I thought one of the windows was open slightly causing a humming, whistling sound. Then I realized it was the guy sitting behind me. He hummed from 54th Street to 38th Street. It was really bizarre.
Then one of the high school student’s cell phone rang. His ring tone was “Candy Girl” by the Jackson 5. That made me smile.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Super Mario Brothers IndyGo
While waiting for the bus, I watched a man walk west on the sidewalk while fighting trash cans, trees, bushes and anything else along the route. I don’t know if he was hallucinating, or if he really felt compelled to fake punch everything around him.
I was thankful I was on the north side of the street and he was on the south side. I didn’t think he would fight me, but one never knows. He reminded me of an early ‘90s Super Mario Brothers. He walked in a somewhat straight line, but jumped, kicked and punched the air, all while moving westward. He was like Mario punching little boxes for coins, jumping on mushrooms and leaping over bad guys.
He didn’t board my IndyGo bus.
I was thankful I was on the north side of the street and he was on the south side. I didn’t think he would fight me, but one never knows. He reminded me of an early ‘90s Super Mario Brothers. He walked in a somewhat straight line, but jumped, kicked and punched the air, all while moving westward. He was like Mario punching little boxes for coins, jumping on mushrooms and leaping over bad guys.
He didn’t board my IndyGo bus.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Break from the Bus, Get Up Here
On my break from the bus last week, I took many alternate forms of transportation. In Chicago, I rode the Elevated Train, known as the “el.” One of my fellow passengers, yelled out the window, yelled at other passengers and yelled at Cubs fans for about five stops. He didn’t make any sense. We tried not to laugh at him, more laugh with him.
Then he realized his stop was approaching. He jumped out of the seat with excitement, hunched over, yelled, “Get up here!” reached around to the back of his pants, grabbed his BVDs and his belt and dramatically hoisted them up wedgie-style.
Cheers to the CTA bus tracking system. Jeers to the crazy el rider.
Then he realized his stop was approaching. He jumped out of the seat with excitement, hunched over, yelled, “Get up here!” reached around to the back of his pants, grabbed his BVDs and his belt and dramatically hoisted them up wedgie-style.
Cheers to the CTA bus tracking system. Jeers to the crazy el rider.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
911 at the IndyGo bus stop
911, What’s your location.
I thought the 911 operators asked what’s my emergency. Not the case.
Ohio and Meridian, northeast corner. A man has fallen on the sidewalk and can’t get up. (yes, I said that.) We think he had a seizure.
Are people with him?
Yes, he is surrounded by people, but not medical professionals…
I called 911 today. I was on IndyGo, we stopped at Ohio and Meridian like the other buses, but outside our IndyGo bus, a man fell over. People surrounded him. Other people asked other people what was going on. Nobody was calling 911. I know there are theories about groups of people not taking action because they see other people, and assume someone else will take care of it.
Not on my watch. Not on my bus.
I thought the 911 operators asked what’s my emergency. Not the case.
Ohio and Meridian, northeast corner. A man has fallen on the sidewalk and can’t get up. (yes, I said that.) We think he had a seizure.
Are people with him?
Yes, he is surrounded by people, but not medical professionals…
I called 911 today. I was on IndyGo, we stopped at Ohio and Meridian like the other buses, but outside our IndyGo bus, a man fell over. People surrounded him. Other people asked other people what was going on. Nobody was calling 911. I know there are theories about groups of people not taking action because they see other people, and assume someone else will take care of it.
Not on my watch. Not on my bus.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sagging Pants, IndyGo Dress Code
School’s back in session and students are riding IndyGo. One would think they would ride the yellow buses, which pass the IndyGo regularly, but there are students on my bus. A cute young lady who attends Herron High School boarded the bus today in khaki pants, red shirt and red sweater. I love the new dress code. Students look professional, yet youthful.
Then a young man boarded IndyGo, and I thought he should be on the way to school, but his lack of dress code told me otherwise. Black hat with a map of Atlanta highways (this could be a whole blog entry itself), bill straight with the shiny, round sticker on it. I know that I don’t know about hat fashion; however, I don’t understand why the shiny, round sticker stays on the hat. When I buy new clothes, I remove the stickers and tags before wearing in public.
If someone knows about this shiny, round sticker on the bill of the hat fashion statement, please explain. And he wore black jeans, not just low rise, but sagging to mid thigh. And there was a belt on these sagging pants. Again, not an expert on the fashion “the kids are wearing” these days, but sagging seems dated. Maybe I’m dated.
Then a young man boarded IndyGo, and I thought he should be on the way to school, but his lack of dress code told me otherwise. Black hat with a map of Atlanta highways (this could be a whole blog entry itself), bill straight with the shiny, round sticker on it. I know that I don’t know about hat fashion; however, I don’t understand why the shiny, round sticker stays on the hat. When I buy new clothes, I remove the stickers and tags before wearing in public.
If someone knows about this shiny, round sticker on the bill of the hat fashion statement, please explain. And he wore black jeans, not just low rise, but sagging to mid thigh. And there was a belt on these sagging pants. Again, not an expert on the fashion “the kids are wearing” these days, but sagging seems dated. Maybe I’m dated.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I took a Civic to catch IndyGo today
I missed the bus today. On my way to the stop, I saw it zoom by. To be fair, it was earlier than normal by about 4-5 minutes. I walked past my neighbor on the way to the stop, then walked past him the other way a minute later.
“I missed my bus,” I said.
“Really? Well get in. Let’s catch it,” he said.
“No, it’s OK. I’ll just drive,” I answer.
“Really, get in. Let’s catch the bus,” he said with such conviction. I got in his Civic, and we drove to catch the bus. On the way downtown, we passed several stops with people at them, people usually on my bus. We knew the bus was early, and they had missed it. The story may have been better if we stopped to pick them up, but remember, I don’t really know these folks, I just recognize them from the bus. And, we’re in a Civic.
Finally, halfway to downtown, we pull up in front of the IndyGo, and I hop out of the Civic, and hop on the IndyGo. People on my IndyGo route recognize and me, know I get on much earlier in the route, and one even asks, “Did you just take a car to catch the bus?” a little laughing, a little believing this is not far-fetched for the IndyGo girl.
“Yes, that just happened,” I said loudly enough for other people to notice.
And then I stepped on my soapbox, and announced to the riders of IndyGo that this is why we need the bus tracking system. If you are new to my blog or don’t know about the tracking system, link to www.ctabustracker.com. It shows you, in real time, where your bus is along the route, and how soon it will be at the next stop. I found out yesterday that IndyGo has this technology, but lacks funding to work out the challenges and implement. This small improvement would make such a big impact to IndyGo.
If you want to share your support, log on to www.indygo.net/feedback.asp and say you want the bus tracker system. Seriously, I took a Civic to catch the IndyGo this morning. Stayed tuned, this is just the beginning…
“I missed my bus,” I said.
“Really? Well get in. Let’s catch it,” he said.
“No, it’s OK. I’ll just drive,” I answer.
“Really, get in. Let’s catch the bus,” he said with such conviction. I got in his Civic, and we drove to catch the bus. On the way downtown, we passed several stops with people at them, people usually on my bus. We knew the bus was early, and they had missed it. The story may have been better if we stopped to pick them up, but remember, I don’t really know these folks, I just recognize them from the bus. And, we’re in a Civic.
Finally, halfway to downtown, we pull up in front of the IndyGo, and I hop out of the Civic, and hop on the IndyGo. People on my IndyGo route recognize and me, know I get on much earlier in the route, and one even asks, “Did you just take a car to catch the bus?” a little laughing, a little believing this is not far-fetched for the IndyGo girl.
“Yes, that just happened,” I said loudly enough for other people to notice.
And then I stepped on my soapbox, and announced to the riders of IndyGo that this is why we need the bus tracking system. If you are new to my blog or don’t know about the tracking system, link to www.ctabustracker.com. It shows you, in real time, where your bus is along the route, and how soon it will be at the next stop. I found out yesterday that IndyGo has this technology, but lacks funding to work out the challenges and implement. This small improvement would make such a big impact to IndyGo.
If you want to share your support, log on to www.indygo.net/feedback.asp and say you want the bus tracker system. Seriously, I took a Civic to catch the IndyGo this morning. Stayed tuned, this is just the beginning…
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Why Lie, It's For Beer
So I haven’t seen anyone else making out in alleys or on IndyGo, but I did observe the best little kid ever. My friends and I are walking to lunch, when I notice a mom and her son (who I almost missed because he was wearing camouflage) and daughter, about six and four years old, respectively. We stop at the corner of Washington and Illinois, and a panhandler featuring a sign that reads, “Why Lie, It’s for Beer” is also at this corner.
Then I hear the cute little boy in camouflage shorts say, “Hey, hey, I tried to say hi to you and you ignored me.” I turn around to watch this. “That’s right, I’m talking to you,” the little camo kid said. He was pointing at the honest panhandler. The mom was mortified. She wasn’t speaking. The panhandler didn’t say a word either and looked quite surprised. “Mom, I tried to say hi to him, and he just ignored me.”
The light changed, and the little lighted man on the crosswalk sign said we had about 27 seconds to cross the street. The mom grabbed her kids and crossed, leaving the panhandler on the corner. They didn’t give him any beer money.
