[Transit] article for Crosscut on how to ride transit, etc.

Wed Apr 5 13:35:02 PDT 2023

Thanks Doug, this is really helpful.

> On Apr 5, 2023, at 10:50 AM, Doug Trumm <doug at theurbanist.org> wrote:
> 
> Beyond needing sustainable revenue, I think talking points to emphasize could include
> The top things people want in order to choose transit is quality service: frequent, reliable, fast, convenient. Ridership is lagging because we aren't delivering sufficient frequency and quality. Safety is a factor, but nowhere near those core service quality issues, as Commute Seattle survey showed decisively <https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/04/03/fast-frequent-transit-would-drive-ridership-rebound-commute-seattle-survey-shows/>.
> Local DOTs aren't providing enough bus lanes and transit priority to keep key bus routes from being mired in traffic.
> Part of the obstacle to bus lanes is business opposition, as seen with Route 40 improvements <https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/03/30/as-route-40-upgrades-head-toward-construction-business-opposition-persists/>. Many businesses believe parking or an extra car lane will provide better customer access than rapid transit and better walkability will, but plenty of evidence suggests the opposite.
> The ridership loss from lacking frequency/reliability is casting doubt on fleet electrification investments. The bigger climate benefit is to get more people to ride transit rather than having a small amount of people ride electric buses.
> We need to hire more bus drivers, but the regional housing crisis makes it hard for people to afford to live in the region even with a solid working class union wage. We need to do what it takes to recruit enough drivers and long-term that definitely means getting a handle on our housing crisis.
> I'm glad it worked out with Jazmine! Thanks for coordinating.
> 
> Douglas Trumm, Executive Director 
> Pronouns: he, him
> The Urbanist <http://theurbanist.org/> | 320.237.4771
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, Apr 5, 2023 at 10:04 AM Katie Wilson <katie at transitriders.org <mailto:katie at transitriders.org>> wrote:
> Awesome, thanks Doug. I suggested that to Andy and it sounds like he’s doing a ridealong with Jazmine tomorrow. 
> 
> Andy also asked me: "Do you have time for 30 min phone interview this week about Metro service cuts or other concerns you have about Metro or Sound Transit? Or if there's some you think would be better to talk to let me know.”
> 
> I can do this if needed, and would talk mostly about how the agencies (especially Metro) need to figure out sustainable long term funding to expand transit service… but if someone else in this group who’s been thinking about these issues in more detail is interested in doing this interview, or if you have ideas for people who would be good, please let me know. And/or if you have points you think I should make if I do the interview, let me know that too!
> 
>> On Mar 15, 2023, at 1:08 PM, Doug Trumm <doug at theurbanist.org <mailto:doug at theurbanist.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> Jazmine Smith might be a good fit.
>> 
>> Douglas Trumm, Executive Director 
>> Pronouns: he, him
>> The Urbanist <http://theurbanist.org/> | 320.237.4771
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 9:57 AM Katie Wilson <katie at transitriders.org <mailto:katie at transitriders.org>> wrote:
>> Hey folks, I’m asking Andy whether he’s already found someone and what the timeline is on this, but if he still needs “a frequent commuter, perhaps someone who doesn’t own a car” to ride along with and interview— anyone interested?  Or in talking with him about gaps/service declines?
>> 
>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>> 
>>> From: Andy Engelson <andyengelson at gmail.com <mailto:andyengelson at gmail.com>>
>>> Subject: article for Crosscut on how to ride transit, etc.
>>> Date: March 10, 2023 at 4:40:34 PM PST
>>> To: Katie Wilson <katie at transitriders.org <mailto:katie at transitriders.org>>
>>> 
>>> Hi Katie,
>>> 
>>> Hope you're doing well. I've been asked by my editor at Crosscut to write a brief "how to" feature about getting around on transit (buses, light rail, ferries, etc.). It's intended for newcomers to the Seattle area, and I'm thinking what I'd like to do is spend a little time riding with a frequent commuter, perhaps someone who doesn't own a car. I'm also hoping to use the story (though my editor doesn't know this yet) to talk about either gaps in the system or how/if service has declined in recent years (but also to highlight what's good in order to encourage new riders).
>>> 
>>> Wondering if you have thoughts of someone who might be a good fit for a ride-along and interview. I'm ruling out some obvious folks like Ryan Packer (who I freelance with at PubliCola) and Anna Zivarts, who wrote several op-eds for Crosscut in the past. Would also be interested in interviewing someone else if needed who can address about the gaps/service declines and what org like yours are doing to push for better service.
>>> 
>>> Let me know what you think... no need to get back today, next week is totally fine.
>>> 
>>> Andy
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Andrew Engelson
>>> andyengelson at gmail.com <mailto:andyengelson at gmail.com>
>>> Freelance editor & journalist | Seattle | he/him
>>> 206.455.3623 http://andrewengelson.com/ <http://andrewengelson.com/>
>>> 
>> 
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