To the Editor:
You know the saying, “use it or lose it”? That’s exactly what will happen to our new bus service if we don’t start taking advantage of it.
Day after day I see the bus drive by empty (or nearly so). Did you know that for the small fee of $3 you can go as far as Weymouth? Or as nearby as the Superstore?
For the price of a one-way cab ride to the grocery store, you can hop on the bus and travel to and from the store. For all the parents out there with kids traveling to Kingstec or Acadia, the cost of a bus pass for the month is $80. Please tell me any other way that your child can travel to and from school each day for that monthly price? Save the money on accommodations and living expenses … the bus pass is only $80.
I took a vacation day yesterday to check out the new bus system for myself. My sister, my niece and I traveled to Wal-Mart in New Minas.
We boarded the bus in Falmouth at the Falmouth Irving and requested a “transfer” ticket to change buses at Just Us Coffee in Hortonville. We were the only passengers for the first part of the journey and then we were joined by another couple that boarded in Hantsport.
The bus moved swiftly and the journey was pleasant. Upon arriving in Hortonville, the connector bus was waiting for us, so the transfer was smooth and painless. It was so relaxing to sit there and let someone else do the driving, not having to worry about traffic, parking or weather conditions. The bus driver was friendly and the entire trip took a total of 50 minutes. In all, I feel that the trip was enjoyable.
I might also mention that the other occupants of the bus (there were many more once we had reached Wolfville) were friendly and courteous.
I know we’ve never had this type of service here before and some people may be confused about the protocol of bus travel, so here’s an example: If you live in Garland’s crossing and your destination is Wal-Mart in New Minas, you have to get on the bus heading to town and request a transfer ticket (a ticket that indicates the direction of your journey and allows you to switch buses without paying again) and stay on for the trip to the Superstore.
At the Superstore you must connect with the bus indicating it will travel to Kentville and then show the driver your transfer indicating that your destination is the Kentville direction.
The bus will carry straight through to Hortonville. The next transfer point to Wal-Mart is Just Us Coffee in Hortonville. From there it’s straight through, with the bus pulling up directly in front of the Wal-Mart doors.
One transfer ticket is good for as many bus changes needed to reach your destination, one-way. The ride back was very similar … pleasant and enjoyable. I would recommend this service to anyone and everyone.
When we headed back, we met another Windsor couple headed to Wal-Mart at the transfer in Hortonville. This couple had a baby stroller with them. Comments were expressed aloud about “how wonderful the new service” was.
Also on the return trip, the special bus upon which we were traveling lowered itself to make the entrance onto the bus easier for the people who found steps difficult. Another wonderful quality to add to the list of good points for the bus service.
A few more good points are: a tax receipt is available for monthly bus passes (go to
www.transitpass.ca for more information); by taking the bus we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions; we can reduce the wear and tear on our vehicles; and save on fuel expenses. What could be better?
Spread the word … tell your municipal councillors. This is a trial service that will be reviewed based on ridership and public support.
For those of you who live in the Brooklyn area, don’t you think it’s wonderful that there’s alternate transportation to get to town? How about your kids who like to travel to town to see their friends?
Next time, tell them to take the bus. It’s reliable transportation to and from town for a minimal fee of $3.
Remember, use it or lose it!
Lori Munroe
Windsor, N.S.
