By MARK PARISThe recent changes to the schedule and organization of the ACT system is, to be kind, a serious problem.
The new schedule, in particular, is not aligned well to peak usage, coordination with other lines (NM Park & Ride and LANL shuttles, for example), and the customer service is suffering tragically due to the mistreatment of hardworking and caring drivers. After I heard from a driver that they have to do three-hour split shifts I was appalled. The new routes lead to very long rides.
Admittedly, my personal experience is just anecdotal. My route from the Transit Center to the Bradbury Museum, which used to take 8 minutes, now takes almost three times as long. When I rode the number 1 line — the Downtown Circulator — around noon the past week on several occasions, I was the only one on the both each time. Apparently, my anecdote may be more than just incidental given the fact that this route used to be pleasantly bustling with passengers. (A driver on one of my recent rides told me I was their only passenger on that loop.)
Please revert to the old schedule. I understand that there were very few complaints under the previous routing and scheduling.