Local HEROES Clean Water

38 - www.westcountygazette.com - 1/15/09Ask EcoGirlBy Patricia DinesEcoGirl@askecogirl.infowww.AskEcoGirl.infoHappy Traveling onPublic TransitDear EcoGirl: I want to use public transit,both for the planet’s well-being and myconvenience, but I’m not sure how to start.Any advice?Signed, Stuck in TrafficDear Stuck: Thank you for your question.Yes, using public transit is a wonderfulway for us to help decrease car pollution,reverse global climate change, embodya greener lifestyle, and trim our wealthtransfer to oil-rich nations. Accordingto the Union of Concerned Scientists,transportation is the largest source of U.S.air pollution and accounts for over 25% ofour greenhouse gas emissions.Shifting to public transit can alsobring personal benefits, reducingdriving hassles and cutting costs forgas, insurance, repairs, and parking.I see it as a “chauffeur for the rest ofus,” transforming tense travel timeinto a chance to read, write, ponder,savor the scenery, connect with newfolks, and experience our community inricher detail. Plus, our patronage bringsvital support to the system, especiallyimportant with today’s governmentcutbacks.Getting Started• Begin with something easy, such asplanning one trip. Consider how you’dtake transit to work, school, shopping,the airport, a park, or an event. Look firstfor journeys that don’t require transfersand where timing isn’t critical, to helpkeep things relaxed. Use the resourcesbelow to identify appropriate routes,stop locations, schedules, costs, andparking options. (Note: Sports fans mightbe interested in Golden Gate Transit’sexpress bus from Santa Rosa to 49ersgames.)• Explore bus routes that stop near yourhouse, visiting recreational destinationsalong their paths. (This idea comes fromtransit advocate Alice Linn.)• Play with others. For instance, journeywith friends to San Francisco or the coast.(For the latter, columnist Tish Leveerecommends Sonoma County Transit’ssummer route 29.) Also, Sebastopol Walks(info@sebastopol.org, 823-3032) offersbus-walk trips that combine exercise andcamaraderie.• Experiment with various types oftrips, to learn what works best for you.Note: Some workplaces offer free transitpasses to employees!Key Resources• Peruse information about area transitsystems at www.511.org or call 511(toll-free). Here you’ll find route maps,© CopyrightPatriciaDines, 2008.All rightsreserved.schedules, and fares, plus information ondiscount passes, bringing bikes on transit,and accessibility.Another useful resource is Getting Thereon Transit, with overview maps of BayArea systems. Download it at (www.mtc.ca.gov/library/getting_there/Getting_There_On_Transit-07.pdf) or request a freeprint copy from 510-817-5836 or (library@mtc.ca.gov). It’s from 2007, so confirm anyroute specifics.• Learn the local options. Start withSonoma County Transit (www.sctransit.com, 576-7433, 800-345-7433), whichlinks to various city systems. Alsolook at Golden Gate Transit (www.goldengate.org, 415-455-2000), whichgoes to San Francisco via both busand ferry. Download their New Rider’sGuide at (http://goldengatetransit.org/services/publications.php). These twotransit agencies can link you to other areasystems and points beyond.Traveling Tips• Prepare for your comfort. Dress forexpected temperatures, ideally in layers,and with comfortable shoes. Bring water,maybe a snack, plus items to amuseyourself, such as reading or knitting.• Make the connection. To ensure thatyou catch your bus, confirm that yourschedule is current and arrive a littleearly. Bring exact change, a timepiecewith the correct time, and the schedulein case your plans shift. Check that you’reat the right transit agency’s stop, on thecorrect side of the street, and boardingthe desired bus.• Enjoy the adventure. Your travel timecan be an opportunity to get work done,find new perspectives, share engagingconversations, and discover new places.Riders often experience memorableinteractions. For example, Novato’s LionelGambill recalls meeting a Mongolianwoman grateful that here she’s allowed totravel without her husband. Alice Tuckerfondly remembers singing Motownon Route 20 to the River one night andmeeting an Internet bride from theUkraine. “Driving in a car can isolate youfrom people,” Alice comments. “It’s goodto know your species.”Santa Rosa’s Marsha Vas Dupre lovesriding the MTA route from Santa Rosato Sea Ranch. “Most riders are regulars,”she says, who chat with each otherand welcome new passengers intoconversations. Plus, she adds, “It’s soooogreat not to have to drive and to be able tolook at the incredibly beautiful scenery!”And, of course, to feel part of creating ahealthier world and future for all.Thank you to the riders who shared theirperspectives with me.