We hear and learn from real customers as they answer our "10 Questions with Metro Transit." Today we meet Betty!
How long have you been riding the bus or train?
I have used Metro Transit many times through my life. But when I retired, I got rid of my car. That was 10 years ago so that’s when I really started using it daily to get anywhere I need to go.
Favorite route(s)?
Route 3.
How do you get around?
More walking and biking in warm weather. But in the winter, I take Metro Transit everywhere to get groceries, to doctor appointments, volunteer activities, social events, concerts, wherever I go.
Why do you ride transit?
I love my planet. Car traffic is destructive, and I hate car traffic. The noise, it terrifies me. It’s also pretty unaffordable for me with gas prices, insurance, car and all of that. As a senior, I can ride Metro Transit for a dollar, and it’s good for two and a half hours so usually I can get to a doctor’s appointment and back on a dollar.
What do you wish “first-timers” knew?
I have never felt personally at risk on Metro Transit. I do sometimes see activity I don’t approve of. It's a public space so there are people from all socioeconomic classes on the bus. But I like that diversity, and I like getting to know who lives in my community. A lot of times people will ask me how are you going to get there? I say, “I’ll take a bus.” They'll ask me, “Ohhh, are you going to be OK? Are you going be safe?” I’ll say, “I’ll be a lot safer than you are in your car.”
Favorite destination?
The Como water park with my grandson.
What do we (Metro Transit) get right?
The best part of Metro Transit is the drivers. I have seen them help out so many people sometimes with a little ASL or a little Spanish or a little Somali or just helping people with a handicap get where they need to go. They are just terrific.
What can we do to improve?
I am really looking forward to more BRT lines. The Route 3 is going to be replaced by the H Line, and I can’t wait. I am also looking forward to trying the Green Line Extension.
Favorite onboard memory?
One of the things I really enjoy about riding Metro Transit is that I observe acts of kindness that people do for each other, even people who obviously don’t know each other. I remember one time it was a cold day, and I got off the bus in downtown St. Paul. There was an elderly woman standing there without a hat. A man got off the bus and took his hat off and put it on her head. It just made me so happy.
Favorite movie about transit?
I really like the bus scene with Robin Williams in “Mrs. Doubtfire.” It’s really charming.