Then I hear the cute little boy in camouflage shorts say, “Hey, hey, I tried to say hi to you and you ignored me.” I turn around to watch this. “That’s right, I’m talking to you,” the little camo kid said. He was pointing at the honest panhandler. The mom was mortified. She wasn’t speaking. The panhandler didn’t say a word either and looked quite surprised. “Mom, I tried to say hi to him, and he just ignored me.”
The light changed, and the little lighted man on the crosswalk sign said we had about 27 seconds to cross the street. The mom grabbed her kids and crossed, leaving the panhandler on the corner. They didn’t give him any beer money.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Making Out in an Alley
So this didn’t happen on IndyGo, but on Pennsylvania Ave instead. Specifically, just east of Pennsylvania in an alley. I was walking to lunch when I noticed two hardworking folks making out in the alley between a truck and a brick wall! I stopped and must have looked shocked. They looked back at me and just laughed. I can't related this back to IndyGo, being green or anything else, but two people necking in an alley in downtown Indianapolis made me smile.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
IndyGo Observations
IndyGo has been boring recently, no good blogging material. Then I shifted my focus, and said to myself, “if you can’t find something interesting on this bus, you aren’t looking close enough.” Here’s what I observed.
One French braid, a trashy romance novel, a silver charm bracelet. A man using a binder clip to keep his shirt together (The binder clip is the new safety pin?). A lady with two large purses, not an extra bag or a briefcase, two large fashionable purses. A woman I thought was a nun, but when she turned around she was wearing a jersey and a head wrap. My bad. A woman walking with a huge yellow scarf/shawl, and yes, it is colder than yesterday, but no, it is not cold enough for a scarf/shawl. A jurse. If you are not familiar with this lingo, this is a jean purse. It had tassels.
And my favorite…a Dora the Explorer backpack. Or should I say la mochila de Dora la Exlporada.
One French braid, a trashy romance novel, a silver charm bracelet. A man using a binder clip to keep his shirt together (The binder clip is the new safety pin?). A lady with two large purses, not an extra bag or a briefcase, two large fashionable purses. A woman I thought was a nun, but when she turned around she was wearing a jersey and a head wrap. My bad. A woman walking with a huge yellow scarf/shawl, and yes, it is colder than yesterday, but no, it is not cold enough for a scarf/shawl. A jurse. If you are not familiar with this lingo, this is a jean purse. It had tassels.
And my favorite…a Dora the Explorer backpack. Or should I say la mochila de Dora la Exlporada.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Nine Yards of IndyGo
Some people use their IndyGo bus riding time to listen to music, read the paper or a magazine or just relax. Today, the lady sitting in front of me used her IndyGo time to knit. Knitting needles, yarn, the whole nine yards of it.
When she boarded IndyGo, I immediately noticed her appearance and choice of footwear, and thought, “She looks like a lady who rides the bus to save the planet.” I couldn’t determine what the knitted end product will be; however, I did notice it will feature strategically placed oval holes along a diagonal.
I learned something this week. I shouldn’t judge people by their Birkenstocks, nor by their bus behavior. I had made assumptions about another rider, a young professional man who always listened to his ipod and sits in the first seats, the seats IndyGo labels as reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. I learned that just because you can’t easily see a disability, doesn’t mean someone doesn’t have one.
On a lighter note, I looked out the window today and noticed a dad pushing his baby in a stroller along the Cultural Trail. He looked really happy. That made me smile.
When she boarded IndyGo, I immediately noticed her appearance and choice of footwear, and thought, “She looks like a lady who rides the bus to save the planet.” I couldn’t determine what the knitted end product will be; however, I did notice it will feature strategically placed oval holes along a diagonal.
I learned something this week. I shouldn’t judge people by their Birkenstocks, nor by their bus behavior. I had made assumptions about another rider, a young professional man who always listened to his ipod and sits in the first seats, the seats IndyGo labels as reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. I learned that just because you can’t easily see a disability, doesn’t mean someone doesn’t have one.
On a lighter note, I looked out the window today and noticed a dad pushing his baby in a stroller along the Cultural Trail. He looked really happy. That made me smile.
Friday, August 1, 2008
IndyGo Hillbilly Budhists
I board IndyGo (one of the plant fuel-running eco-versions) and realize the air is on, point IndyGo, but it is not cold, minus IndyGo. I am flustered. I am hot, sweaty, my smooth straighten hair is turning frizzy and flat.
Then my professional dancer friend, no not that kind of professional dancer, boards IndyGo. He agrees it’s humid, and then explains to me that I need to meditate and “ohm.” The expression on my face doesn’t look like an “ohm.” I do, however, feel as if I’m in hot yoga.
Then he said, “It’s kind of like Hillbilly Budhism.” At that point, my mean face breaks, and I chill out. Pun intended.
Then my professional dancer friend, no not that kind of professional dancer, boards IndyGo. He agrees it’s humid, and then explains to me that I need to meditate and “ohm.” The expression on my face doesn’t look like an “ohm.” I do, however, feel as if I’m in hot yoga.
Then he said, “It’s kind of like Hillbilly Budhism.” At that point, my mean face breaks, and I chill out. Pun intended.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
IndyGo Happy Hour
If the bus is like a bar, then it must be happy hour. There are 35 people on a bus with 24 seats. Make that 36. Cheers.
IndyGo: The bus is like a bar
The bus is like a bar. I’ve witnessed bus-bar similarities repeatedly, and I am confident “the bus is like a bar” will be a reoccurring theme on Indy Gets Green.
Today’s “the bus is like a bar” observation: The pass back is back. That’s right, not just for underage bar goers anymore, the pass back is alive and well on IndyGo.
However, IndyGo’s system is much more efficient that the bouncers of the bar. Instead of the bouncer wondering if he just ID’d you or your twin sister, the IndyGo card reader announces pass back on the screen. Stops the offender on the spot.
I wish I had a great pass back story for the blog, like a slick pass back taking place around 54th Street, but I don’t. I just swiped my card twice.
Today’s “the bus is like a bar” observation: The pass back is back. That’s right, not just for underage bar goers anymore, the pass back is alive and well on IndyGo.
However, IndyGo’s system is much more efficient that the bouncers of the bar. Instead of the bouncer wondering if he just ID’d you or your twin sister, the IndyGo card reader announces pass back on the screen. Stops the offender on the spot.
I wish I had a great pass back story for the blog, like a slick pass back taking place around 54th Street, but I don’t. I just swiped my card twice.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Hiking on IndyGo, and the Double 8
I like to read Indystar.com on my phone on the way to work. Just as I reached for my cell, getting ready to log on to Indy Star and ready the city’s top headlines, I stopped in my tracks (not really, we stopped at the bus stop).
A young man boarded the IndyGo with more luggage than I’ve ever seen. The airline companies would have had a field day of charges with this guy. Not only did he have an extremely large hiking roll backpack strapped to him, he carried a black and tan regular backpack, a black reusable grocery sack, red rolling luggage and a guitar. He arranged his traveling gear for a few minutes, hiked up his cargo shorts (yes pun intended), and finally sat down. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He told a young lady next to him that he was in Indianapolis for about a month, then headed to Vancouver Island on the west coast.
She said she’d never been. He said its beautiful this time of year.
Another man, not nearly as interesting, sat across from him with a plastic grocery bag filled with napkins and toilet paper from the Double 8.
I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried.
A young man boarded the IndyGo with more luggage than I’ve ever seen. The airline companies would have had a field day of charges with this guy. Not only did he have an extremely large hiking roll backpack strapped to him, he carried a black and tan regular backpack, a black reusable grocery sack, red rolling luggage and a guitar. He arranged his traveling gear for a few minutes, hiked up his cargo shorts (yes pun intended), and finally sat down. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He told a young lady next to him that he was in Indianapolis for about a month, then headed to Vancouver Island on the west coast.
She said she’d never been. He said its beautiful this time of year.
Another man, not nearly as interesting, sat across from him with a plastic grocery bag filled with napkins and toilet paper from the Double 8.
I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Real IndyGo Women of Genius
Real IndyGo Women of Genius
Imagine this in the Bud Light talking/singing announcer guy voice…
Here’s to you Miss I am reading a paperback novel and sprawled out over two seats on the IndyGo girls. Don’t worry that other people are standing instead of sitting. Pretend to not see the old ladies wanting to sit in the front seats. Don’t make eye contact with anyone in hopes of keeping both seats to yourself. That’s right, Miss paperback novel reading spread out over two seats selfish IndyGo girl.
If you couldn’t tell, I am disappointed in the people who act like they own both seats on the bus. Share.
Imagine this in the Bud Light talking/singing announcer guy voice…
Here’s to you Miss I am reading a paperback novel and sprawled out over two seats on the IndyGo girls. Don’t worry that other people are standing instead of sitting. Pretend to not see the old ladies wanting to sit in the front seats. Don’t make eye contact with anyone in hopes of keeping both seats to yourself. That’s right, Miss paperback novel reading spread out over two seats selfish IndyGo girl.
If you couldn’t tell, I am disappointed in the people who act like they own both seats on the bus. Share.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
IndyGo Value Meals
I watched my bus driver stop the IndyGo on schedule at the stop ahead of mine. Then, as I eagerly awaited my pick up, I quickly became disappointed when I realized the driver pulled the bus over in front of McDonalds. Don’t get me wrong, "I'm lovin'" a good value meal every now and then. However, I have three observations.
1. There are mornings when I crave an Egg McMuffin meal. Those are mornings when I shouldn’t be driving, especially not a giant IndyGo bus. You know what I’m talking about.
