People only tend to write to complain so I am writing to complement Red Deer Transit and encourage people to try riding the bus.
I have really enjoyed riding transit this winter.
I found it by far to be more convenient than driving or another means of transportation. I actually came to look forward to the trip on the bus.
It constituted some much-needed personal “me time” after work and before going home to the kids.
The trip is only marginally longer than driving but incurs no prep time of car warming or scraping. I also have no requirement for parking and the terminal is closer to where I work than available parking.
In addition to this, the ride is far more relaxing than driving; I never realized how stressful driving was until I stopped. Not at risk of speeding tickets, crashes or breakdowns.
Instead I simply get to sit and relax and spend my time as I choose. I can simply relax, text or read.
I have chewed through many novels over the winter with my only reading time being on the bus. This is not possible driving and I consider reading or relaxing a better use of my time than driving.
I also managed to get to know a few of my neighbours who I would have otherwise never met.
The bus is warm and due to the buses being so dependable, I do not spend much time outside because I know exactly when it will show up.
Contrast this to driving in my cold car, peering out of the only clear part of my windshield that the defroster can keep clear.
For the home trip, the bus is again waiting prior to departure so I again simply step on to the waiting bus. No additional time is spent standing around waiting for a bus or other waste of time since I know exactly when the bus will leave, allowing me to get directly onto the bus.
Most of the bus drivers go above and beyond in their job and are very friendly. The buses are also always very clean and comfortable. I never feel as though I am sitting a dirty seat and the level of cleanliness really does improve the experience.
I am surprised more people do not take transit.
Most people on transit do not have the option of driving, as though driving where the superior option. My experience has led me to quite the contrary conclusion as I would rate riding transit well above driving to and from work.
I believe if more people where to seriously consider and actually ride transit, they would continue to do so out of preference. This and it is significantly cheaper than driving.
More people should be taking the bus, not because the need to, but because it is the better method of getting to and from work. I would fully encourage you to try riding the bus to work and discover just how nice it is.
Sean LaFrance
Red Deer