photo credit:getDowntown Program

Bus Commuter Bonnie Valentine

This post comes from Bonnie Valentine, who works at the Whole Brain Group in downtown Ann Arbor. As a regular bus rider, I found myself nodding my head in agreement as I read her story. If you've never taken the bus to work before, I hope Bonnie's story will inspire you to check it out.

—Nancy Shore, getDowntown Program Director

"Can I make it to work on time taking the bus?"

I'm guessing other people share this concern and choose not to take the bus. Maybe it is because they feel the bus is an unreliable form of transportation or are afraid they'll miss the pick-up time at the bus stops.

For me, today I was really worried that I'd miss the bus, and I contemplated pulling the car out of the garage to make it to work on time. This is a typical anxiety for me on days when my work meetings begin early and I'm rushing to make it to the office on time.

However, my worry of "can I make it on time to work if I take the bus?" turned into a pleasant journey.

First, upon exiting my front door to walk to the bus stop I saw my next door neighbor for the first time since winter. We exchanged good morning as we passed each other. I continued a walk, picking up my pace, to reach the bus stop before the bus arrived.

My neighbor walked to his garage to pull out the car. Somehow I knew what would happen next. As he pulled out and passed me in his car he stopped to asked if I needed a ride.

The thing is I never really need a car ride because I have a car in my garage. It is my conscious choice to take the bus, especially during May's Commuter Challenge.

Therefore, I shared this detail with my neighbor. But then I noticed my bus pass by as we conversed. We laughed, then he added that he was headed to the dry-cleaners up the road. This happens to be near my local major bus stop were many buses pass through, so I accepted this offer. We talked the entire way, which I used as an opportunity to share how fast the bus ride is to my office location.

After reaching my next bus stop, I met a delightful young woman. Like me she was scanning the bus route signs to determine when the next bus was due.

She shared that her commute included a one hour drive to a park and ride lot and then a bus ride downtown. As we both studied the bus routes, we were quick to share our final destinations. It was neat to discover we work a few office doors down from each other. I don't want to disclose her personal information — she was person whom I felt was also trying in her own way to make a difference.

While we waited for the same bus, it was relaxing to discuss our roles at our jobs. Within minutes, the bus arrived, and we sat next to each other to continue our conversation. It was an interesting conversation as we commented how people don't talk to each other anymore and instead are on their mobile devices.

All around us other bus riders were on their electronic devices keeping to themselves. After the bus ride, we walked and talked the entire way toward our offices and, upon our parting, we both stated the hope to ride the bus together again.

My original worry that I would be late for the bus was replaced by a gladness that I pushed myself to ride the bus. Not only did I gain a little fresh air during my walks to the bus stops and office, but I had two pleasant conversations along the way. Neither would have occurred had I driven my car.

Leaving the car parked in the garage today was a great decision. I helped our environment, met a new acquaintance and was able to share my passion for public transportation with my neighbor.

The icing on the cake was I reached my office on time. In contrast, my first client arrived 10 minutes late, citing the construction traffic and parking. The client was very frustrated to start off the day this way, while I was relaxed and ready for work.

This further confirmed for me that yes, I get to work on time when I choose to take the bus, and I can have a great time doing it!

Nancy Shore is the program director of getDowntown. Reach her at nancy@getdowntown.org.