2. If I would have known about the Mickey D’s stop, I would have had time to get a Starbucks. Tit for tat bus driver. You want to be supersized; I want to be caffeinated.
3. I didn’t notice it for about a minute and a half, but then, I smelled hash browns. All I wanted to do was dip some hash browns in little white paper containers of ketchup. I considered asking for a second McDonald’s stop at 16th and Meridian or National City Center, but I know better. IndyGo only stops at designated places along the scheduled route.
1. There are mornings when I crave an Egg McMuffin meal. Those are mornings when I shouldn’t be driving, especially not a giant IndyGo bus. You know what I’m talking about.
2. If I would have known about the Mickey D’s stop, I would have had time to get a Starbucks. Tit for tat bus driver. You want to be supersized; I want to be caffeinated.
3. I didn’t notice it for about a minute and a half, but then, I smelled hash browns. All I wanted to do was dip some hash browns in little white paper containers of ketchup. I considered asking for a second McDonald’s stop at 16th and Meridian or National City Center, but I know better. IndyGo only stops at designated places along the scheduled route.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Pokemon, IndyGo links
Best IndyGo moment this mornig: a two-foot tall Pokemon on someone’s front porch at 39th Street. I couldn’t help but smile.
Worst thing on IndyGo this morning: no air conditioning.
Did you read the article about IndyGo in the Indy Star last week? http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/LOCAL18/807180458&source=nletter-business
Check it out, provide feedback. If you need a topic, I suggest bus tracking system. Check out www.ctabustracker.com
Worst thing on IndyGo this morning: no air conditioning.
Did you read the article about IndyGo in the Indy Star last week? http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/LOCAL18/807180458&source=nletter-business
Check it out, provide feedback. If you need a topic, I suggest bus tracking system. Check out www.ctabustracker.com
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
IndyGo Networking - Green Working
I missed the bus this morning. I felt like a little kid who missed the school bus, except I get a second chance in about 25 – 30 minutes, because another IndyGo makes the route.
So I walked to Starbucks for a caffeinated attitude adjustment, and as I walked out reviewing the route schedule, a lady asked me if I was waiting for the bus. Yes, I said. She told me she just started taking the bus again and didn’t know if she had time to get coffee or exactly where the bus stop was located. I told her she had time, and the bus stop was under the light post.
We reconvened at the bus stop, shared some IndyGo improvement thoughts, and she agreed the online bus tracker would be a great improvement. I encouraged her write IndyGo, and she told me to do the same, and then we started talking about Indianapolis, improvements, ways to be involved, etc. Networking while reducing my carbon footprint - and a new term is coined – “green working.” Kind of like social networking, but networking while saving the environment. It’s a stretch I know, but we’ll see if it catches on.
So a missed bus turned into a networking opportunity. You never know who you might meet…
So I walked to Starbucks for a caffeinated attitude adjustment, and as I walked out reviewing the route schedule, a lady asked me if I was waiting for the bus. Yes, I said. She told me she just started taking the bus again and didn’t know if she had time to get coffee or exactly where the bus stop was located. I told her she had time, and the bus stop was under the light post.
We reconvened at the bus stop, shared some IndyGo improvement thoughts, and she agreed the online bus tracker would be a great improvement. I encouraged her write IndyGo, and she told me to do the same, and then we started talking about Indianapolis, improvements, ways to be involved, etc. Networking while reducing my carbon footprint - and a new term is coined – “green working.” Kind of like social networking, but networking while saving the environment. It’s a stretch I know, but we’ll see if it catches on.
So a missed bus turned into a networking opportunity. You never know who you might meet…
Monday, July 14, 2008
IndyGo and your car, Dancing with the Stars
The IndyGo is bigger than most cars. If you are driving your vehicle near an IndyGo bus, give the bus some room. A little black coupe half-way ran a red light (meaning he was half-way in the intersection, not that the light was half red). A white SUV didn’t stop at the painted white line and as we drove by, we nearly clipped his front headlights. Craziness.
We had one of the soy buses this morning. It may run cleaner, which is great, and I would like share that it provides a much smoother ride than the other IndyGos.
I talked more with the bus stop friend and the professional dancer today. The professional dancer knows the Dancing with the Stars people - the dancers, not the stars.
Slowly but surely, I imagine my bus becoming the “fun” bus. Give it time, give me time. I'm thinking something along the lines of Cheers and/or tailgating, in a law-abiding, no-alcohol-on-the-bus kind of way…stay tuned.
We had one of the soy buses this morning. It may run cleaner, which is great, and I would like share that it provides a much smoother ride than the other IndyGos.
I talked more with the bus stop friend and the professional dancer today. The professional dancer knows the Dancing with the Stars people - the dancers, not the stars.
Slowly but surely, I imagine my bus becoming the “fun” bus. Give it time, give me time. I'm thinking something along the lines of Cheers and/or tailgating, in a law-abiding, no-alcohol-on-the-bus kind of way…stay tuned.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Friends on IndyGo, Helpful IndyGo Hints
This week has been about making friends on IndyGo. I met a lady who rides about twice a week. Her kids encourage her and the family to go green. The professional dancer who lived in New York for years is used to taking public transportation. I’ve sat next to another lady for two days now, and we just say hello, good morning and have a great day, but I would consider us friends. And my bus stop friend. He gets on the bus at my stop in the morning. He has laughed at me trying to multi-task the bus stop, coffee, breakfast bars, bus pass, lunch box, purse, cell phone and anything else I happen to carry that day. I thought he was really quite, but I asked him one question, and that started the ball rolling. Now we talk.
And for those riders who aren’t my friends (yet), I’ve got some follow up. “Poutfit” lady was in navy yesterday and did not have disc man. “No sleeves, muscle shirt” has started wearing sleeves.
And if you want to make friends on the bus, here is a helpful hint. The front seats are for seniors and people with disabilities. If you are new to the bus (I did this, too), you get on and just sit down as fast as possible because the bus is moving. You sit in the first seats, and unless you are a senior or a person with disabilities, you really should sit in the middle or in the back. I think the back is more fun because the seats are higher and you have a better view of Indianapolis.
More friends and helpful hints to come…
And for those riders who aren’t my friends (yet), I’ve got some follow up. “Poutfit” lady was in navy yesterday and did not have disc man. “No sleeves, muscle shirt” has started wearing sleeves.
And if you want to make friends on the bus, here is a helpful hint. The front seats are for seniors and people with disabilities. If you are new to the bus (I did this, too), you get on and just sit down as fast as possible because the bus is moving. You sit in the first seats, and unless you are a senior or a person with disabilities, you really should sit in the middle or in the back. I think the back is more fun because the seats are higher and you have a better view of Indianapolis.
More friends and helpful hints to come…
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Packed IndyGo, Professional Dancer
The bus was packed this morning. I am proud of the IndyGoers.
I sat next to a professional dancer today. No, not that kind. I didn't even know our fine city had professional dancers. Good job Indy culture!
The air conditioning was on and working great. Thank you!
I sat next to a professional dancer today. No, not that kind. I didn't even know our fine city had professional dancers. Good job Indy culture!
The air conditioning was on and working great. Thank you!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A Nun, a Mullet and a Bachelor on IndyGo
I saw a sister at the bus stop today. Not my sister, not a “hey sista.” A “how do you solve a problem like Maria” sister. A little nun in full habit black and white gear was at my bus stop. Then a guy with a mullet, gold chain and a “joutfit” started talking to her.
Bus was about 15 minutes late again. And now we are speeding, or at least it feels like we are. I must admit I am not in view of the odometer.
A few stops after mine, an Indy version of “The Bachelorette” runner up Jason and his three-old-son Ty got on the bus. He looked just like realty TV Jason and his cutie son from the ABC show. He told the bus driver he worked in the Key Bank building. He didn’t say where little Ty was all day.
A man just sneezed and the driver announced “bless you” over the intercom. People inside and outside the bus can hear the intercom. This was very funny. The “polo and shorts” guy in front of me and I laughed out loud. I don’t think other riders even noticed.
Unlike this morning’s ride, the air conditioning is on. My vote is always for air conditioning, not windows, and the emergency exit overhead open.
Indy’s version of Jason just moved from the front of the bus, where the seats are lower, to the back of the bus, so Ty could sit up high and see out the window. Ty is super excited about the buildings, and the cars, and anything he sees out the window. He keeps laughing in a little kid laugh. He has a cute Disney Cars backpack, too.
Ty is so confused as to why the bus keeps stopping and why people keep getting off. It is really cute. Jason explained that the bus driver stops when the people pull the cord. Then the people get off IndyGo. Ty decided he should wave and say good bye to everyone as they got off the bus. I smiled at them, and commented that Ty made the bus ride fun. Jason said he is very proud to be Ty’s dad because he makes a lot of people smile.
I think this may have been my favorite bus ride so far.
Bus was about 15 minutes late again. And now we are speeding, or at least it feels like we are. I must admit I am not in view of the odometer.
A few stops after mine, an Indy version of “The Bachelorette” runner up Jason and his three-old-son Ty got on the bus. He looked just like realty TV Jason and his cutie son from the ABC show. He told the bus driver he worked in the Key Bank building. He didn’t say where little Ty was all day.
A man just sneezed and the driver announced “bless you” over the intercom. People inside and outside the bus can hear the intercom. This was very funny. The “polo and shorts” guy in front of me and I laughed out loud. I don’t think other riders even noticed.
