Commentary

Sex-E Bus

It’s amazing how often transit issues hinge on image. Transit officials often figure that riders want something cool, maybe even a little sexy. Of course, the bus has an image problem, but Sacramento is trying to change that. The city recently launched “E-bus”ââ?¬â??the “E” stands for enhanced: It is the first bus in Sacramento with an electronic system that gives it a green light when it arrives at certain intersections, or soon after. County engineer Jeff Clark says the E-bus is “sexier than a standard bus.” Eventually, the city plans to replace the E with an even more sophisticated Bus Rapid Transit system. Of course, all this image talk can be overblown. Most transit users have rather practical desiresââ?¬â??they want fast, convenient, reliable service that takes them to all the places they want to go.