Transit Tuesday: Ron Williams

Robbinsdale, MN – I’ve lived in Minnesota since 1978. For 30 years, I used public transit to commute to work in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Even after retiring in 2010, I still rely on buses and trains to get to the University of Minnesota for classes, attend events, and visit friends. Transit isn’t just about getting around for me—it’s about independence, affordability, and creating a better community.

One of the biggest benefits of public transit is the savings. My wife and I have managed with one car for years, which has saved us thousands of dollars annually. Between gas, insurance, and maintenance, the cost of car ownership adds up, and transit offers a cost-effective alternative.

Minnesota’s transit system has made great strides in recent years, especially with the addition of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes. The D Line, in particular, is frequent, reliable, and well-connected to light rail. Features like heated shelters make it easier to endure our harsh winters, but there’s still room for improvement. Many areas, especially in the suburbs, where housing can be more affordable, lack transit options.

Since I’ve retired, public transit has been a key part of how I stay connected to my community and will continue to be part of the aging process. Knowing that my wife and I have an affordable, reliable way to get where we need to go, especially if we can no longer drive, gives me peace of mind. 

I urge Congress to prioritize investments in public transit. Better and increased coverage, more frequent service, and reliable options like paratransit would make a huge difference. Public transit reduces air pollution, addresses climate change, and ensures that everyone, regardless of age or income, has the freedom to fully live their lives.

About Transit Stories

Transit Stories” is a series of real-life experiences with public transit in the U.S. We feature the first-hand experience of public transit riders from across the country. From large cities to small towns, we will document the experiences of the millions of users of busses, trains, ferries, and other forms of public transit in the US. Public transit is essential to our communities, to cooling the planet, to advancing equity. Transit is essential to our very lives.

There is a unique opportunity for the country to make a historic investment in public transit funding to help the country build back better. 

For media inquiries, contact Doug Gordon, doug@upshiftstrategies.com.

RELATED NEWS

JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN FOR TRANSIT JUSTICE