Unlike this morning’s ride, the air conditioning is on. My vote is always for air conditioning, not windows, and the emergency exit overhead open.
Indy’s version of Jason just moved from the front of the bus, where the seats are lower, to the back of the bus, so Ty could sit up high and see out the window. Ty is super excited about the buildings, and the cars, and anything he sees out the window. He keeps laughing in a little kid laugh. He has a cute Disney Cars backpack, too.
Ty is so confused as to why the bus keeps stopping and why people keep getting off. It is really cute. Jason explained that the bus driver stops when the people pull the cord. Then the people get off IndyGo. Ty decided he should wave and say good bye to everyone as they got off the bus. I smiled at them, and commented that Ty made the bus ride fun. Jason said he is very proud to be Ty’s dad because he makes a lot of people smile.
I think this may have been my favorite bus ride so far.
Monday, July 7, 2008
"Too Much Stuff" Lady on IndyGo
For the ride home today, the bus was more than 15 minutes late. I understand 15 is not that long of a wait, and at the same time, 15 minutes can seem like an eternity when standing, waiting, watching for a bus to appear. I could have really used the map and bus tracker system today.
I talked to one lady about aerobics, pilates and yoga for about 20 minutes today, 10 at the stop, 10 on the bus. She was going to be late for her class, or possibly on time if she didn’t stop by her house to get her workout mat. She said she really didn’t want to use one of the community mats at the workout center. I don’t blame her.
Today, “Too much stuff” lady dropped her cell phone two times, spilled her purse one time, dropped her empty cup and spilled the last few drops of coffee on her leg, accidentally hit the man in front of her with her purse strap, rose to let the inside rider exit, and fell forward two rows of seats, and tried to answer a cell phone call while juggling all her stuff. Embarrassing enough – I am “too much stuff” lady. I was the most entertaining person on the bus today, and I hope I made the other riders laugh a little.
I talked to one lady about aerobics, pilates and yoga for about 20 minutes today, 10 at the stop, 10 on the bus. She was going to be late for her class, or possibly on time if she didn’t stop by her house to get her workout mat. She said she really didn’t want to use one of the community mats at the workout center. I don’t blame her.
Today, “Too much stuff” lady dropped her cell phone two times, spilled her purse one time, dropped her empty cup and spilled the last few drops of coffee on her leg, accidentally hit the man in front of her with her purse strap, rose to let the inside rider exit, and fell forward two rows of seats, and tried to answer a cell phone call while juggling all her stuff. Embarrassing enough – I am “too much stuff” lady. I was the most entertaining person on the bus today, and I hope I made the other riders laugh a little.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Re-Usable Cigarettes, IndyGo Online Tracking
Thursday after work, I sat at the bus stop for about 40 minutes. I missed the 6 o’clock bus (don’t get me started. It was really frustrating). So I waited for the 6:30 bus. I waited while a man with a 2-liter of Coke, a Steak-n-Shake bag featuring skinny fries and cheese dip, and a desperate need for orthodontic attention tried to tell me that my bus changed numbers mid-route. For the record, some buses change from one route to another mid-day, or at certain stops or times, but mine does not. Mine was early on the 6 o’clock route and late on the 6:30 route.
So all weekend, I’ve been talking to anyone who would listen about how I wish IndyGo had some kind of text/email/online tracking system to inform riders if the bus was running ahead, on time, or behind schedule. For example, the Metro in D.C. (train system, not bus) has electronic signs at each station telling riders how many minutes remain until the train arrives. I understand that won’t work at the bus stops around the city, however, there has to be a way to track the buses.
Then I talked to my friend Jenna who lives in Chicago and rides CTA, the Chicago bus system. Jenna said the buses are tracked on Google maps, and people can look online and see if the bus is coming around the corner, a few blocks away or already passed. To check out the system, go to www.ctabustracker.com. The online system allows you to select your bus and your stop and view how many minutes until your bus is scheduled to arrive, or you can select map view to see where your bus is along its route. There is even a text/mobile version for cell phones. This is a great service, and I wish IndyGo would adopt it.
One of the challenges of riding IndyGo is the uncertainty of the bus stops and timing. Yes, the routes, the stops and the times are published. However, not all stops are published, and not all stops have designated times. This creates uncertainty for riders, not knowing if the bus is early, on time or late. Uncertainty is inconvenient, which encourages people to avoid IndyGo and drive instead. I would like IndyGo to consider the CTA-Google-bus tracking system, or some other system to provide more information and easier access to the bus system to current and potential riders. If the system is more convenient, then more people will feel comfortable using it.
And for those who want a funny rider story – “Re-usable Cigarette Man.” That’s right. On Thursday, I watched a man put out his cigarette, put it back into his mouth, get on the bus, ride IndyGo with an extinguished cigarette hanging out of his mouth, get off the bus, and re-light his cigarette. Who knows what I will see this week…
So all weekend, I’ve been talking to anyone who would listen about how I wish IndyGo had some kind of text/email/online tracking system to inform riders if the bus was running ahead, on time, or behind schedule. For example, the Metro in D.C. (train system, not bus) has electronic signs at each station telling riders how many minutes remain until the train arrives. I understand that won’t work at the bus stops around the city, however, there has to be a way to track the buses.
Then I talked to my friend Jenna who lives in Chicago and rides CTA, the Chicago bus system. Jenna said the buses are tracked on Google maps, and people can look online and see if the bus is coming around the corner, a few blocks away or already passed. To check out the system, go to www.ctabustracker.com. The online system allows you to select your bus and your stop and view how many minutes until your bus is scheduled to arrive, or you can select map view to see where your bus is along its route. There is even a text/mobile version for cell phones. This is a great service, and I wish IndyGo would adopt it.
One of the challenges of riding IndyGo is the uncertainty of the bus stops and timing. Yes, the routes, the stops and the times are published. However, not all stops are published, and not all stops have designated times. This creates uncertainty for riders, not knowing if the bus is early, on time or late. Uncertainty is inconvenient, which encourages people to avoid IndyGo and drive instead. I would like IndyGo to consider the CTA-Google-bus tracking system, or some other system to provide more information and easier access to the bus system to current and potential riders. If the system is more convenient, then more people will feel comfortable using it.
And for those who want a funny rider story – “Re-usable Cigarette Man.” That’s right. On Thursday, I watched a man put out his cigarette, put it back into his mouth, get on the bus, ride IndyGo with an extinguished cigarette hanging out of his mouth, get off the bus, and re-light his cigarette. Who knows what I will see this week…
Monday, June 30, 2008
IndyGo, KielyGo and other options
Riding the bus isn’t for everyone. Some people need their cars at work, others don’t live near a bus stop or don’t work near a bus stop. And some people use other green options, such as walking, riding a bike or carpooling.
In the last week I met several people who bike to work. They turn brunch time into crunch time, getting a little workout before the workday. I’d like to encourage wearing helmet.
Carpooling – what a fun option (or not depending on the carpool partners and the driver’s ipod library). Last Friday I rode KielyGo, my friend’s version of IndyGo, much smaller, seats four, doesn’t stop nearly as much and the driver is very cute. Post comments if you are interested.
It was classic, she pulled up to the street corner where I waited, I got in the passenger seat, paid her $1.50 for the ride, and she dropped me off at my door. We had lovely conversation in between. All of that is true with the exception of the $1.50.
If you can’t ride the bus everyday, that doesn’t mean you can’t be green, or at least a little greener. There are several options to help reduce your carbon footprint. For the record, KielyGo is not for hire, and I reserve that mode of transportation.
Please post suggestions and green options in the comments. Good ideas are out there. Let’s share them, or should I say, let’s reuse and recycle them.
In the last week I met several people who bike to work. They turn brunch time into crunch time, getting a little workout before the workday. I’d like to encourage wearing helmet.
Carpooling – what a fun option (or not depending on the carpool partners and the driver’s ipod library). Last Friday I rode KielyGo, my friend’s version of IndyGo, much smaller, seats four, doesn’t stop nearly as much and the driver is very cute. Post comments if you are interested.
It was classic, she pulled up to the street corner where I waited, I got in the passenger seat, paid her $1.50 for the ride, and she dropped me off at my door. We had lovely conversation in between. All of that is true with the exception of the $1.50.
If you can’t ride the bus everyday, that doesn’t mean you can’t be green, or at least a little greener. There are several options to help reduce your carbon footprint. For the record, KielyGo is not for hire, and I reserve that mode of transportation.
Please post suggestions and green options in the comments. Good ideas are out there. Let’s share them, or should I say, let’s reuse and recycle them.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fire alarms and guns
From about 40th Street to 21st Street the IndyGo bus fire alarm (or some other alarm that sounded like a building fire alarm) sounded. The driver didn’t say anything about the alarm. She simply stopped the bus around 25th street, got out, checked something on the front of the bus, got back on, started IndyGo up, and the alarm stopped.
Then it started again. We just laughed. Our driver stopped again at 22nd street, and checked things on the outside of the bus again. Some of the riders looked at each other. The lady in front of me was trying to sleep. I figured if the driver wasn’t alarmed (pun intended) I wouldn’t be alarmed. It stopped. These drivers are great. No one said a word about the alarm.
I didn’t expect a fire alarm to sound on the bus, but as we know from previous blogs, nothing surprises me about IndyGo anymore.
