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?

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

This was a great tour of the southern industrial area along Bowling and J Streets. Who knew how many businesses were tucked away in there? I didn’t. It was also a nice demonstration of how the recommended change for Route 7 will be an improvement and better for Kirkwood students. We had a bus with squeaky brakes, but other than that it was a pretty smooth and quiet ride.

Afterwards we ate at Cedar River Landing on F Ave NW which happens to be along Route 1.

Next month we’ll cover the route that I first rode in Cedar Rapids. See you then!

Now you can check up on any polls you may have missed, or compare your opinion to other viewers. Don’t worry about needing to re-vote, because they’ll be the same polls in the posts, just organized away for easy access. So enjoy sharing your transit views, and be sure to give us your opinion on any polls you may have missed. Why? Because we want to know!