Shut up and Ride

It seems like all the talk on the news, in the papers, within industries, at work and in communities is about tackling gas prices.

Americans have come up with the most inventive ways of getting to work without driving their car. In fact, I saw a story this morning on Good Morning America about a man in Portland, Ore. who paraglides to work.

While you probably won't see a paraglider flying over Broad Street, Athens Transit is trying to get everyone's heads focused on bus riding.

This Wednesday, July 16, Athens Transit is going to make all bus rides FREE for all who come aboard.

As a UGA student, I have ridden the Athens Transit bus many times. The No. 14 bus stops right in front of my apartment, and it is extremely efficient. If the schedule says it's going to stop at 8:42 a.m., by golly, it's there at 8:42 a.m.- MUCH more reliable than waiting for 30 minutes for a Milledge Avenue bus.

Since I've been in Athens this summer, I have been able to observe the "real people" who live here instead of college kids all the time. I've noticed that a LOT of people ride the bus. Every time I ride or walk by one, there is usually at least one person waiting on the bus.

Free Transit Day, as it is to be called, is Athens' way of honoring National Alternative Transportation Day. Free rides will be available to everyone, not just Athens residents. If you live in Watkinsville, you can park at he Lexington Road Wal-Mart, Georgia Square Mall, North Plaza Shopping Center or The Shops at South Milledge and take a bus the rest of the way.

Moral of this post: give Athens Transit it a try sometime if you never have.

If you want to see what bus comes to a stop near you, visit the Athens Transit Web site, www.athenstransit.com.

There's a poll on the right side of the page asking if you've ever ridden Athens Transit. We'd be interested to know, so your answer would be greatly appreciated. We'd also like to read your comments on this post. Feel free to talk about your experience with Athens Transit- good or bad.