Many bus stops still heaped in snow
Reader Marian Foreman raises an important point: As much as drivers complain about snow-choked streets, public transit riders face signigicant challenges too in the form of bus strops that haven't been shoveled out -- forcing patrons to stand in the street.
I don't know that the Maryland Transit Administration can be expected to shovel out each of the thousands of stops in the Baltimore region. The city has its hands full plowing the streets. Clearing bus stops would seem to be an appropriate community endeavor.
Here's an excerpt from Ms. Foreman's email. She sent it Tuesday, but a drive thhroough West Baltimore showed not much has changed, as seen in the photo (right) from a Route 5 bus stop on Druid Park Avenue.
This concerns a very important transportation issue for the Baltimore area. I am talking about MTA bus stops covered up in four, five or six foot high piles of snow. This has led to a very hazardous problems for MTA passengers.
I know you've seen it driving around the city and counties in your vehicle. What I am talking about is people waiting for MTA buses and standing in the street.
Sun photo/Michael Dresser
(On Monday), I was out and about and on Old Court Road in Randallstown, I saw the following: A young guy with two small very restless children waiting in the street for the 77 bus. I saw a young woman on Liberty Road with a baby in a stroller and the stroller was practically out into the middle of the street because she had no place else to stand waiting for a bus. I saw a woman in an electric wheel chair at Liberty Road and Resource Drive waiting for a bus practically in the middle of the street.
These people have no place to stand and safely wait for a bus. I have e-mailed the MTA twice and inquired about them getting crews out to at least shovel or plow a small patch on these bus stops so that pedestrians can wait safely for a bus. So far, I have gotten zero response from the MTA. Perhaps an inquiry or article from you can assist in getting this problem resolved.
Comments
Clearly there are too many stops for each one to be cleared out. I've been in some localities where they designate certain stops to be operable during/after bed weather (usually w/a snowflake or other recognizable symbol). This lets both drivers and passengers know exactly where they can catch a bus, as well designates which stops will be made accessible.
Btw, not only have I seen people in the street waiting for buses, I've seen them standing atop large piles of snow, and even scrambling to leap frog over snow banks and cross streets in order to get from the stop where they just arrived to the next stop where they need to be. Its ridiculous for the MTA to force patrons to face a life-or-death gauntlet in order to catch a bus.
Posted by: Bill | February 17, 2010 11:01 AM
since most bus stops are on sidewalks which are the responsibility of the owner or manager to clear, why aren't they held accountable?
Posted by: fea24 | February 17, 2010 1:40 PM
Its not just Baltimore, I work in DC and its just as bad (if not worse) down here.
Posted by: Richard | February 17, 2010 2:07 PM
The MTA should be responsible for clearing these spots out. They have no problem charging you if you happen to park in these very important stops, so why not be responsible for the bad as well? There are way too many bus stops for most lines, anyway.
fea24--one isn't responsible for clearing the snow off their walks anymore...
Posted by: Herbert | February 17, 2010 4:42 PM
Looking at the picture, you can see what part of the problem is. The ice encrusted snow that was plowed up over the sidewalks in an effort to keep the streets passable.
It's one thing to expect a business or homeowner to shovel the sidewalk in front of their place when all they have to contend with is 25 inches of fluffy snow. It's quite another when faced with 5 feet snow from the street.
Posted by: Steve | February 18, 2010 7:21 AM
Herbert, in Balto Co you are responsible for clearing snow from your sidewalks. Of course, like everything else in life, there is a catch. This mandate is enforced by Balto Co Police. OK, who is going to call Police to enforce snow shovelling when there are other more pressing issues? There is an initial fine with subsequent fines incurred. But the fines still don't clear the snow. The County should contract to clear snow from properties that can not/will not shovel and the costs incurred added to their yearly taxes.
Posted by: ruth | February 18, 2010 8:37 AM
I really don't know a fast, practical answer for the bus stops. I do know that drivers need to realize we're all in this together and it will eventually resolve. In the meantime, drivers need to be extra cautious and considerate. Bus riders need to get some place too, and it's not just about you. Patience...
Posted by: ruth | February 18, 2010 8:42 AM
i really feel for the people being forced to put their lives in danger just to catch a bus. I walk a mile to work every day, and I can say that the sidewalks are only getting worse as the snow melts. Most building owners only shoveled a path in the snow and never truly cleared the sidewalks. This means that the water from the melting snow freezes over again every single night, leaving treacherous sheets of ice. It has been a week - you'd think landlords and the MTA would get their acts together by now.
Posted by: Walker Texas Ranger | February 18, 2010 9:01 AM
Just wait until someone gets hurt...the only way the MTA will act is by legal action...We need a lawsuit folks
Posted by: Matt | February 18, 2010 4:22 PM
Ruth-
In Baltmore County, you need to contact Code Enforcement about unshoveled sidewalks. I don't think the police will do anything.
But, don't hold your breath expecting something to be done in either case.
Posted by: Steve | February 18, 2010 4:29 PM