Metro QR Codes

I recently noticed a QR code on a Metro bus stop sign and took a few snapshots with my phone. Has anyone else seen these around town? I tried scanning the code with my Android smartphone (using Google Goggles) but it didn't seem to work.  I didn't see anything on the Metro website about this, so perhaps it's in the early stages or the code wasn't actually put up by them. It would be neat to have these QR codes at bus stops around town that would provide a direct link on your smartphone to a route map and timetable. If I was feeling ambitious I would also suggest that Metro provide open transit data to let riders track the location of buses in real time (but that's a topic for another day). 

The Right Direction

You might have seen it already, but you should be aware of a report published by the Alliance for Biking & Walking which found that "the number of Mainers who commute to work by bicycle increased by 120 percent between 1990 and 2009." Impressive! You should check out this press release by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for all the details. Here are a few more highlights they noted:

• Maine ranks 10^th nationally in the number of people who bike and walk to work

• While 12 percent of all trips in the U.S. are by bike and foot, the report notes that only 1.6 percent of federal transportation dollars go to biking and walking.

I Go Metro

You might have seen my mug on the Metro website lately. I also provided a little testimonial:

Corey T. -- "As a car-free Portlander, I rely on Metro for transportation around town when I'm not walking or biking. I ride it every day and enjoy the financial savings and convenience of not having to own a car. On days when coworkers have to deal with traffic jams or winter weather, I can proudly say that I not only made it to work on time, but also finished reading a few chapters of whatever book I'm reading while on the bus. I recommend trying a trip on the Metro to everyone. Even if the bus isn't your only method of transportation, it can be a healthy part of a balanced transportation diet."Corey takes METRO to his job at UNUM.

Stop: Driving

Seen at the intersection of India and Fore Streets.

Back Cove Connection

As I learned via Rights of Way earlier this month, the long anticipated pedestrian/bicycle connection at Exit 7 has been completed. Hurrah! This short but valuable trail connects Marginal Way/Franklin Street/ The Bayside Trail to The Back Cove Trail. Here are a few photos of the $200,000 project that I took this past weekend:

Ignore the "Do Not Enter" signs, those are just for cars.

Gifts for Car-free Portlanders

Here are a couple last-minute gift ideas for the car-free Portlander on your list. 

Regional Monthly Bus Pass

Good for unlimited rides on the Metro and South Portland Bus lines. Only $45. 

Photo via Rights of Way

Portland, Maine Bike Map

"The first and only Portland Maine Bike Map highlights bike routes, lanes, and paths from Falmouth to Scarborough, Casco Bay to Westbrook - almost everyplace you can comfortably reach in an easy hour's ride from downtown Portland." $6.

Maine Running Company Gift Certificate

"At Maine's only running specialty store, you will find a welcoming environment where runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities receive unparalleled service and support."

Living Without a....

This Google search autocomplete reinforces a general sentiment that a car is an inalienable part of people's bodies. 

Portland Society of Architects - Mayoral Questionnaire

The Portland Society of Architects, a local non-profit that promotes progress and economic development of Greater Portland by encouraging innovation and vision in design and planning,  devised a great questionnaire for the city's mayoral candidates to complete. Nine of the candidates replied and you can check out the questions and their answers here. A few sample questions include: "What is the most important thing you would do to improve the quality of the urban environment in Portland?" And "In 20 years, what would you like to see or experience while walking along Stevens, Forest or Washington Avenue?"
 

Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation

The Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation, MaST for short, will be holding a general meeting on October 25th at Peloton Labs, 795 Congress Street. Check out the poster below and this post at the Portland Green Streets website for more info and to RSVP.

Metro Bus Rider Survey

The METRO is looking at some changes to the Route 1 service, according this rider survey I came across. Nothing too drastic is planned, but they would like some feedback from riders. If you are interested in completing the survey, you can email it to dbeck@gpmetrobus.com. Route #1- South Side MunJoy Hill Survey-9.6.11 REV.