Lincolnite

I would guess since they are made to fold up and sturdiness needed would factor into the high price.  Also from what I hear only 2 bikes can fit on it.  It does seem to be a bit of a hefty price tag.

Although I support any bike friendly move from the city, I would prob not use the service.

I would use the service.  I am a avid bicycle and would LOVE to be able to take the bus across town on windy or rainy days and then ride bike.  Weather permitting of course.  That much cash to lay out for a rack DOES seem high.  But to have yet another “study group” look at it seems a wast of money too.  Seems that the thousands spent on those could be spent to try one or two racks on buses to see how they work out.

I saw these in use in KC and thought they seemed like a good idea. Seriously, a smart person who runs a metal shop could devise such a rack for the buses that would be functional, would be strong, and could fold-up when not in use to help the garage problem, all for way less than $2,500.

That’s true.  I have seem them in places like New York, Washington, DC, St. Louis and Columbia Missouri.  Seems to get a few more riders on the buses.  And it doesn’t appear that they are anything more than bent and welded steel with pads designed to fold.  Someone here locally could come up with a usable one and I am sure it woul be a LOT less than 2000.  Maybe that’s an idea for someone…..any takers????

The bus has been late a total of about 70 minutes the last 3 times I’ve ridden it.  So, if I had my bike with me, I’d probably just ride it to where I needed to go.

that is pretty much the main thing.  We have an awesome trail system that is getting more and more connected.  Plus the town is pert near 10 miles wide from any direction.  For someone who would consider biking to where they need to be, that is not that bad.

I would think in a much bigger city it would be more appropriate and more utilized.  TMCO already does stuff for the city, I am sure they could make bike racks at a much lower cost.

I agree, a cost of $2,500 per bike rack is Halliburton-esque.  I don’t know where StarTran got its figures for that but I’m sure they could get racks put on the bus for a fraction of that amount.

Good idea to try it on a couple of buses first.

I have to wonder if StarTran just isn’t interested in doing this and exaggerated some numbers.  Really, only two people have ever requested bike racks on buses?  I find that hard to believe.  I also can’t believe the best estimate they have is $2,500 per bike rack.  Yikes.

I would love it if they would put racks on the buses.  They might be surprised how many people will use them.

I called them and the lady seemed to have no clue what i was talking about.  i had to tell her that it was in the paper.  Really wish they had an email contact.

beeorkid: Larry Worth has been good about responding to me via e-mail in the past. You can reach him at lworth at lincoln dot ne dot gov.

In college our newest buses had the fold up bike thingies. If a college could get them, I’m sure Star Tran could get them installed on their buses

Personally, I think that this is just yet another excuse to hire some “Study Group” so they have a reason to spend budget money.  That way they can request more for next year.  All they have to do is look at other college towns and cities of a relatively same size to see what type of ridership they could get.  Ah well….Your tax money hard at work…????!!!!