We hear and learn from our actual customers as they answer our "10 Questions with Metro Transit!" Today we meet Graham!
How long have you been riding the bus or train?
I have been riding the bus and train for about three years. I started because I was going to the University of Minnesota, and the METRO Green Line was my main way to commute to class. I enjoy being able to walk to different places and being on transit with other people. It feels like a much more social experience than when you’re in your car alone.
How often do you ride?
I ride most days out of the week. I mostly use transit to get to work, to school, sometimes to get groceries, to see friends and family. I genuinely enjoy it. It’s nice to read a book when you’re on your way somewhere.
Favorite route(s)?
The 3, 6, and the Green and Blue lines. I also enjoy being able to go fast on transit, being able to have bus lanes to cruise to my destinations. A lot of those routes are pretty time effective in getting to places. I go to work downtown to a transportation planning internship at Stantec. I visit friends in Whittier.
Why do you ride transit?
The biggest reason is I want to be a transit planner. It’s better for the environment, and it’s important to be in community when you’re traveling, to be around other people and not stuck in your car.
What do you wish “first-timers” knew?
Paying can be hard at first if you’re not used to bringing cash with you. It can often take about the same amount of time to take the bus as it does to drive. A lot of mapping apps will tell you how different modes get to places. I think people should consider it more. When you drive, you have to park your car. When you’re traveling on transit, you can take the bus somewhere, get off, go four blocks another way to another store and take a bus back to your original destination instead of having to run back to your car and move it.
Favorite destination?
Route 6 connects a lot of great parks, Bde Maka Ska, Loring, the river. Having those chained together is really nice. If you want to bike in one of those places, it’s really useful for getting down there.
What do we (Metro Transit) get right?
The E Line corridor. The bus lanes are really nice. It speeds it up so much compared to last year before they were in. The shelters are really nice. Having heat is really nice and the big pylons with the screens.
What can we do to improve?
I would love to see more bus lanes all over the place, more of what you have been doing. When people see those improvements, which make transit more visible, they will realize they could have taken the bus instead.
Favorite onboard memory?
Game days are always fun. I went to a Loons game this summer, and it was fun to be on train after we won.
Favorite movie about transit?
“Bullet Train.”