Comments on: San Francisco needs a Trimet

By: Gordon

Gordon — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:58:53 +0000

Just sent this page to some of my friends, and the very first respond I got is about this (obviously, I was careless): “It’s a nice city. No Asian people… even in “Chinatown.” A lot of people smoking on street corners. A few ugly bridges over the beautiful water.” Is no Asian people a part of “nice city”?

By: Adam in Portland

Adam in Portland — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:56:16 +0000

I tend to resent the comment about our “few ugly bridges”. Have you not heard? We are often referred to as ‘Bridgetown’. And not just because of all of the bridges; Much of our nickname has to do with our pride. These bridges are the only thing that connects the bohemian hipsters on the east side of the ‘beautiful water’ to the left-bank bourgeoisie who take up the rest of the city. While perhaps a break from the decision makers might be welcome, we value our connectivity to our better half, and to our heritage. Besides, with out those eye-sores, how would you have so cheaply gotten back the airport?

By: Gordon

Gordon — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:46:29 +0000

I am at Portland, too. And yes, the downtown area plus something around is free on bus/MAX. And the public transportation there is really great, comparing to Atlanta or Boston system, though I really miss the underground. Price is somewhat more affordable, too.
It’s nice to see someone have good impression about my Portland :)

By: 123

123 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:07:06 +0000

free transit? that’s very rare. and obviously “subsidized”. never been on muni, but some bus systems seem ok. I’m also not a regular bart rider (sporadic, actually). the track alignment i think is reason why the segment thru the bay tunnel exceeds “safe” dB. I expect a lawsuit any day now :-)
$4.70 1-way from sb airport to SF? that seems high. i think i pay only about $1 extra for a trip to SB ($6), vs trip to embarcadero ($5), though i should check bart’s website.. :-)
$5 is actually less $ than same distance at $0.50 per mile. and the tunnel trip includes bridge toll westbound (1way)

By: ubuntucat

ubuntucat — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:12:15 +0000

I didn’t know that about “new” Chinatown. Next time I visit Portland, I’ll try to check it out.

And, yes, I know most public transportation is pretty bad, but it’s nice to dream, and I thought I should just give Portland some appreciation in this respect.

By: Mesanna

Mesanna — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:36:54 +0000

Sadly, it’s often the case that an efficient public transport system is the exception, rather than the rule. (This applies as much in the UK as any US city).

By: ghindo

ghindo — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:49:34 +0000

Glad you enjoyed Portland! I’m from around the Portland area, and it’s always good to hear visitors leaving with a good impression of the city.

The thing about Chinatown – most of the Asian businesses which used to be located in downtown’s Chinatown have since moved quite a ways across the river because of rising rent costs. I would recommend you visit the “new” Chinatown next time you visit – the restaurants there are quite good. ;)