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The short answer is yes, with a few caveats. My car became more trouble than it was worth so about three weeks ago I joined the list of newly bus passed commuters. The easy part is getting to and from my office. The #22 picks me up at the corner of my street and takes me to the corner of Lorain and W. 25th; it doesn’t get an easier than that. The caveats come in when I have something else to do besides going into the office, which as you can imagine, is often.
I have lots of observations on this which I will share over time but for now, I’ll stick to the increased ridership/is the bus too crowded issues from today’s PD article by Sarah Hollander. The article focuses on the Strongsville to Downtown Cleveland routes. Granted, that is a longer route than I have, although there are times when the ride can take fifty minutes. Like last evening- we made stops all along the route because even though it was seven o’clock in the evening, there were a lot of riders.
If the stats from the PD article are correct, there is a recent surge in ridership but not a 12 month trend. In fact, according to Hollander, 2007 saw a drop in ridership for the routes she highlighted. So if more routes or less time between routes is your wish as a commuter, I think you will still have to convince more of your neighborhood peers to take the bus.
I read (on the RTA site? I can’t remember) that they were purchasing longer buses for many routes to handle ridership. Last night was the first time I was on a bus with more seats. The PD article talks about standing room only from Strongsville. That happens on my route too but I never mind it. It takes me back to my commuting days in DC on the Metro when we really were packed in like sardines.
How long can I continue to not have a car as a Realtor®? I am hoping to do both; drive when the alternative is not feasible and take the bus on days when I’m not previously scheduled for a house showing. The truth is, it has worked out much more efficiently than I ever imagined. On the other hand, I am taking photos at a house today and my manager Chris is going to take me there. I had an open house last Sunday; my listing partner Mark drove me, I put up the signs and did the open house. Then I took the signs down and stored them in my client’s garage (they are still there!) and walked to the rapid transit stop. So it’s possible, but only with help.
Only time will tell if the RTA ridership for 2008 will buck the previous years trend and maybe find an increase in ridership. Any of you newly minted RTA commuters? Inquiring minds want to know. Peace Out - 3C
5 responses so far ↓
1 TimFerris // Jun 13, 2008 at 11:05 am
Interesting. Welcome to the new urban lifestyle. We actually haven’t owned any car at all since late last year, when we retired the Urban Combat Vehicle (UCV) to Brookside. It was only a personal backup anyway. We were riding the bus for business and personal matters and renting nice-looking/dependable cars as needed for business. I was also asking a lot more people to come see me at the office, which works way better for being able to serve more clients better. The days of house calls are about over, except for those who are established clients and can’t possibly come over.
Having been in your business at one time, I would imagine this will compel efficiencies and rethinkings that will make you a far more professional Realtor. I should also change your market to people more like you.
TimFerris’s last blog post..E-book editon of “Cities Within A City: On Changing Cleveland’s Government,” by Burt W. Griffin
2 Carole Cohen // Jun 13, 2008 at 11:10 am
Hi Tim, you make a good observations. It really is true that our transit and bus system is better than many people think. And it absolutely makes me a better professional to plan out my appointments rather than jumping when people call. I loved your comment about meeting people at the office and how efficient it is to do that, for everyone involved.
I spoke to the folks at City Wheels and they are adding cars to their fleet because more people are using their services and I think that will make a more viable rental car option for a lot of people.
3 Elaine Reese // Jun 13, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Well, now that certainly is an interesting thought - a Realtor® without a car!
It’s not an option here - no buses outside the Columbus metro area. I did change last year to being a “mobile” agent and don’t maintain an office in the office. I work out of my home so can go a couple days without having the WEENR-mobile out of the garage. I drove 3000 fewer miles last year by making that change.
Elaine Reese’s last blog post..Who Sets A Home’s Price? Sellers or Buyers?
4 Jay McGillicuddy // Jun 13, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Interesting in the fact that I like the idea. We do not have bus service here in southern NH. I do live close enough so I just might ride my bike and hope I don’t have to go out and show a house if we get a walk-in. Although I could ask them to drive.
1. Riding my bike would be good exercise.
2. Save money on gas.
So, I just might try it.
Jay McGillicuddy’s last blog post..Granite State South Golf Tournament Results
5 Carole Cohen // Jun 13, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Elaine, all the more reason why we need the Ohio Hub which will spur all sorts of light rail projects in your area, I am convinced! In the meantime, it sounds like you are doing your part to de-stress your driving life by working at home; awesome.
Jay it is so beautiful in your area that sounds like a good plan, biking a few times a week! Let me know what you decide!
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