Cedar Rapids Bus Party

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?

Winter is my absolute favorite time of year to ride the bus anywhere that gets below 40 degrees (F)! I’m even more thrilled to let someone else chauffeur me around town when it snows like it did in Iowa last week. So as the year comes to an end, and it’s most definitely winter weather time, I thought I’d share my reasons and some winter busing tips.

Why Winter Busing is awesome:

1. I don’t have to drive with people who suck at driving even more with bad road conditions.
2. The bus is nice and toasty.
3. I don’t have to dig my car out to go to work and again to go home.
4. I’m not worried about someone running into the bus.
5. Total time spent in the cold each day (minus walking to lunch) = ~5 minutes
6. The buses don’t quit when the weather gets tough. Although I suppose this could be a negative if you like excuses to not go in to work.

Tips for Winter Busing:

1. Wear tall boots for scaling snow piles until they’re cleared.
2. A sturdy bag to carry normal shoes in. Also remember to grab the bag or you get to wear your boots all day.
   1. Might want to include “nice looking” in #1 in case you forget your shoes like I tend to do.
3. Bring tissues if your nose leaks like mine going between hot and cold temps.
4. Use the front door whenever possible, so you don’t exit directly into a snow bank.
5. Don’t sit across from a door. The bus is warm, but the wind can be quite brisk when the doors open.

Do you have any other bus benefits you love during the winter? Or any tips you’ve learned? Please share in the comments, I’d love to hear!