A Look at the Riverview Transit Center
I recently changed buses at the Riverview Transit Center (map) on my way to visit the Lewis & Clark Library and Tower, my first time at this MetroBus Transit Center. I took the #40 (Broadway) from downtown, then caught the #27 (North County Connector) to finish my journey. I’ve changed buses at several transit centers, this is the best I’ve experienced in St. Louis.
With the notable exception of the restroom, bus riders still aren’t treated as well as light rail riders. The light rail platforms have heaters to keep passengers warm waiting for the next train and all platforms are non-smoking. It would be nice to use public transit without being assaulted by cigarette smoke. Next week I’ll take a look at the Civic Center Transit Center.
— Steve Patterson
“It would be nice to use public transit without being assaulted by cigarette smoke.”
On the other hand, if you’re a smoker it would be nice to be able to smoke.
And there a probably a higher proportion of smokers among bus users than MetroLink users.
And since the platforms are outdoors and unwalled, the smoke will probably be blown away most of the time.
Light rail platforms and transit stations are physically very similar; narrow and open air with some cover. Yes, the smoke is blown away — into the faces of other transit users waiting.
Our bus & light rail system is just that — many users end up using both modes. The unequal smoking policy discourages non-smokers from using MetroBus.
And the policy discourages smokers from using rail.
I’ve never had a problem with moving upwind from a smoker so that their smoke doesn’t reach me at all.
A higher proportion is still a minority – why should the majority of transit riders have to put up with smokers’ second-hand smoke?!
I smoke. It’s killing me and if you’re near me when I’m smoking it’s killing you. There’s no denying that. So I do whatever I can to avoid others when I do smoke. Seems like a reasonable thing to do (as if my smoking at all is reasonable). I don’t understand the pro-smoking in public places argument. If being totally offensive isn’t enough, the shit is lethal.
By that logic we should outlaw junk food too.
The only direct impact from fast food (ab)users is on crowded vehicles, when their excessive girth intrudes on what should be my space. Smokers, on the other hand, impact and offend in a much larger radius.