I am not sure about a definition of Downtown Calgary. I was not sure about Toronto, either.
I took #13 Bus to go to Downtown today. It took a hell lot of time to get there, showcasing one of the richest areas in Calgary. From Mount Royal College to Downtown, #13 is only a direct one. The bus makes lots of turns in Mount Royal neighbourhoods. This was the second time to take the bus. I wasn't as frustrated as the last time, but I shook my head so many times, saying "why the bus doesn't go through broader main streets?"
It is a rich area. It is in the afternoon, so there are not many commuters for sure, but I think rich people in Calgary have multiple cars and can drive around, even the neighbourhood they live in is very close to one of the yuppiest streets in town. So, what's the point of taking lots of detours in the rich area?
Here is a suggestion to Calgary Transit:
CALGARY IS NOT AS BIG AS METROPOLIS IN THE WORLD, SO DON'T MAKE A MESS WITH MAKING SPAGHETTI TYPE OF BUS ROUTES IN THE CITY AND SIMPLIFY THOSE ROUTES. PLEASE HAVE A PERSPECTIVE OF THOSE WHO DON'T/CAN'T DRIVE WITH FINANCIAL/PHYSICAL REASONS.
Though, it is still nice to have a transit system. Yeah, it's better than nothing.
Come on! It's the 21st Century! Let's get rid of cars from the city!
I know it is too extreme.
I got off the bus at 17th Avenue/8th Street, a heart of the city's hippiest parts. I must say that drivers in Calgary are more polite and careful than Toronto's, though cars still posses more rights of way (even in intersections in downtown area) than pedestrians in Calgary.
I wanted to check something at London Drugs on 8th Street. I couldn't find what I looked for, so I decided to walk to TD Square. It was a warmer day and nice to walk outside. I didn't see many people on the streets, but it was still nice to feel that I am walking in the city. I miss living in the city.
I start to recall what I thought when I lived in Brampton before. I was a student back then, too. I was taking GO bus and TTC to get to my school near Greektown in Toronto four/five days a week. It was about 2-hour trip one way. I didn't like living in the suburb, either.
It is good to visit suburbs sometimes, but I really hate living in suburbs in North America. I guess I just don't like newly developed areas and houses... I will go back to the centre again when I am ready... Sure, downtown is noisier and dirtier in air, but I want to feel vibes of a city.
I will not repeat a same mistake :P
2 comments:
You make it sound as if it's a conspiracy against you. You're as bad as I am. The world isn't out to get you. But in this case I think that bad design does figure into it. and the fact that so many 'rich' areas are served at the detriment of the others doesn't suprise me at all.
When does your course end man? because you need to move back to Toronto before your head explodes. you're becoming one angry little japanese man.
Did you know you were very close to a great fag coffee shop! :)
I agree, I don't know how people live so far from what they need and want to do in the suburban hells of North America.
In Toronto, the scary thing is the mega developments south of the Gardner Expressway -- tens of thousands of housing units are up or going up and yet NO, or barely any, commercial/retail development. Someone at City Hall needs slapped. In the very heart of this city they are building a suburb where going for milk or to a pub will mean having to climb into a car to go. Nuts.
I was thinking about that when going past a downtown development in Calgary (east of Centre, just north of the river) where several blocks -- the old hospital area -- have been replaced with mid-rise and townhouse condos but EVERY development has retail on the first floors as they face the street -- I saw Starbucks and GAP open and the condos weren't even finished. Very smart.
You need to convince M to move to downtown Calgary!!! Even having a car sucks in Calgary now too -- I was in several traffic jams during my visit. In Calgary!! Mega Growth will bring that.
Mind, Calgary will become the biggest city in the country within 15 years. In that timeframe the oilsands will be producing (not contain, produce!) more oil than Saudi Arabia.
Again, sorry we didn't get to go for a drink when I was there! Have to do it this summer when I'll be back.
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