Archive for February, 2010

Tips to Implement a Kiss and Ride

2010-02-24

While visiting a friend near D.C., we would walk by a “Kiss and Ride” metro stop to get on the train. It was created for people riding public transit to get dropped off, presumably by their significant other or dropping off children, and forgo the long-term parking associated with Park and Rides. I liked the idea and we use something similar to get me to the bus everyday. I mentioned that we talked about drop off/pick up points during the Route 8 Bus Party and I thought I’d share some of my tips since I’ve learned a few things after using this technique for almost 2 years.

Tips for Kiss and Rides where official locations don’t exist:

  • Covered bus stops are great for rain and wind protection, but if you may be waiting a bit for your pick up, I recommend finding a location that you can be inside of and run some errands while you wait. I use Target and Lindale Mall as my “productive while waiting” locations in case my ride is late due to bad weather or just running behind.
  • A low traffic location, or one with a safe place to pull over for you to get in and out is a must. It wouldn’t work so well to pull over on 16th Ave or Williams Blvd but pulling into a parking lot near a bus stop would be great.
  • Choose a drop off spot that is somewhat on the way for your driver. If it’s easy for them to continue on their way, then they’re more likely to continue being helpful in promoting your bus support.
  • Figure out the best timing. If you’re being dropped off by car, you can find a couple of alternate stop locations near by. These may come in handy based on if you’re running early or late. There are three stops close to my preferred location that we will use on occasion based on when we left the house and if there is extreme weather like pouring rain or freezing wind.
  • Kissing is not a requirement to get dropped off, but if you and your driver are comfortable, it can be a nice way to start the day and an additional perk for their help!

Of course I would prefer to walk to my bus stop, but using these tips has made it easy for us to stay in the same house, get rid of a car, and keep my husband sane while I pursue my transit lifestyle.

What other tips do you have for people who would ride if they could just get dropped off at a bus stop?

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Route 8 Bus Party Recap

2010-02-20

We had six riders for today’s Bus Party. We rode Route 8 through the southwest side of Cedar Rapids, out to Stoney Point and back. Johnson Ave. is the backbone of this route and the route links quite a few schools including Hoover Elementary, Taft Middle, Truman Elementary, and Coolidge Elementary. The bus wasn’t very full besides our group, and having been a daily rider when I lived on that side of town, I can say that its ridership is mostly made up of people working downtown and students going to school, so that makes sense. The best thing about today’s bus party was that we finally rode one of the brand new Gillig buses! Right away, all of the riders noticed how much quieter and smoother this bus was compared to the other buses we’ve been on. It was even quite comfortable on bumpy, pothole-filled Johnson Ave.

Most of our bus discussion was about the new Gilig, but one of the riders was scouting a drop off/pick up point for potential future use of this route. This is how I ride in the winter and many times throughout the rest of the year, so we talked a little about what makes a good location.

We ate outside of downtown this time, and enjoyed authentic Mexican food at El Super Burrito which happens to be on Route 8.

Next month will be Route 9. See you then!

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Posted in Bus Party Recap | 3 Comments »

Get Your Ride On: Winner!

2010-02-20

Well this freebie was won by a land slide. Congratulations to tracee for being our first ever freebie winner and for sharing her busing story! Even though we know that the CR Transit system needs improvements, it’s great to hear how it is currently helping riders. And we love tracee’s appreciation for bus drivers! We are happy to be putting one 10-Ride pass into use for someone and hope to provide more free stuff in the future.

Have a great wintry day and come join us for the Route 8 Bus Party at 11:10 today. Riding buses in the snow is something everyone should experience!

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Free Stuff: Get Your Ride On

2010-02-15

We wanted to kick off some good transit vibes in 2010 and, to spread our love of transit, we’re going to give one lucky person a treat. Well hopefully more than just a treat. We want to encourage trying public transit, break down some more barriers, and let someone “test ride” CR Transit. And to do just that, we’re going to give away a 10-Ride pass!

