Out of Control

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”—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 desires—they want fast, convenient, reliable service that takes them to all the places they want to go.