That's compounded by long waits between rides in dirty, uncomfortable surroundings. A corollary of increased ridership, of course, is a lessening of strain on our already overcrowded roadways. Delaney's questions have touched off a lively debate in town and people have made many good points. One focus has been the bus stops. They must be made more attractive and comfortable.
Routes also have to be more convenient and long waits between buses have to be shortened.
But there are two other factors in low bus ridership that need an equally thorough discussion. As in most of the South, the cultural take on buses in Jacksonville is they are for poor people. And, also following in the Southern tradition, folks in Jacksonville ascribe to the philosophy of you can get me out of my car when you unwrap my cold, dead fingers from around the steering wheel. Changing such ingrained attitudes is difficult, but it can be done. Look at the thousands of Jaguars fans who climb into buses on game day.