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OPINIONS
Editorial: On new bus service to Charleston, 10-digit dialing and fighting crime
New intercity bus service between Huntington and Charleston begins today. The first bus is scheduled to leave Pullman Square in downtown Huntington at 6:40 a.m. It will arrive at Building 5 at the Capitol Complex at 8 a.m. The return trip leaves the Capitol Complex at 5:15 p.m.
Service is offered five days a week. The state Division of Public Transit says the bus service is designed for business and college commuters and features bike racks, WiFi connectivity and complimentary newspapers.
This could be a good alternative for commuters who tire of fighting rush hour traffic. The Huntington-to-Charleston route was planned when gasoline prices are higher than they are now. Taking the bus should be less expensive, even if riders lose some freedom of movement once they arrive in Charleston.
As with anything else of this nature, service depends on ridership. People should at least give it a chance. It could very well be what some people in this area need. They won't know until they try.
Ten-digit phone numbers are coming to West Virginia next month.
Verizon says people and businesses should begin reprogramming their phones, fax machines and other telecommunications equipment to prepare for the new area code overlay beginning Feb. 28. That's the date that new phone numbers in West Virginia will have the new 681 area code, while older numbers will retain the 304 area code.
Verizon also says people should start practicing their 10-digit dialing now.
In most of West Virginia's neighboring states, new area codes are added by dividing territory of existing codes. Thus, Ironton went from 614 to 740, and Lexington, Ky., switched from 606 to 859. The West Virginia Public Service Commission approved a plan in this state for an overlay system where the same territory can have two area codes.
Whether that was wise remains to be seen. The important thing now is for state residents to get used to 10-digit dialing, because it's coming.
Most major cities in Ohio saw an increase in homicides last year, according to The Associated Press.
Last year was the fourth consecutive year in which Cleveland had 100 or more homicides. Toledo, Cincinnati and Columbus also reported more homicides.
Huntington is not alone in its fight against crime. And its drug crime has spilled over into nearby rural areas. The fight will require continued cooperation among cities and outlying areas.
