Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Q: Why isn’t there a covered area at this busy bus stop?
A: Funding.
Capital Area Transit System CEO John Denman estimates that of 1,200 area bus stops, only 107 have covered seating areas with trash cans. That’s fewer than 1 in 10, including this highly popular stop at the Mall of Louisiana, at right.
What gives? CATS would like to provide more shelters at stops, Denman says. “But it’s all tied to funding.”
A CATS committee is looking at shelter advertising as a way to add shelters, or possibly bringing back ads on buses as an income stream, Denman says. “Just passenger fares won’t do it.”
In an October 2007 study by HDR Engineering, CATS was found to have state funding that covered 7% of its annual operating budget, with city-parish funds covering another 23%. Similar cities in the study varied widely in their funding support, from 1% to 32% of their budgets covered by state funds, and 6% to 65% covered by local government money. CATS is set to bid out another study this month to analyze operations at various funding levels.
“We would love to find a way to attract choice riders,” Denman says. The new study may result in altered or new routes, park-and-rides, bus stop maps and, possibly, more bus shelters.
Until the results are in, here are some numbers to chew on: With CATS monthly fuel bill climbing to $104,000—and you thought your gas expenses stung—the standard, one-way fare has held steady at $1.75, with 25-cent transfers. Baton Rougeans appear to be aware of the relative bargain. CATS has added 158,000 passengers in the last several months, Denman says.
Taking the bus starting to sound appealing? You might get wet at a bus top, but you could save big on fuel.
To find a route that works for you, visit brcats.com, or call 389-8282.
And, psst, the buses are air-conditioned.
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