus and saved only by bad weather. It is much more efficient (and faster). I would like to see your route in a layer of existing channels. In addition, two "king of rings, internal and external - to connect« spokes », as they have and will greatly help in getting people around town efficiently. It is a good thing, I hope people are paying attention to it.
ReplyDeleteLondon Airport Minicab Transfer
A few years ago I used to ride the bus to Lincoln Street on a daily basis, I agree, and I hope people focus on it. Recently I spoke with about 20 somethings from Worcester, in particular, what we think of the city. All said they were more excited than just a few years ago discovered the channel District Center in May Group, City Square finally get off the ground, Hanover Theater, name a few.
ReplyDelete