We hear and learn from real customers as they answer our "10 Questions with Metro Transit!" Today we meet Lynn!
How long have you been riding the bus or train?
More in the last three years since we moved downtown, but really for the last 20 to 25 years. We had just gotten home from a trip to Egypt and got to use the Blue Line for the first time. It was quite exciting.
How often do you ride?
Several times a week. The clinic I go to is at the University of Minnesota, and I volunteer as an English-as-a-Second Language tutor on Lake Street.
Favorite route(s)?
The Green Line and Blue Line.
Why do you ride transit?
I don’t like to drive, and transit is much more interesting. The people I meet and talk to are fascinating. Like the guy from Liberia who talked to me about his country’s history and the guy from Ethiopia who talked about the novel he was reading.
What do you wish “first-timers” knew?
It simply isn’t that scary. I wouldn’t take it late at night. Well, I might some lines, but I probably wouldn’t go down to Lake Street Station at 10 o’clock at night. I’ve never had a problem, though. It’s like downtown. There are all these stories about how scary it is, but I haven’t run into anything yet.
Favorite destination?
Going to the dentist or doctor or ESL classes. The classes are fun; the dentist isn’t.
What do we (Metro Transit) get right?
I think the basic idea is great. As far as I can tell, they go the places people need to go.
What can we do to improve?
The cleanliness is a bit of an issue both on the trains and platforms. Increased security might be nice. I think the biggest thing isn’t Metro Transit’s fault, but Minneapolis needs to do something to help the homeless. And I don’t mean kicking them out of town, I mean helping them. If the increase in transit security has been in the evening and at night, then I would guess it’s made a big difference. It’s not much of an issue in the day.
Favorite onboard memory?
I was on the train going through Cedar-Riverside where there are murals of jumping wildcats. There was a 9-year-old or 10-year-old kid on board. I asked if he knew what they were. I got a lecture on what they were and where they lived. I was amazed. He was extraordinarily well informed at least about wildcats. I looked up the information when I got home, and he was exactly right.
Favorite movie about transit?
“Murder on the Orient Express.”