I've been out on the Route 35M Max a time or two already, and it delivers!
First off, the travel time is great, even though not optimal right now due to the construction on 35th South. This construction will be ongoing, first to put in a water line, then something else, said to be related to electrical or other utility infrastructure, then the 35M center-running lane that will open next fall. That will run from 27th West to 56th West.
Given how it works like TRAX, issues that normally slow down a bus, such as feeding the farebox, transfer issues, etc, are all out of the way, all the driver has to do is occasionally assist a disabled rider using mobility equipment in getting on or off, and you are on your way in about 20 seconds unless there are alot of people getting on or off at a stop.
Disabled boarding is better, and is now recognized by this blog as a 'best practice' that should be implemented on all future UTA buses. On non-Max buses, this should be installed at the front door, but on Max, it is on the middle door.
All the driver has to do is flip the ramp over onto the sidewalk, and the person gets on or off. Then the driver flips the ramp back inside the bus and goes back to the front to continue the route.
Doing this would be in keeping with the letter and spirit of ISO 9001, and would be a huge plus for all concerned, drivers, UTA managers, and the disabled, along with other passengers on any bus. This is recommended as mandatory for all future UTA bus purchases where the buses are new equipment.
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2 comments:
You mean the drivers are not using the straps to tie down the person? The problem with the Van Hool buses is that the strapping devices are not part of the seats so they have to be removed from a lock box (which is also tied to the brakes like the doors), then attach them which can be a hassle, then tie down the person, the continue on.
I've only been on a MAX bus once when a disabled rider gets on, and all I know so far is that the wheelchair or scooter usually will end up right behind the middle door. Didn't see if they used the straps to secure the mobility device to ensure it would stay put until the rider needed to get off.
I'll check on that issue though.
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