I was surprised last night at a popular northside hangout. I went with two friends, and we met for drinks. We met early, and as the night went on, the crowd got trashy and rowdy. Four or five guys started to get into a fight near our table, and one kept lifting up his shirt to show off his gun. This was the moment we knew we wanted to get out there. We were shocked to see a guy with a gun at Keystone at the Crossing. Maybe we are naïve. I jokingly said, I don’t even see guns on IndyGo.
Then I thought about perceptions and reality. Everyone I know thinks Keystone at the Crossing is completely safe. However, many people I know think that IndyGo is unsafe and sketchy. Perception. Reality. I’ve never seen a gun on IndyGo. I’ve never even seen a fight. Most people keep to themselves, with the exception of me, who is making friends. I always feel safe on the bus. I’m going to think twice about going to Champps.
Then it started again. We just laughed. Our driver stopped again at 22nd street, and checked things on the outside of the bus again. Some of the riders looked at each other. The lady in front of me was trying to sleep. I figured if the driver wasn’t alarmed (pun intended) I wouldn’t be alarmed. It stopped. These drivers are great. No one said a word about the alarm.
I didn’t expect a fire alarm to sound on the bus, but as we know from previous blogs, nothing surprises me about IndyGo anymore.
I was surprised last night at a popular northside hangout. I went with two friends, and we met for drinks. We met early, and as the night went on, the crowd got trashy and rowdy. Four or five guys started to get into a fight near our table, and one kept lifting up his shirt to show off his gun. This was the moment we knew we wanted to get out there. We were shocked to see a guy with a gun at Keystone at the Crossing. Maybe we are naïve. I jokingly said, I don’t even see guns on IndyGo.
Then I thought about perceptions and reality. Everyone I know thinks Keystone at the Crossing is completely safe. However, many people I know think that IndyGo is unsafe and sketchy. Perception. Reality. I’ve never seen a gun on IndyGo. I’ve never even seen a fight. Most people keep to themselves, with the exception of me, who is making friends. I always feel safe on the bus. I’m going to think twice about going to Champps.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Mom Rode the IndyGo Today, Get Free Passes from Me
Back on the bus today! A little twist to the usual route – In my efforts to spread the word about IndyGo, I traveled north to ride the bus with my mom. That’s right, mom is official on board. Pun intended.
My mom says I’ve inspired her to try the bus, and as many people probably feel, she wanted to “test run” the route. I had an early a.m. appointment in Carmel, so it worked out for us to meet at Meijer and test run the IndyGo Commuter Express (ICE). My mom rode IndyGo back in the day, back in the 1970s. It is not exactly like riding a bike, but you know what I mean.
The ICE is really nice. It is a luxury motor coach. And everyone is really quiet. The ICE was packed with professionals, and I saw a lot of laptops. I don’t see that many laptops on my IndyGo route.
The motorcoach has several TVs, too. I think someone should bring DVDs to watch on the ride. How fun would it be to watch half of Hoosiers on the way to work and then catch the rest on the route home? If you ride ICE, I suggest bringing something to entertain yourself, because the experience isn’t nearly as fun or exciting as regular IndyGo. I’ll be back tomorrow with more exciting city stories.
I was jealous of the ICE route because it is packed with riders. I wish the regular IndyGo routes were that consistently full. They are getting fuller and fuller, which is great. Hopefully everyone reading will talk about IndyGo options, ICE and regular, and consider giving IndyGo a test run, just like my mom did.
If you want to try it and ride IndyGo for free, post a comment to me. At the mass transit meeting last night a representative from IndyGo offered me Clean Air passes to give to people who wanted to try IndyGo free of charge.
I am happy to help you figure out how to try the bus, and maybe we can start riding together. Get on board.
My mom says I’ve inspired her to try the bus, and as many people probably feel, she wanted to “test run” the route. I had an early a.m. appointment in Carmel, so it worked out for us to meet at Meijer and test run the IndyGo Commuter Express (ICE). My mom rode IndyGo back in the day, back in the 1970s. It is not exactly like riding a bike, but you know what I mean.
The ICE is really nice. It is a luxury motor coach. And everyone is really quiet. The ICE was packed with professionals, and I saw a lot of laptops. I don’t see that many laptops on my IndyGo route.
The motorcoach has several TVs, too. I think someone should bring DVDs to watch on the ride. How fun would it be to watch half of Hoosiers on the way to work and then catch the rest on the route home? If you ride ICE, I suggest bringing something to entertain yourself, because the experience isn’t nearly as fun or exciting as regular IndyGo. I’ll be back tomorrow with more exciting city stories.
I was jealous of the ICE route because it is packed with riders. I wish the regular IndyGo routes were that consistently full. They are getting fuller and fuller, which is great. Hopefully everyone reading will talk about IndyGo options, ICE and regular, and consider giving IndyGo a test run, just like my mom did.
If you want to try it and ride IndyGo for free, post a comment to me. At the mass transit meeting last night a representative from IndyGo offered me Clean Air passes to give to people who wanted to try IndyGo free of charge.
I am happy to help you figure out how to try the bus, and maybe we can start riding together. Get on board.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Drove Past My IndyGo Bus and Waived
I made it downtown via my own car. I saw my bus on the way.
I wished I were on the IndyGo, leisurely and bumpily observing the nice and not so nice homes of Indy’s north and near north side.
I talked with my dad this morning. He was disappointed I wasn’t on the bus. He tried to reason with me about catching the bus from the library, and I explained that I could have figured out how to get from my work bus stop to the Central Library. The challenge is getting from the Central Library to my route home. I reminded him I didn’t know when the meeting would end, and my evening route runs once every hour. He agreed that this proposed a challenge.
This is one of the challenges I hope we discuss tonight. Reminder: Central Library doors open at 7 and meeting starts at 7:30.
I wished I were on the IndyGo, leisurely and bumpily observing the nice and not so nice homes of Indy’s north and near north side.
I talked with my dad this morning. He was disappointed I wasn’t on the bus. He tried to reason with me about catching the bus from the library, and I explained that I could have figured out how to get from my work bus stop to the Central Library. The challenge is getting from the Central Library to my route home. I reminded him I didn’t know when the meeting would end, and my evening route runs once every hour. He agreed that this proposed a challenge.
This is one of the challenges I hope we discuss tonight. Reminder: Central Library doors open at 7 and meeting starts at 7:30.
Irony - Can't Ride Bus to Mass Transit Meeting
Anyone looking for a funny bus story today, just gets an ironic, but true story.
I plan to attend the Mass Transit meeting at the Central Library tonight, door open at 7, starts at 7:30.
I can ride IndyGo downtown this morning as usual.
But I don't know how to get home...for a few reasons.
I checked www.indygo.net to try to figure out which lines could take me from downtown to Central Library. There are two maps of the system online, the downtown loops, and the entire system at a glance. The first map is too tight, and doesn't show Central Library, the second is too big, and I can't tell which lines stop by Central Library.
Even if I made it to the Central Library via IndyGo after work, I don't know what time the meeting will conclude, and I don't know which lines would connect me back to my neighborhood. Above all, I feel comfortable riding my line to and from work, but I don't feel comfortable riding IndyGo later in the evening. It could be fine, it may not be, but I'm uncertain.
This situation is probably what most people feel like when considering riding IndyGo. It's inconvenient. I don't know how to do it. I can't figure out the routes. What if I don't know what time I will be done, and then I don't know if there will be a bus at that time.
Indy Gets Green is my real life situation, and while I promote IndyGo and Indianapolis's public transportation, I also know it is important to tell the pros with the cons. I don't think this is reason to give up on the system. I hope everyone sees this as a reason to try harder to make public transportation a real alternative.
All of this is why I chose to drive to work today. I drove my car and didn't ride public transportation, so I could attend the mass transit meeting. Ironic.
I plan to attend the Mass Transit meeting at the Central Library tonight, door open at 7, starts at 7:30.
I can ride IndyGo downtown this morning as usual.
But I don't know how to get home...for a few reasons.
I checked www.indygo.net to try to figure out which lines could take me from downtown to Central Library. There are two maps of the system online, the downtown loops, and the entire system at a glance. The first map is too tight, and doesn't show Central Library, the second is too big, and I can't tell which lines stop by Central Library.
Even if I made it to the Central Library via IndyGo after work, I don't know what time the meeting will conclude, and I don't know which lines would connect me back to my neighborhood. Above all, I feel comfortable riding my line to and from work, but I don't feel comfortable riding IndyGo later in the evening. It could be fine, it may not be, but I'm uncertain.
This situation is probably what most people feel like when considering riding IndyGo. It's inconvenient. I don't know how to do it. I can't figure out the routes. What if I don't know what time I will be done, and then I don't know if there will be a bus at that time.
Indy Gets Green is my real life situation, and while I promote IndyGo and Indianapolis's public transportation, I also know it is important to tell the pros with the cons. I don't think this is reason to give up on the system. I hope everyone sees this as a reason to try harder to make public transportation a real alternative.
All of this is why I chose to drive to work today. I drove my car and didn't ride public transportation, so I could attend the mass transit meeting. Ironic.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Indy Star Article Confirms IndyGo Ridership Up due to Gas Prices
Gas prices fueling surge in bus use
Some routes so full that people are turned away
By Christine Wonchristine.won@indystar.com
Indianapolis commuters have parked their cars and turned to buses in surging numbers this spring as gas prices soared past $4 a gallon.
April saw about 160,000 more one-way rides on IndyGo, the city's bus system, than in April 2007 -- a 24 percent increase.
