Perfectly, and with distinction. ;-)
Lurking is good too. I try to limit my commenting to those cases where the post adds useful facts, insight, or argument.
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
May 31, 2005 Tuesday
SECTION: NATIONAL; Pg. 1
LENGTH: 1479 words
HEADLINE: PREPARING FOR THE WORST;
Officials rework evacuation strategy
BYLINE: By Mark Schleifstein, Staff writer
Busing planned
The busing evacuation plan is a work in progress. Details likely will remain murky until time to implement the plan, because officials don't want people heading to a particular place expecting a ride. Those without transportation need to be planning now how they'll get to safety, New Orleans Emergency Preparedness Director Joseph Matthews said.
"It's important to emphasize that we just don't have the resources to take everybody out," Matthews said.
He said the viability of the bus plan depends on whether Regional Transit Authority and New Orleans public school officials find enough volunteer drivers.
New Orleans is in an unusual situation, compared with neighboring parishes, because more than a quarter of its residents have no personal transportation. According to the most recent census data, about 134,000 out of the city's 480,000 people are without cars, said Shirley Laska, director of the University of New Orleans' Center for Hazards Assessment, Response & Technology.
If the buses are used, Matthews said those on board will have to be patient.
"Lets face it," he said. "In time of an emergency, if we wait until the new contraflow plan is put in effect to begin this plan, it will take anywhere from four to six hours to get people as far as Baton Rouge.