We are now in a new year and decade. There is a lot of uncertainly in our world but the recent disaster in Haiti really puts things in a proper perspective. We have a lot to be thankful for and we need to focus our energies on making life better for others that we may have an influence on.
On the Transit Industry side, many communities are struggling to maintain service levels in the face of ridership declines and tough budget constraints. Hard decisions need to be made to focus on the reason that transit agencies exist: to provide safe and reliable service to the public. Frivolous spending needs to reevaluated and priorities established before fare increases threaten to reverse the increased ridership trends we have seen the last few years.
With legislation coming to British Columbia and other Provinces and States regarding a ban on using hand held cell phones while driving all motorists need to focus on safety. Distracted driving causes many accidents causing injuries and deaths.
Even Oprah dedicated a entire show on January 18, 2010 (www.oprah.com) to discuss the tragic consequences of talking/texting while driving. Her show is also highlighted on a new website created by the United States Department of Transportation. Check out www.distraction.gov This website is focused on all things that distract drivers from operating their vehicles safely.
Through an associated company, BusWorx, and with our strong commitment to safety we have developed a product that prohibits transit operators from using their cell phones while driving the bus or train. Check out www.busworxtech.com for more information. We will be demonstrating this product at the upcoming American Public Transportation Association Safety Committee meetings on February 3, 2010 in Miami.
We look forward to hearing your comments.
Craig Dies
President
Let's Bus It Publications/BusWorx
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
2009 in the Transit world
As 2009 comes to a close, there have been no shortage of events, both good and bad, that have impacted the transit industry in North America.
The government stimulus packages both in Canada and the US have jumpstarted many projects. Funding for the transit industry as a whole has been somewhat sparse over the last few years, however, the onset of new bus and rail projects coupled with the rising price of gas has brought transit and its long serving 'green initiative' benefits became a focus this year.
Driver distraction became more evident by the number of accidents/incidents caught on video by passengers and on-board camera systems. Transit agencies throughout North America introduced strict policies regarding the use of cell phones by transit operators but problems still exist and will continue to impact transit operations in 2010.
Recent reports of declining ridership stemming from the downturn in the economy will most likely continue for the first quarter of 2010. However, if gas prices rise further we may see a return to the higher number of passengers using public transportation as occurred in 2008.
Let's Bus It will continue to assist Transit Agencies with cost reductions in providing transit passengers with important customer information and fare media products.
We are looking forward to 2010 and working with our valued customers, both existing and new Transit Agencies coming on line in the next year.
Happy Holidays
Craig Dies
President
The government stimulus packages both in Canada and the US have jumpstarted many projects. Funding for the transit industry as a whole has been somewhat sparse over the last few years, however, the onset of new bus and rail projects coupled with the rising price of gas has brought transit and its long serving 'green initiative' benefits became a focus this year.
Driver distraction became more evident by the number of accidents/incidents caught on video by passengers and on-board camera systems. Transit agencies throughout North America introduced strict policies regarding the use of cell phones by transit operators but problems still exist and will continue to impact transit operations in 2010.
Recent reports of declining ridership stemming from the downturn in the economy will most likely continue for the first quarter of 2010. However, if gas prices rise further we may see a return to the higher number of passengers using public transportation as occurred in 2008.
Let's Bus It will continue to assist Transit Agencies with cost reductions in providing transit passengers with important customer information and fare media products.
We are looking forward to 2010 and working with our valued customers, both existing and new Transit Agencies coming on line in the next year.
Happy Holidays
Craig Dies
President
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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