New express lines running from Fishers and Carmel are often so full that people are turned away, and IndyGo officials are considering looking for more spaces to handle all the cars parked at the suburban stops.
Talk to the office workers, students and others who have become mass transit believers, and they'll point to one powerfully persuasive number.
"$4.19," said Katy Gentry, 26, Fishers, who has been taking the express bus to work at Bose McKinney & Evans in Downtown Indianapolis. "That's the reason."
Commuters across the country are embracing mass transit in numbers unseen for 50 years. According to the American Public Transportation Association, people rode the bus 30.4 million times more in the first quarter of 2008 than in 2007. In freeway-mad Los Angeles, commuter rail ridership set a record last week, and the California Department of Transportation reported a dip in freeway traffic.
The surge in interest offers some hope for IndyGo, a beleaguered system that in the past four years has had to cut jobs, trim routes and increase fares as it struggled with a tight budget and generally declining ridership since 2000.
But IndyGo officials say they can't afford to expand service any further. The system has a 15-year plan that includes adding routes and buses, but at this point, there is no way to pay for it.
"Ridership continues to go up," said IndyGo spokeswoman Ronnetta Spalding, "but there are not enough resources to meet those demands."
Spreading the word
Emily Hancock is one person who has done more than her share to boost ridership. She's persuaded about 15 of her colleagues from the Family and Social Services Administration to start taking the bus.
"I got one person to switch right on," said Hancock, 54, who lives on the Northside and has been taking the bus into Downtown Indianapolis every day for about three years. "But it wasn't until the gas price crunch that people started listening to me."
She uses the bus to attend meetings out of the office and has no regrets about embracing mass transit.
"Now I take the bus everywhere."
The system has 29 routes in Marion County and added the two regional express routes in the past year. A basic fare is $1.50, and the ride in from Fishers or Carmel costs $2 each way.
Those who make the switch say saving money is just the start of the benefits.
"There's no wear and tear on your car, or you, either," said Jim Osborn, 55, Fishers, who takes the express every day to work at M&I Bank. "I just sit back and relax and (don't) worry about having to fight the traffic."
David McConaha, 32, Carmel, takes the Carmel Express to Downtown three times a week. He drives the other two days, when it is his turn to pick up his 3-year-old son from day care.
"It's great because as a research analyst, I have a lot of material to read," McConaha said. "So I take advantage of the free time on the bus."
The suburban commute may take 10 or 15 minutes longer by bus than car, but riders say they don't mind.
Jacqui Gardner, 30, Carmel, is a mom of three children ages 4 to 8, so she enjoys what she calls precious "me-time" on the almost hourlong commute. She even saves time getting ready by doing makeup on the bus. Gardner started taking the bus the day the Carmel Express launched in March.
Her biggest worry was being stuck Downtown if an emergency came up, but IndyGo has help for those cases.
Its Central Indiana Commuter Services offers a free ride home to carpoolers and transit riders who unexpectedly encounter a problem during the day, such as an illness, personal emergency or the need to work unexpected overtime.
Wanting more
In the six months since it launched, the Fishers route has seen ridership almost triple, from 3,400 in October to 9,400 in April. The Carmel Express also almost tripled from 2,700 to 7,100 in one month after its launch in March.
Commuters report the express buses are so popular that sometimes not everyone can get on in the mornings. Then folks might end up driving anyway.
In the evenings, buses may skip stops when they're full, leaving riders to wait half an hour for the next bus. Some commuters walk to one of the first pickup spots rather than risk being left behind by a full bus.
Steve Gelwicks, 49, Fishers, waited one evening last week at the third stop, then found out the bus was full. He wasn't going to take that risk twice.
"I walked six blocks from the third stop, on Pennsylvania and South, to the first stop, on Pennsylvania and Ohio," said Gelwicks.
The popularity has caught others by surprise, too.
Tammy Sander, 34, missed the Carmel Express the first morning she tried to take it because the bus was full five minutes before it was scheduled to leave.
"I didn't know it was this popular. I could not believe how many people were in the parking lot," Sander said.
"Carmel is a wealthy city, so I didn't think they'd be affected by the gas prices, but we all are -- we make that drive every day. It doesn't matter what your economic income is -- it's about the impact on your wallet at the end of the week."
Some routes so full that people are turned away
By Christine Wonchristine.won@indystar.com
Indianapolis commuters have parked their cars and turned to buses in surging numbers this spring as gas prices soared past $4 a gallon.
April saw about 160,000 more one-way rides on IndyGo, the city's bus system, than in April 2007 -- a 24 percent increase.
New express lines running from Fishers and Carmel are often so full that people are turned away, and IndyGo officials are considering looking for more spaces to handle all the cars parked at the suburban stops.
Talk to the office workers, students and others who have become mass transit believers, and they'll point to one powerfully persuasive number.
"$4.19," said Katy Gentry, 26, Fishers, who has been taking the express bus to work at Bose McKinney & Evans in Downtown Indianapolis. "That's the reason."
Commuters across the country are embracing mass transit in numbers unseen for 50 years. According to the American Public Transportation Association, people rode the bus 30.4 million times more in the first quarter of 2008 than in 2007. In freeway-mad Los Angeles, commuter rail ridership set a record last week, and the California Department of Transportation reported a dip in freeway traffic.
The surge in interest offers some hope for IndyGo, a beleaguered system that in the past four years has had to cut jobs, trim routes and increase fares as it struggled with a tight budget and generally declining ridership since 2000.
But IndyGo officials say they can't afford to expand service any further. The system has a 15-year plan that includes adding routes and buses, but at this point, there is no way to pay for it.
"Ridership continues to go up," said IndyGo spokeswoman Ronnetta Spalding, "but there are not enough resources to meet those demands."
Spreading the word
Emily Hancock is one person who has done more than her share to boost ridership. She's persuaded about 15 of her colleagues from the Family and Social Services Administration to start taking the bus.
"I got one person to switch right on," said Hancock, 54, who lives on the Northside and has been taking the bus into Downtown Indianapolis every day for about three years. "But it wasn't until the gas price crunch that people started listening to me."
She uses the bus to attend meetings out of the office and has no regrets about embracing mass transit.
"Now I take the bus everywhere."
The system has 29 routes in Marion County and added the two regional express routes in the past year. A basic fare is $1.50, and the ride in from Fishers or Carmel costs $2 each way.
Those who make the switch say saving money is just the start of the benefits.
"There's no wear and tear on your car, or you, either," said Jim Osborn, 55, Fishers, who takes the express every day to work at M&I Bank. "I just sit back and relax and (don't) worry about having to fight the traffic."
David McConaha, 32, Carmel, takes the Carmel Express to Downtown three times a week. He drives the other two days, when it is his turn to pick up his 3-year-old son from day care.
"It's great because as a research analyst, I have a lot of material to read," McConaha said. "So I take advantage of the free time on the bus."
The suburban commute may take 10 or 15 minutes longer by bus than car, but riders say they don't mind.
Jacqui Gardner, 30, Carmel, is a mom of three children ages 4 to 8, so she enjoys what she calls precious "me-time" on the almost hourlong commute. She even saves time getting ready by doing makeup on the bus. Gardner started taking the bus the day the Carmel Express launched in March.
Her biggest worry was being stuck Downtown if an emergency came up, but IndyGo has help for those cases.
Its Central Indiana Commuter Services offers a free ride home to carpoolers and transit riders who unexpectedly encounter a problem during the day, such as an illness, personal emergency or the need to work unexpected overtime.
Wanting more
In the six months since it launched, the Fishers route has seen ridership almost triple, from 3,400 in October to 9,400 in April. The Carmel Express also almost tripled from 2,700 to 7,100 in one month after its launch in March.
Commuters report the express buses are so popular that sometimes not everyone can get on in the mornings. Then folks might end up driving anyway.
In the evenings, buses may skip stops when they're full, leaving riders to wait half an hour for the next bus. Some commuters walk to one of the first pickup spots rather than risk being left behind by a full bus.
Steve Gelwicks, 49, Fishers, waited one evening last week at the third stop, then found out the bus was full. He wasn't going to take that risk twice.
"I walked six blocks from the third stop, on Pennsylvania and South, to the first stop, on Pennsylvania and Ohio," said Gelwicks.
The popularity has caught others by surprise, too.
Tammy Sander, 34, missed the Carmel Express the first morning she tried to take it because the bus was full five minutes before it was scheduled to leave.
"I didn't know it was this popular. I could not believe how many people were in the parking lot," Sander said.
"Carmel is a wealthy city, so I didn't think they'd be affected by the gas prices, but we all are -- we make that drive every day. It doesn't matter what your economic income is -- it's about the impact on your wallet at the end of the week."
Gas at 4.25, More People Ride IndyGo
IndyGo was early today. I almost missed the bus! Imagine me running, waving at driver. To change it up today, I sat in a different seat. New views.
Because the bus was early, we were a little light on passengers for the first half of the route, then he slowed down and we were back on schedule.
We got passed by an IPS yellow bus, and cut off by a Honda Pilot this morning. We almost took out the Pilot. I suggest being cautious of the IndyGo. It is bigger than most vehicles, and we run on soy or corn or something else very intimidating.
A new rider joined us this morning. He talked on his cell phone the whole ride about how gas was $4.25, and while he has gas in his tank, he is not using it at $4.25 a gallon. He asked another person about a month pass. FYI: Money-saving 7-day and 31-day passes are available at City Market, located on Market between Alabama and Delaware. For more information go to www.indygo.net. 31-day passes are only $55 for regular riders, and $27.50 for students and seniors. And no, to any of my friends wondering if I dressed up in my Halloween costume as the old lady to get the half-price fare.
