Halifax Transit’s Response: Public Engagement; Overlap and Simplicty

Halifax Transit’s Response: Public Engagement

Q (IMTB): What level of involvement will stakeholders and the public have on evaluating and creating this new network? What can we expect during consultations in January 2015?

A (Eddie Robar, Halifax Transit): Halifax Transit is very excited about the upcoming round of public and stakeholder consultation. You can expect a wide and inclusive consultation process that lasts at least ten weeks, as Halifax Transit will be seeking feedback from stakeholders, transit users, and the general public about routing, levels of service, and service types. The input and insight provided will be critical to informing the changes required to the draft network.

We are excited to take part in consultation, and hope to see clear explanations of what type of services will be provided and how resources will be allocated.

Halifax Transit’s Response: Overlap and Simplicity

Q (IMTB): How much overlap are you planning on removing from the system?

A (Eddie Robar, Halifax Transit): As we are still in the process of developing and refining the draft transit network, at this time, I am unable to say to what degree overlap will be removed from the transit network. However, as you are aware, Halifax Transit has committed to reducing network complexity by providing a simplified, transfer based system (Moving Forward Principle # 2).

The network must be dramatically simplified. It’s More than Buses network proposal shows a much simpler network is possible. While Halifax Transit may not be this bold, we believe that no street in HRM needs to have more than a handful of routes, total. Every bit of overlap is service that could be deployed elsewhere.

Should Halifax Transit have to provide a lot of capacity in rush hour, very tight headways may be needed on core routes in rush hour. This is not a bad thing, as high frequency service attracts riders. In practice, Halifax Transit currently runs very high headways in rush hour, but spread across many routes. This is very confusing and results in huge wasted capacity. Additionally, larger vehicles such as articulated buses or trams may be needed to accommodate the demand in a cost effective way on the busiest routes.

One response to “Halifax Transit’s Response: Public Engagement; Overlap and Simplicty”

  1. Adam says:

    I’d like to see the article updated with how the public is able to provide input in January. Additionally, how is the public being made aware that Halifax transit is currently taking input? I only just found out about this through an article on the coast website. I think it would be great to advertise this in the near vacinity of bus stops throughout metro. (on the poles holding bus signs, inside bus shelters, etc.) I’m sure many of the most interested aren’t aware this is occurring. This seems like very cheap advertising to get the public engaged.

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