Surcharge on Bikes

Caltrain (the service that runs between San Francisco and San Jose) is going to start charging a bicycle surcharge fee, a major step that is going to anger a lot of people, but one that I think is actually a really good idea. Someone with a bicycle can easily ride almost as quickly as the bus, often playing leapfrog as the bus pulls ahead, then stops for passengers. They ride the bus, though, slowing it down considerably (mostly due to loading/unloading the bike). Worse, when there are already two bikes, the drivers will often allow a "third" to actually be on the bus.

My father has experience with this, and is probably half responsible for the policy, due to a letter to the editor he wrote years ago, complaining when the buses would only allow two riders.

I think, given the time difference and the amount of space they take up, that they should most definitely be allowed on. For a charge.

Oh, and expect a press release from UTA today, regarding the incoming stimulus money for the Mid Jordan Trax Line.