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| - Horrible!!! Explore other options especially if you need to be somewhere on time. By far, the worst system I have experienced in any major city that I've been to including but not limited to NYC, Chicago, Toronto, Miami and San Francisco. (I must say tho that the buses in LA run a close second to being the worst.)
The light rail (train) system, however, is excellent (Valley Metro also). Dependable, clean, no limit on bicycles and physically challenged people have plenty of room. Limited (but growing) east bound and west bound service areas. Great to get to Tempe and downtown Phoenix. Great schedules.
In the 1-1/2 years I've been regularly taking the valley metro bus......
The Cons:
1. The buses frequently arrive early and will not wait for you. Then.....they will generally stop down the road to play "catchup" with the schedule at a location, usually a Circle K, where they will get off the bus and "take a break" while you sit on the bus. Sometimes they take these breaks even if the bus is on schedule. I understand that sometimes they just have to stop for those "times" - but coffee or cigarette breaks? .My recommendation - arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled stop time.
2. Or....the buses frequently arrive late. Always have a "Plan B" - allow some extra time in your schedule. I understand occasional delays due to traffic, etc. but I think it's the Circle K's that are killing the schedule.
3. Or....the buses don't arrive at all. Who does that? Yep....just no bus.....back to Plan B.
4. Or...the buses will sometimes just drive by you when you are clearly standing at the stop - often with many other people, at major intersections......um....isn't their job to give people rides?
There are some days that are really special.....I get a late one, a no show and then to end my lovely day, have a bus just drive right by us. That day took me 2-1/2 hrs. to get home - normally an hour ride.
5. 95% of the drivers are unfriendly, and at times just plain rude. Do not expect to be respected or appreciated as a customer.
6. I do not always feel safe on the bus, especially the later evening routes. My general routes are #81, #17 & #62.
7. The buses do break down and on occasion get into accidents. Been there done that.
8. The cloth seating in the buses are dirty. I don't want to even go there. Don't wear white on a bus.
9. Each bus can hold 3 bicycles. If you are #4......tough luck...you have to wait for the next bus.
10. The scheduling sucks. Lots of old, run down buses.
11. Don't assume that since these drivers are operating a large bus, that they are qualified to be good drivers. Comfort is not on their agenda.
The Pros:
1. Get an all day pass before you start your journey. Good prices especially if you have to take multiple buses in one day. Their web site will tell you the rates and where you can purchase tickets ahead.
2. 5% of the drivers are pleasant, polite and will wait for you if they see you running for the bus - since connections can be very tight.. Run Forrest Run!
3. The biggest pro.....I will not have to depend on the bus once I'm able to get my next car.
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