Thirty Minutes

If the timing is right there are seats available, but standing isn’t so bad.  It’s thirty minutes of elation whether sitting or standing. A crowded street filled with pedestrians.  Workers.  Shoppers.  Residents.  Commuters. Tourists.  Children.  Store fronts displaying the finest wares, some of which are affordable and some which will be affordable in time.  Tailored [...]

Read Full Post »

Preparing for the California Zephyr

On Wednesday the 18th I begin a day and a half journey that I’ve been waiting years to experience.  It’s said to be one of the most beautiful American journeys, particularly during the winter months.  It is the Amtrak ride through the Rockies to Salt Lake City. The trip is scheduled for thirty-four hours each [...]

Read Full Post »

A Response to the Columbus Dispatch

I laughed out loud when I read the Columbus Dispatch editorial stating that COTA buses  are to blame for the 45 empty store fronts along High Street in downtown Columbus. The editorial states that, according to a downtown strategic plan endorsed last year by the Downtown Commission and Columbus City Council, bus traffic along High [...]

Read Full Post »

Get Out of Town – a view from public transit

Nothing says “Thanks for visiting Columbus” better than Smackies Original Pit BBQ on the corner of Broad and James. The airlines seldom serve food on flights and some good ole BBQ might just make your trip more pleasant. If you happen to transfer en-route to Port Columbus at the intersection of Main and James you [...]

Read Full Post »

I’m Responsible for the Oil Spill

I’m responsible for the oil leak contaminating the Gulf of Mexico.  I came to this conclusion this week while I was driving to work, slowed by scores of moving vehicles, most of which contained just one person. Each time I make the decision to drive to work rather than take the bus, I’ve essentially told [...]

Read Full Post »

Disconnected

I keep telling myself that it’s temporary housing. It’s not necessarily a bad thing – I am living with a good friend I’ve known for years, I have my own space here and it’s inexpensive.  And while I’m technically still in Columbus, this section of town along Bethel Road is very sub-urban. Everything is set [...]

Read Full Post »

Public Transit Magic

There are times when a little daily distraction becomes comforting.  Delightful in a quiet way.  Simple but charming.  Last week one of those popped into my ‘on-line’ world and I’ve found myself looking forward to it, now daily. Public Transit Magic. Whom ever they are and where ever they’re located, well I’m not quite sure, [...]

Read Full Post »

The Unclear Path

With an arriving winter storm coming on the heels of one just a week ago I’m finding it difficult to navigate large stretches of the city’s sidewalks because many residents and businesses have failed to clear their sidewalks. This is of particular concern because I use public transit to get to and from work almost [...]

Read Full Post »

COTA Expands Weekend Service

COTA is once again expanding service beginning January 1st 2010.  New service extends weekend hours, adding two new line-ups on both Saturday and Sunday. Currently the last downtown line-up is at 10pm.  The new service adds both and 11pm and 12am departures in all directions.  On Sunday as well, two new line-ups are added at [...]

Read Full Post »

Taken for a Ride

If you’re curious as to why you deal with congested roadways every day, watch this video. If you’re curious as to why our public transit systems have failed, watch this video. If you’re curious as to why governments fund freeway systems rather than public transit systems, watch this video. It’s possible to watch the entire [...]

Read Full Post »