March 24, 2009
The city's trial run of a "bus rapid transit" launched this week amidst concern with parking, loading zones and passenger numbers. The changes to Oregon would effect UTEP students, businesses and apartment tenants on the street. See "Council plan to kill parking..." There was also some question as to why businesses and residents were not notified about the plans early on. The number of passengers was disputed and doubts that there was enough riders to sustain the new route arose. See "Fuzzy math..." and "Opposition mounts..."
Despite the kinks, the bus plan sped on and Friday March 20 was the unveiling and the grand-22 minute (or so) tour. On Monday, the 23, back from Spring Break and new to the news of the street parking closures some UTEP students were invited to speak their mind.