Community action alert: Bowling Green, Ohio needs a better public transportation system.As a member of a one-car family and a resident of the North side of town who works on the South side of town, I often require assistance getting to and from work. Today, my husband called while I was at work to tell me his schedule changed and he wouldn't be able to pick me up. I had never seen any B.G. public transit vehicle other than the shuttles that operate on BGSU's campus, but rather than bum another ride from a coworker, I decided to Google it just to be sure. Here's what I found:
B.G.'s claim to public transit is B.G. Transit, and although the opening paragraph of their site strictly states that B.G. Transit is not a taxi service, it quickly redefines itself as, "a bus service whose route is determined by scheduled rides." Is that not a taxi service? The site also states that riders should anticipate their ride arriving within a 30 minute window and they should anticipate arriving at their destination 25 minutes after their pickup. Fare? $3.50 ($1.75 for seniors and disabled persons).
Perhaps I'm merely spoiled having grown up in Toledo, where one can ride TARTA anywhere in the city for $1.00 a ride or $10 for a weekly pass. Still, I'm surprised and disappointed that a town as progressive as Bowling Green fumbles the football on public transit while the university boasts hybrid shuttle buses. The town is not huge, but it's difficult to navigate on foot or bike to certain areas - especially when "certain areas" include an office job where you need to present yourself in a professional, non-sweaty manner. People who live and work in Bowling Green shouldn't have to drive.
Community action anyone? Your thoughts?
3 comments:
I read the BG Transit website and found some information pertinent to your community action offer.
"Transit Advisory Committee members are appointed to two-year terms by the Mayor. The Committee meets quarterly and meetings are open to the public. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend."
I checked the schedule and the next quarterly meeting is August 19th, which is a Tuesday.
"Unless otherwise notified/published, all meetings will be held in the Council
Chambers, 304 N. Church Street at 1:30 p.m."
Sounds like we have a late lunch date!
hi, Kylee told me about your blog. I am Jenn, I use to work with K. at Owens! Congrats on getting married!
I live in BG (south end) and you are right, there really isn't any transportation for people in the town if you are not a college student.
And the fact that you could have to wait almost an hour to get from one end of town to another (which is what, like 3 miles) is nuts! You could walk it in that time and save $3.50!
good luck!
I admit it: I used BG Transit last week and I met a nice man, my driver named Dave. I totally agree that BG has majorly dropped the ball as far as public transportation. Coming from Columbus, where the COTA was easily accessible, the lack of resources in BG is a low blow.
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