I think the new name was because some people feel that as an MBTA forum, they have carte blanche to talk about any MBTA subject forgetting that this is only part of Railroad.net. If you read the thread entitled whats with all the threads, or something like that, I think you will understand where CS is coming from.
I personally don't like it either, because you aren't going to stop the complaining and confusion about the bus policy just by a rename, but that is the rational behind the new name I think.
I don't know if any one has links to this forum from another site, but if thats true, some people viewing this forum might not even realize that this is part of Railroad.net. I doubt it, but I think it is something we have to keep in mind before shouting down someone who might be complaining.
One more thing. I know commuter boats aren't really mentioned that much, but the boats will be competing with Greenbush for ridership, and I think that we should create a "That boat thread" and have boat topics be covered under the same rules as buses, since boats are an MBTA service.
Just to avoid any confusion on the policy, here is a simple rule. If it is steered by a steering wheel, it is restricted to one thread, if it doesn't have a steering wheel, which only rail vehicles do, than it can be discussed. I know that Otto said steel wheel on steel rail, but there are systems that run on rubber tires on rails, Montreal and Paris come to mind. Still, that is of little relevance here.
Rich "Dino" Martin
A one time happy rider of Arborway and the old Washington St. El.