Because the bus was early, we were a little light on passengers for the first half of the route, then he slowed down and we were back on schedule.
We got passed by an IPS yellow bus, and cut off by a Honda Pilot this morning. We almost took out the Pilot. I suggest being cautious of the IndyGo. It is bigger than most vehicles, and we run on soy or corn or something else very intimidating.
A new rider joined us this morning. He talked on his cell phone the whole ride about how gas was $4.25, and while he has gas in his tank, he is not using it at $4.25 a gallon. He asked another person about a month pass. FYI: Money-saving 7-day and 31-day passes are available at City Market, located on Market between Alabama and Delaware. For more information go to www.indygo.net. 31-day passes are only $55 for regular riders, and $27.50 for students and seniors. And no, to any of my friends wondering if I dressed up in my Halloween costume as the old lady to get the half-price fare.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Weekend Update - IndyGo
Special Weekend Update:
I rode IndyGo downtown Saturday, and there was cute couple on the bus. They got off the bus a few stops before I did. I was going to lunch with a friend, then to a birthday party, then to a festival, all downtown.
Later that afternoon at the festival, I saw the cute couple. She smiled at me, acknowledging our IndyGo ride, and then he said, "Hey, you're the girl from the bus." This happened a few more times that afternoon. I hope being recongized as "the girl from the bus" catches on.
People want to be around other people like themselves. I do. And seeing someone like me, at the same festival, riding the same bus, makes me feel good, makes me feel like it is not that weird that I ride the bus in Indianapolis.
Something a little weird from my weekend ride - I got asked out on the bus.
Food for thought: Mass Transit Public Meeting this Tuesday night at the Central Library. Doors open at 7 p.m. This meeting is to discuss the rapid transit rail from Fishers to downtown. Included in these talks are an upgrade to IndyGo. Feel free to join me there, or read about it on Wednesday in Indy Gets Green.
I rode IndyGo downtown Saturday, and there was cute couple on the bus. They got off the bus a few stops before I did. I was going to lunch with a friend, then to a birthday party, then to a festival, all downtown.
Later that afternoon at the festival, I saw the cute couple. She smiled at me, acknowledging our IndyGo ride, and then he said, "Hey, you're the girl from the bus." This happened a few more times that afternoon. I hope being recongized as "the girl from the bus" catches on.
People want to be around other people like themselves. I do. And seeing someone like me, at the same festival, riding the same bus, makes me feel good, makes me feel like it is not that weird that I ride the bus in Indianapolis.
Something a little weird from my weekend ride - I got asked out on the bus.
Food for thought: Mass Transit Public Meeting this Tuesday night at the Central Library. Doors open at 7 p.m. This meeting is to discuss the rapid transit rail from Fishers to downtown. Included in these talks are an upgrade to IndyGo. Feel free to join me there, or read about it on Wednesday in Indy Gets Green.
The People on the IndyGo Bus
Indy Gets Green wrote:
On my way home on IndyGo. I have to share about the variety of folks on this bus!
There is a professional guy who I think has a bit of OCD. He keeps changing seats! I remember him from last week.
Three little kids just hopped on with their mom. She asked if our bus went to 30th and meridian. I hope they get off at the children's museum and not some place shady on the near northside. Her kids are really well behaved, and one is wearing a Joutfit. If you don't know what a Joutfut is, email [name withheld] for a visual.
Next up is a professional woman with a hot green mini fan circa 1992. She is just trying to stay cool I guess.
Uh oh. The kids are pointing to the museum, but mom said no.
The driver is taking his job really seriously today. He has announced every stop and all the connecting routes. For those of you not as familiar with the IndyGo system, it resembles a spaghetti bowl with several connections. And he talks like Ferris Bueller's teacher.
I just saw a little girl on a horse on Indianapolis's northside. That has nothing to do with the bus, but I thought it added to the story. I really couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
OCD rider guy keeps standing up and looking out the windows. He did the same thing last week, too. And he just said, oh my gosh, out loud, to no one.
Seriously, my driver is giving out Indianapolis history facts. This is great stuff today. My stop is next. Until next time...
My friends wrote:
I absolutely love this tidbits. .. .and I've seen that girl on a house. It's weird--and where does she keep a horse on the near northside?
I love this. What a spectacle it is to ride IndyGo.....one day I may have to join you just to experience this for myself.
Seriously,...you are seriously so pro-active...making change happen! I would just love to watch you "watching everyone else"!
On my way home on IndyGo. I have to share about the variety of folks on this bus!
There is a professional guy who I think has a bit of OCD. He keeps changing seats! I remember him from last week.
Three little kids just hopped on with their mom. She asked if our bus went to 30th and meridian. I hope they get off at the children's museum and not some place shady on the near northside. Her kids are really well behaved, and one is wearing a Joutfit. If you don't know what a Joutfut is, email [name withheld] for a visual.
Next up is a professional woman with a hot green mini fan circa 1992. She is just trying to stay cool I guess.
Uh oh. The kids are pointing to the museum, but mom said no.
The driver is taking his job really seriously today. He has announced every stop and all the connecting routes. For those of you not as familiar with the IndyGo system, it resembles a spaghetti bowl with several connections. And he talks like Ferris Bueller's teacher.
I just saw a little girl on a horse on Indianapolis's northside. That has nothing to do with the bus, but I thought it added to the story. I really couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
OCD rider guy keeps standing up and looking out the windows. He did the same thing last week, too. And he just said, oh my gosh, out loud, to no one.
Seriously, my driver is giving out Indianapolis history facts. This is great stuff today. My stop is next. Until next time...
My friends wrote:
I absolutely love this tidbits. .. .and I've seen that girl on a house. It's weird--and where does she keep a horse on the near northside?
I love this. What a spectacle it is to ride IndyGo.....one day I may have to join you just to experience this for myself.
Seriously,...you are seriously so pro-active...making change happen! I would just love to watch you "watching everyone else"!
Standing Room Only - Gas Prices Crunch
Indy Gets Green wrote:
Two days of Indy Go reporting to include:
Yesterday the bus was packed! Standing room only on the 7 a.m. People are feeling the crunch of the high gas prices, and they are taking a stand. Literally.
Today, several of the 7 a.m. must have picked up the earlier bus because the bus was light, and boy did they miss out. We rode a brand new bus today, and I think it ran on soy or corn or something else we eat/turn into fuel.
Also, I sat in the back on the elevated seats, and now I know what you all feel like in those SUVs. Great views.
One last tip - I picked up a reusable Starbucks cup this weekend. Now I can reduce, reuse, and recycle with my coffee. I strongly recommend it, and I applaud one of you, you know who you are, for already being on board. Yes, pun intended in reference to the bus.
Take care, save the environment, more to come.
My friends wrote:
You’re hilarious. Thanks for including me on the bus blog
I love the chronicles of Indy Gone . . . you busers are a real cult following! Are you starting to recognize regulars yet?
Indy Gets Green is so ahead of her time!! :) This was in my Indy Star Fresh Start today
IndyGo promotes itself, carpooling as gas risesWith gas prices over $4.08 a gallon, IndyGo will hold a "Dump the Pump" promotion today to encourage drivers to take the bus. The event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Indianapolis City Market will feature bus pass giveaways, sign-up opportunities for carpooling to work, and information on how car emissions affect air quality.
Way to go Indy Gets Green!
Reusable Starbucks Iced Bev Cup Day 2 was great, I highly encourage you to buy one if you enjoy iced coffees and teas, besides being the green choice, it keeps drinks colder longer and does not "sweat" on the outside of the cup. Have a great day everyone!
Two days of Indy Go reporting to include:
Yesterday the bus was packed! Standing room only on the 7 a.m. People are feeling the crunch of the high gas prices, and they are taking a stand. Literally.
Today, several of the 7 a.m. must have picked up the earlier bus because the bus was light, and boy did they miss out. We rode a brand new bus today, and I think it ran on soy or corn or something else we eat/turn into fuel.
Also, I sat in the back on the elevated seats, and now I know what you all feel like in those SUVs. Great views.
One last tip - I picked up a reusable Starbucks cup this weekend. Now I can reduce, reuse, and recycle with my coffee. I strongly recommend it, and I applaud one of you, you know who you are, for already being on board. Yes, pun intended in reference to the bus.
Take care, save the environment, more to come.
My friends wrote:
You’re hilarious. Thanks for including me on the bus blog
I love the chronicles of Indy Gone . . . you busers are a real cult following! Are you starting to recognize regulars yet?
Indy Gets Green is so ahead of her time!! :) This was in my Indy Star Fresh Start today
IndyGo promotes itself, carpooling as gas risesWith gas prices over $4.08 a gallon, IndyGo will hold a "Dump the Pump" promotion today to encourage drivers to take the bus. The event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Indianapolis City Market will feature bus pass giveaways, sign-up opportunities for carpooling to work, and information on how car emissions affect air quality.
Way to go Indy Gets Green!
Reusable Starbucks Iced Bev Cup Day 2 was great, I highly encourage you to buy one if you enjoy iced coffees and teas, besides being the green choice, it keeps drinks colder longer and does not "sweat" on the outside of the cup. Have a great day everyone!
