“I love public transportation, […] it allows me independence.”
I love public transportation. I started riding the bus when my mom got a job that meant she couldn’t pick me up from high school anymore. One time I took an extra bus to get home so that I could take an impromptu tour of Royal Oak just because I could. I realized that riding public transportation allows me independence, I’ve always had a soft spot for transit since then. I enjoyed taking the bus so much, when my mom was able to pick me up again I decided to continue taking the bus. Even in adverse weather I prefer public transportation. The stress and responsibility for other’s lives coupled with the repetitive and boring nature of driving are some reasons I remain interested in transit.
Another thing I like about public transportation is that it has taught me where things are. I’ve been on the bus and rode past places from my childhood, like the original pancake house or my father’s old house. Places I thought were so far away as a child but have learned are just a bus ride away. The bus has taught me that there are so many places I enjoy, that aren’t as far as I once thought, and all my travel is much cheaper than driving! I spend maybe $20 a month to go where I want to go. When I’m really moving around I spend $70/month
Not only is public transportation cheaper than driving, it also allows me an opportunity to do things I truly enjoy. Being able to read a book and engage with friends. is a highlight of my travel. I took a two hour long bus ride and was able to read a lot. I got to pick my own reading and just enjoy the ride, I wouldn’t be able to do that if I were driving. I’ve spent time doing homework on my way to the class and have even been able to learn German on my way to destinations.
“The bus has taught me that there are so many places I enjoy, that aren’t as far as I once thought, and all my travel is much cheaper than driving!”
While I enjoy taking the bus, I’d love to see some improvements made. An example would be simplifying the bus fare system. There are some bus passes that cover ADA fares rides which is important to me as a caregiver to my mom Dawn Hammontree, and some that don’t. The SMART/ DART passes should be more collaborative. While both SMART and DDOT have worked to simplify the rules surrounding the bus passes there are still so many rules and we would all benefit from a more streamlined and simplified fare system.