As the city grows into areas that were once vast fields of untouched lands in the extreme west and south of the city, Edmonton's transportation system does not seem to be meeting the challenge of growing along with the city. Sure, one can argue that anyone living out in those high-priced developments surrounded by fortress-high fences (and don't those houses look all the same?) can well afford to own a car or two.
But some of us who don't live in those areas need to venture out there from time to time, and the lack of adequate bus routes make it nearly impossible. Cabs are getting more expensive all the time, and one can ride a bicycle only so far. This is especially problematic in the west end, where this is an increasing proliferation of restaurants and bars. I shudder tot hink of all those people going out for a good timeon a Friday night, only to get in their cars and drive home afterwards. Unless you take a cab, or even better, have a designated driver, you really don't have a choice. And if you have a job in that area, expect a long commute home. When I was a student teacher at a school in the extreme west end, it took me over an hour to get home in the afternoon. First I had to take a bus to get to West Edmonton Mall, and then transfer to another bus which took me into my neighborhood. It would have been ok, if I did not have to wait at the West Ed Mall bus terminal for over a half hour for my connection. Incidentally, the school was a fifteen minute drive from my house. However, when Keillor Road was closed, people screamed bloody murder because now it would take an extra ten minutes to drive to the University during rush hour. Imagine, having to sit in a heated car for an extra ten minutes! Oh, the humanity of it! Did these people ever think about perhaps waking up ten minutes earlier? Meanwhile, the rest of us were hoping the City would add another lane to Belgravia Road to make way for all the new traffic closing Keillor would make. In the end, after all those months of construction, the equivalent of another lane was added -- then filled with trees and other examples of flora. The traffic situation remains exactly the same. Next Week: The plight of the bicycle commuter. Previous Features