Business Professionals Ride IndyGo
Indy Gets Green wrote:
Indy Go was quite full today. The public must be hurting from $4.20 per gallon gas prices.
This morning I saw the following:
Two words: Disc man
Two more words: "poutfit" otherwise known as pink outfit. It was like a low budget, dated version of [former coworker who wore pink all the time, but in a classy way] (just to clarify in case this gets forwarded to her, she is much prettier and classier than poutfit woman)
Several professionals were on the bus today. I overheard that they usually take the earlier bus, but they were running late on a Monday a.m. The things I learn on the bus...
My friends wrote:
I’m loving these stories!
Hi girlie . . . I read an article about the bus people in the Indianapolis Star . . . I think Friday. You are correct, the busses are getting more crowded because of the gas thing. They interviewed people getting on at the Meijer. The woman said she used to get there five or ten minutes before the bus arrived . . . now, if she gets there at that time, she gets bumped to the next bus. Love poutfit . . . this is a real eye opener for you.
Can you ever take pictures with your phone? ( tee,hee)
You need to get your blog started so I can RSS feed this stuff. Too funny! My co-worker [also name withheld, but not nearly as funny of a name] would like to be copied on these emails as she really enjoys them. Her email is [obviously withheld] You are already generating a fan base!
Think of it this way, I learned (almost) everything I know from riding the bus when I was younger. I am completely impressed that you are into week 2 and going strong!
what time do you leave on the bus and where do you catch it in the a.m.? i seriously need to look into this!
Indy Go was quite full today. The public must be hurting from $4.20 per gallon gas prices.
This morning I saw the following:
Two words: Disc man
Two more words: "poutfit" otherwise known as pink outfit. It was like a low budget, dated version of [former coworker who wore pink all the time, but in a classy way] (just to clarify in case this gets forwarded to her, she is much prettier and classier than poutfit woman)
Several professionals were on the bus today. I overheard that they usually take the earlier bus, but they were running late on a Monday a.m. The things I learn on the bus...
My friends wrote:
I’m loving these stories!
Hi girlie . . . I read an article about the bus people in the Indianapolis Star . . . I think Friday. You are correct, the busses are getting more crowded because of the gas thing. They interviewed people getting on at the Meijer. The woman said she used to get there five or ten minutes before the bus arrived . . . now, if she gets there at that time, she gets bumped to the next bus. Love poutfit . . . this is a real eye opener for you.
Can you ever take pictures with your phone? ( tee,hee)
You need to get your blog started so I can RSS feed this stuff. Too funny! My co-worker [also name withheld, but not nearly as funny of a name] would like to be copied on these emails as she really enjoys them. Her email is [obviously withheld] You are already generating a fan base!
Think of it this way, I learned (almost) everything I know from riding the bus when I was younger. I am completely impressed that you are into week 2 and going strong!
what time do you leave on the bus and where do you catch it in the a.m.? i seriously need to look into this!
Random Acts of Kindness on IndyGo
Indy Gets Green wrote:
Today on IndyGo, a younger woman got on the bus, didn't have enough change, and the driver said, "Miss [name withheld for privacy], that's OK, we'll take care of you. You shouldn't have spent all your money at Starbucks," he was obviously makeing a joke (meanwhile, NF is drinking an iced americano, clearly from Starbucks).
Then an older lady gathers up her change and buys Miss [name withheld for privacy] a day pass, presents it to her and everyone on the bus smiles, and appreciates the generousity.
A little random act of kindness on the bus today.
My friends wrote:
I have to say, the comment about Starbucks made me laugh this morning. It’s nice to know there are such kind and generous people exist. Hope you’re having a good day.
Miss [name withheld for privacy]? It sounds like you are back in the 50's or something! Keep the stories comin! We love them!
awww. thanks for that. that made my day :) i need to start riding the bus with you so i can get my daily dose of goodness!
Today on IndyGo, a younger woman got on the bus, didn't have enough change, and the driver said, "Miss [name withheld for privacy], that's OK, we'll take care of you. You shouldn't have spent all your money at Starbucks," he was obviously makeing a joke (meanwhile, NF is drinking an iced americano, clearly from Starbucks).
Then an older lady gathers up her change and buys Miss [name withheld for privacy] a day pass, presents it to her and everyone on the bus smiles, and appreciates the generousity.
A little random act of kindness on the bus today.
My friends wrote:
I have to say, the comment about Starbucks made me laugh this morning. It’s nice to know there are such kind and generous people exist. Hope you’re having a good day.
Miss [name withheld for privacy]? It sounds like you are back in the 50's or something! Keep the stories comin! We love them!
awww. thanks for that. that made my day :) i need to start riding the bus with you so i can get my daily dose of goodness!
Strange Stop on IndyGo
Indy Gets Green wrote:
So my Indy Go bus driver pulled over this morning, parked the bus, and took a smoke break. I couldn't make this stuff up...
Just wait for the ride home!
My friends wrote:
You should complain!!! That is ridiculous!
And I think you should blog about this.. .
Ah... tales from the Indy Go... love it! Did you make it on time? I can just see you on there like what the heck is happening... this is not good for the blog sir... :)
A better question... have you looked up Indy Go yet and called to complain? ;)
Holy cow that's funny stuff. All the more reason why you need to start your blog and chronicle your funny stories. How is your second day going?
aaahhhhhaaa! Classic!
Wheeeee! I can't wait for the ride home!!! What I really wish that I could see..is the expression on your face during the cigarette break!! ( tee,hee)
I didn't contact IndyGo to complain. I did find out that bus drivers take breaks if they are ahead of schedule. I have seen a smoke break, a CVS break and a Starbucks run.
So my Indy Go bus driver pulled over this morning, parked the bus, and took a smoke break. I couldn't make this stuff up...
Just wait for the ride home!
My friends wrote:
You should complain!!! That is ridiculous!
And I think you should blog about this.. .
Ah... tales from the Indy Go... love it! Did you make it on time? I can just see you on there like what the heck is happening... this is not good for the blog sir... :)
A better question... have you looked up Indy Go yet and called to complain? ;)
Holy cow that's funny stuff. All the more reason why you need to start your blog and chronicle your funny stories. How is your second day going?
aaahhhhhaaa! Classic!
Wheeeee! I can't wait for the ride home!!! What I really wish that I could see..is the expression on your face during the cigarette break!! ( tee,hee)
I didn't contact IndyGo to complain. I did find out that bus drivers take breaks if they are ahead of schedule. I have seen a smoke break, a CVS break and a Starbucks run.
IndyGo Emails, Before the Blog
Indy Gets Green wrote:
That's right everyone. I successfully rode IndyGo #17 today.
Get ready...I think I am going to blog my travels.
My friends had questions, such as:
How far is the walk from the drop-off?
And others like:
Are you typing this email from the basement of your kidnapper? Do you need help?
As you can read, many perceptions about IndyGo exist. The bus pick ups and drop offs are all over downtown and the existing routes. For routes, go to www.indygo.net. Stops are as close as across the street, and sometimes I get off at earlier stops and walk a few blocks.
No, I was not kidnapped during my IndyGo ride. I feel safe on IndyGo.
That's right everyone. I successfully rode IndyGo #17 today.
Get ready...I think I am going to blog my travels.
My friends had questions, such as:
How far is the walk from the drop-off?
And others like:
Are you typing this email from the basement of your kidnapper? Do you need help?
As you can read, many perceptions about IndyGo exist. The bus pick ups and drop offs are all over downtown and the existing routes. For routes, go to www.indygo.net. Stops are as close as across the street, and sometimes I get off at earlier stops and walk a few blocks.
No, I was not kidnapped during my IndyGo ride. I feel safe on IndyGo.
Two Weeks Riding IndyGo - Catch Up
To catch everyone up to speed...I've been riding IndyGo, Indianapolis's public transportation system, for two weeks now.
The combination of high gas prices, expensive parking garages, time consuming commutes, going green and saving the environment culminated about two weeks ago. That's when I put my foot down, on the sidewalk not the gas pedal, and got on board. Pun intented.
I told friends, coworkers, my financial advisor, and anyone who would listen, that I was going green and getting on the IndyGo. Most people chuckled, some thought I was crazy, and one even bet me lunch at a downtown steakhouse that I wouldn't last a week. After my first successful IndyGo ride, I emailed everyone about the trip. They wanted to know more, so I kept emailing. The emails were forwarded to other friends and coworkers, and people wanted to know how riding IndyGo was going, so "Indy Gets Green the blog" was born.
In the next few posts, I'll share some of the earlier emails to let you know where I've been, and I hope you'll post feedback, dialog and questions to help me and Indianapolis get where we need to go: green.
The combination of high gas prices, expensive parking garages, time consuming commutes, going green and saving the environment culminated about two weeks ago. That's when I put my foot down, on the sidewalk not the gas pedal, and got on board. Pun intented.
I told friends, coworkers, my financial advisor, and anyone who would listen, that I was going green and getting on the IndyGo. Most people chuckled, some thought I was crazy, and one even bet me lunch at a downtown steakhouse that I wouldn't last a week. After my first successful IndyGo ride, I emailed everyone about the trip. They wanted to know more, so I kept emailing. The emails were forwarded to other friends and coworkers, and people wanted to know how riding IndyGo was going, so "Indy Gets Green the blog" was born.
In the next few posts, I'll share some of the earlier emails to let you know where I've been, and I hope you'll post feedback, dialog and questions to help me and Indianapolis get where we need to go: green.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)