Reader [killsonjastrauss] asks:
What about the 97 bus?
How can you justify adding a trolley line that duplicates the 97, when the 97 isn't even at capacity?
GREAT QUESTIONS!
Adding the Loop Trolley along the same route as the 97 is justifiable for at least two major reasons: The Loop Trolley will be more convenient than the 97 as a choice for riders in the Loop. And, it may seem odd for a streetcar-advocate blogger, but I believe that the Loop Trolley will increase the number of riders on the 97; thereby benefiting the public transit system as a whole.
The 97 is a principal East-West MetroBus line that starts at the Clayton MetroBus Center on the west side, and downtown on 14th & Spruce on the east side of its route. A significant portion of the 97's route follows Delmar Boulevard, traveling through the Loop.
When the Loop Trolley begins operation, it will most likely operate side-by-side with the 97, and the 97's ridership will doubtfully increase or decrease. Additionally, the 97 will most likely be the best public transit option for riders who already use it, because the access it provides from Clayton to downtown. From the map, above, I have placed a thick red line along the 97 route, showing the portion of the route the 97 and the Loop Trolley will overlap. You can see that it is not by much. Moreover, there is the possibility that riders will not be able to transfer between the bus and the Loop Trolley; riders will have to buy two separate tickets.
The Loop Trolley riders, however, will most likely find the Loop Trolley to be a more convenient transit option, because it is projected that Loop Trolley riders can catch the Loop Trolley every 10-15 minutes, whereas a 97-rider has to wait 30 minutes between buses. That's 3 Loop Trolleys for every 97!
Therefore, in the beginning, and for several years, the Loop Trolley may not be an alternative to taking the 97. However, as a whole transit system, the Loop Trolley shall benefit public transit. Metro is projecting that the presence of the Loop Trolley will increase public transit ridership along its route by 50% to 60% over the use of a bus traveling the same route [the 97]. From that, there is always the potential that some of those 50% to 60% will become more comfortable using public transit, and may consider riding the 97 from University City to Clayton or to downtown; thereby increasing the number of passengers on the 97.
In the future, the 97 and the Loop Trolley may compliment each other. The Loop Trolley may attract more riders to our public transit system. I, of course, think that the streetcar is the most environmentally friendly option to replace buses as public transportation. I believe that any transit option, however, that increases ridership and reduces trips taken by car is successful and justifiable.
