I am encouraged to see both the Daily Hampshire Gazette (“Public transit deserves more state money,” March 17) and our local college leaders (“Colleges appeal for bus funding,” March 15) calling for increased funding for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.
My first five years in Amherst, I took PVTA for granted, as I lived close enough to the University of Massachusetts so that I could walk. Since moving to Echo Hill over a year ago, I have become a regular rider.
Between the “45” and the “30,” I have options to get to campus and back, and I must say, being able to sit down and read a book is sure more enjoyable than sitting behind the wheel.
We hear so much about how America is divided, but when I ride public transportation, I see none of that. I see every cross section of our community on board, from college students to professionals; all incomes and ethnicities. Just riding a bus brings us together and unlike what we see in the media, I don’t see discord.
Recently, I attended a conference in Boston. I took the “30” to downtown, caught a Peter Pan bus to South Station in Boston, and took the Silver Line to my hotel. From my house in Amherst to my hotel in Boston, without ever having to use a car. That’s a much better way of transportation.
I understand the PVTA faces budget shortfalls; I don’t profess to know all the solutions, but if it requires people like me to pay a fare in Amherst, I’m OK with that. It’s still going to be way more economical than buying a second car, with fuel costs, registration, maintenance, insurance and such.
I do feel strongly that students should always ride free. Let’s face it — students use the PVTA to get to downtown at night for the bars and clubs. Imagine if PVTA wasn’t able to provide safe rides home. Think how many potential unsafe drivers a bus has kept off the road.
Thank you again to so many who are speaking up about the value of public transportation. It’s part of what makes the quality of life in our community so good.
Tim Anderson
Amherst