Here is a graph of Dash ridership for 2009. The red line is the estimated Dash ridership used to justify all Dash funding. The first year ridership was to be 70 riders and the second year ridership (beginning in October) was to be 85 riders. 

In August with ridership less than 50% of estimates, a third bus was added and in September the fare was lowered to $5.00.  Ridership peaked briefly as bus expenses rose 50% and the fare dropped 33% per ticket. Ridership goals could still not be obtained.

What is the next goal for the DASH? Are there any? Will the DASH continue to fail?

A new bus stop has been added at 49 and the Toll road for one trip each day. Where are the press releases for this new stop? Is this new Toll Road stop planned to fail?

The local papers need to publish these ridership numbers and show where the DASH is failing to meet estimates.

Why did Mayor Costas' city address proclaim Dash ridership had doubled in the last six months but fail to mention not one ridership goal has been reached? Is that political spin?

This low Dash ridership proves we have no need for a South Shore extension. The ridership estimates for any extension may prove to be just as exaggerated. The existing South Shore continues to loose ridership.

Dash continues to NOT meet goals. The DASH will finally include a stop at the Toll Road, MAYBE.. NWI TIMES Valpo seems more concerned with lettering on new buses. The Dash's greatest success was with Christmas shoppers, not commuters. What will the Dash do the other 11 months of the year?

VLINE RIDERSHIP DOWN, DASH RIDERS ARE STILL SHORT NWI TIMES What would Valpo do if they can't charge VU more? VU will already pay about $40,000.00  more next year for the V-Line already? The DASH ridership has never met goals and expectations.

Porter County withdrawal from RDA scheduled for Jan 25. NWI TIMES

When will the South Shore extension to Valparaiso be removed from the RDA mission? NICTD announced in July that the Valparaiso line is nowhere close to meeting Federal Transportation Administration cost-effectiveness standards, which is necessary to compete for federal funds.

TWO GARY casinos file bankruptcy. Remember when casinos were part of the funding solution for mass transit? The Gary Airport and Gary Casinos continue to be NON DESTINATIONS! NWI TIMES

Our Mission

To help Porter County develop proper on demand transit for seniors, disabled, and those with no transportation or not able to drive.

To get Porter County out of the RDA.

To get South Shore extensions out of the RDA's mission.

To maximize the use of the existing South Shore commuter trains.

To stop wasting so much money on the Chicago Dash Bus service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT http://www.stoptherta.com

Contact Information

Please email your supporting NO RTA and RDA ideas and information.

Electronic mail

General Information: info@no-rta-rda.com
 

Last modified: 09/25/09