The 'burbs

Round and round we go

   Watching traffic navigate the roundabout on Harlem Road last week was an eye-opening experience for me, especially recalling the consternation of a few years back that they wouldn't work.

   So far anyway, it appears that the people who said it would improve the flow of traffic were right. Likewise, people in Hamburg seem to be adjusting well to two of them.

   Have you driven on any of them? What do you think? And are there other intersections in Western New York that could do with a little of this kind of logical circle?

   --- Bruce Andriatch

Here comes the bus

   "At least I don't drive an SUV."

   I'd been saying that to myself for weeks as I watched gasoline prices climb higher and higher. The tales of people spending $75 or $80 to fill their tanks once a week were chilling, but I felt OK at $40 or $45.

   Then $50. Then $55.

   When it hit the big 6-0 this weekend, I decided I had had enough and, as I explained in my column today, I'm about to get better acquainted with the bus.

   I might be one of the lucky ones; I live near a bus stop and commute to downtown. What about the people who have no choice because their house is in Newstead and their job is in Elma? What of the folks who absolutely have to get home as soon as possible or have no choice but to drive because they have to get the kids to school or day care?

   And what about you? Will I be seeing you on the bus or the train one of these mornings?

   --- Bruce Andriatch

Bus me mucho

   I jokingly wrote a few months back that you know you're a suburbanite if you have never set foot on a Metro Bus.

   But obviously some suburban residents take the bus. I'm one of them, although it's usually when my car is not available. I find the bus to be not only convenient and clean and reliable, but almost absurdly cheap given the current cost of driving.

   What would it take to get you to give up your commute and take the bus instead? And if you already do take it, do you like it or wish you could afford to drive yourself?

   --- Bruce Andriatch

The roads less traveled

 

   My daughter is learning to drive, so I decided last week to see how she would handle the ultimate test: Transit Road in East Amherst on a Saturday afternoon.

   It made me think of the streets and roads I'm always trying to avoid, either all the time - Main Street in Williamsville - or some of the time - the 290/90 interchange at the Big Blue Water Tower, during rush hours.

   How about you? Is there a thoroughfare that you'll do anything to avoid?

  --- Bruce Andriatch