by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
As a resident of San Marco, I had long assumed I would be a prime candidate for the Skyway. The Kings Avenue Station is just a couple of miles from my house and it would seem the only cost in riding it versus driving to work would be the loss in control over exactly when I would be picked up; not that waiting for a Skyway car to arrive could be any more painful or annoying than waiting for a traffic light to change or, on occasion, the Main Street Bridge to lower. Or so I thought.
Wednesday morning at roughly the same time I leave for work in my car, I drove over to Kings Avenue in hopes of parking in the covered garage. Not unlike the Skyway, the garage has endured its fair share of public criticism so I figured why not make use of it.
Unfortunately, I was unable to even enter the garage because it is reserved exclusively for monthly parkers. I was unaware of that and I can’t help thinking I’m not the only one.
Rather, I parked in one of the 19 surface spaces set aside for short term usage; spaces that are limited to five hours. Nevertheless, I slid my dollar in the “honor box,” walked 100 paces to the station and began climbing the stairs leading to the Skyway platform, realizing I would have to be back at my car by 1 p.m. or be subject to some unknown penalty.
Upon reaching the staircase apex, the sounds of doors closing and electric chimes chirping alerted me to the fact that I had arrived at exactly the wrong time; seconds too late for one car and six minutes early for another.
A wait in the humid and heavy morning air followed while I stared blankly at my watch. Precious seconds ticked away while other would-be passengers slowly arrived, keeping me company.
The actual ride aboard the Skyway should be the least of anyone’s worries. It is relatively clean, air conditioned and provides a smooth ride and nice view of the city. It travels slightly slower than a car, but has the benefit of bypassing any traffic congestion or trains. And with modest ridership, it’s pretty roomy.
The other people aboard agreed with me.
Three stops later I was at my destination: Central Station, just outside of the Wachovia Building. The Skyway does not travel any further east than Pearl Street so I hiked the remaining six blocks to my office, arriving at work 15 minutes later than usual and drenched in sweat.
All in all, I cannot say I was 100 percent pleased with my experience. While not a complete washout, in my opinion the Skyway does not lend itself to be a viable transportation method in and out of downtown, at least for individuals who do not wish to ride it everyday. A regular rider could, perhaps, learn how to work the system and time everything down to the second. But if one was having car trouble or perhaps wanted a change of pace in the morning or afternoon, he or she should be prepared to set aside a few extra minutes, not be opposed to hoofing it a few blocks after getting off and, ultimately, be back at the parking lot within five hours.