Our hope is that the pass will help hesitant, potential riders give transit a try, or reward a current rider for supporting the system. The flexibility of the 10-Ride pass means it doesn’t expire, and can still get you to work and back 5 times, or you could just cruise around town if you need to get out for an hour.

To give it away fairly, we’re asking those interested to leave a comment on this post with a brief bit about why you ride or why you want to give CR Transit a try. We will use Random.org to generate the number of the winner from the list of comments as of 11:59pm February 19th and announce on February 20th. Your email is required so you can be contacted and receive the prize. If possible, we will hand over the pass at the Route 8 bus party on the 20th, but other arrangements can be made if the winner is not able to make it.

Only citizens in the Cedar Rapids metro area that will be able to use the pass are eligible. Only one entry per person.

We humbly realize that we’re not a huge blog (yet?), so your chances of winning are probably pretty good. Come give transit a real try on us and good luck!

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Posted in Announcements | 1 Comment »

Connections 2040

2010-02-15

This Thursday, Feburary 18th, the Corridor MPO will be hosting another set of workshops focused on goals for the future of our community. These are planned to be discussion based, and a great venue to share your priorities for our metro area. The workshops will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 350 1st Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Full information can be found in the announcement below and at www.Connections2040.com.

The Corridor MPO would appreciate having a headcount of those planning to come so they can be prepared. Although it’s not required, we are encouraged to register on the Connections 2040 site here.

The more voices we have sharing priorities for our future, the better our community can become. It sounds cheesy, but it is true, and if you don’t share your ideas now, you don’t have the right to complain when things don’t turn out how you want them. Participate and take pride in what you can change!

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Route 8 Bus Party

2010-02-07

When: Saturday, February 20th, 11:10 am – 12:10 pm. The bus will leave at 11:20, so get there early to park if you’re driving down, ask questions, and get your $1.25 or bus pass ready.
Who: Everyone! Bring your friends and family of all ages. Children 4 and under are free, check out the transit site for other fare options.
Where: Corner of 12th Ave & 2nd St SE (transit transfer site). It is across from the African American Museum and it is part of the large parking lot, Lot 44. Meet inside the waiting area building.
After: Lunch! Walk, drive, or ride a bike or bus to a downtown restaurant.

I am very excited for this route ride because Route 8 is where I got my start riding the buses in Cedar Rapids! In a lot of ways it is similar to Route 3 in the consistent riders and route layout. We will be exploring the northwest and southwest sides of Cedar Rapids along B Ave, Johnson Ave, and turning around in the Stoney Point development. Highlights along this route include the Johnson Ave. Hy-Vee, Taft Middle School, Hoover Elementary School, and El Super Burrito (an excellent restaurant you should try).

Parking is available in Lot 44 at the SE corner of 8th Ave SE and 2nd St SE: here.

Disclaimer: Please check out general guidelines for riding the buses. You are responsible for your own actions. Also, I do not work for Cedar Rapids Transit or the city. I will gladly listen to your opinions and complaints, but they will be even more effective if you also share them with the transit department. See their main site for the latest contact information.

Route 8 Map

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Posted in Bus Party Invitation | 1 Comment »

Sneek Peek at a Live Bus Party

2010-02-03

Now that there is a proper bus party site, I can finally share the Route 3 video that Robin Kash of Neighborhood Network News put together. It captures thoughts from me and several of the other bus partiers that attended, along with general shots during the ride. I think it does a good job of showing the larger bus parties, and it is great to have some of the comments documented on camera.

Several of the comments included the need for bike racks on the buses. Since the video was taken in the spring of 2009, I’m glad to say that we have at least seen this improvement. Hopefully we continue to see changes for the better.

A big thanks to Robin for investing his time to create this! Check out his site for more independent coverage of local issues.

The video has been split into two parts, so watch both for full coverage.

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Posted in Bus Party Recap, Thoughts | Leave a Comment »

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