Why so many say “Transit Sucks”

Taken from transportation economist and former Vancouver Transportation Authority policy wonk Steven Rees Blog:

"I am going to Abbotsford City Hall this evening. I have been invited to take part in the InterRegional Transportation Select Committee. I have never used West Coast Express, or had reason to, but this looked like an opportunity. Of course it would mean an overnight stay in Abbotsford but I think I could probably afford that.

I tried using Translink's trip planner but that does not recognise any destination outside the Translink servcie area - but it will get me to Mission Station by 1803. I have also discovered by using the BC Transit web page that Central Fraser Valley Transit operates a “Valley Connector” that meets WCE trains and train buses. Of course there is no information about this service on the WCE web page. And I would need somewhere to stay either within walking distance of City Hall or use a taxi, I suppose. I am assuming that once in Abbotsford the distance between the Valley Connector route to City Hall would be walkable - but then I have also to check into the place where I might stay.

Anyway door to door looks like a little over three hours, and the return tomorrow would be on a “train bus” unless I could find a B&B that serves really early breakfast - not that I like eating very much at the time I would need to. From my on line researches I cannot find a reasonably priced B&B anywhere near City Hall. And the fare $14.75 each way, plus whatever the room and taxis would cost. I am not wildy keen on long distance buses - and I would have to leave about now and not get back until noon tomorrow.

Frankly the prospect appalls."