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.
Transit Tuesday: Jenny McBride
Anchorage, AK – I grew up in suburban Chicago, where there wasn’t much public transit, and everyone relied on cars. But I’ve always cared about conservation, so I never bought a car and instead made my way on bikes and transit. Now, living in Juneau, Alaska, I’m grateful to live in a place where I can still get around without a car. I take the bus to work daily, and while the system isn’t perfect, it gets me to most places I need to go.
Transit Tuesday: Angelick Gittens
Irmo, SC – My son and I live in Irmo, South Carolina just outside of Columbia. He is my first and only and about to turn 18! I’m legally blind and had my first eye surgery when I was 8 years old to remove cataracts. My latest surgery is a more serious operation to repair and rebuild the nerves in the back of my eyes. Since I don’t drive I’ve been active with Able South Carolina advocating for better services, especially better transit and paratransit.
Transit Tuesday: Phillip Harrison
Overland Park, KS – My name is Phillip Harrison. I live in a much different Kansas City than my mother did when she moved here from South Dakota in the late 1950s. She didn’t need a car. Kansas City had street cars and corner grocery stores. She said people even called it the Little Apple back then. Since then, the Kansas City area has sprawled out and having a car is almost the only way to get where you need to go.
Transit Tuesday: Susan Reynolds
Hartford, CT – I’ve lived in Hartford for over 40 years, and public transit is how I get everywhere I need to go —whether it’s the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, or running errands. I never got a driver’s license because of epilepsy when I was younger, and even though I’m no longer epileptic, I never pursued one. Instead, I’ve always relied on buses.
Transit Tuesday: Atticus Yarbrough
Louisville, KY – I moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 2018 from Orlando, Florida. I’m a student at the University of Louisville, studying anthropology and geography, which sparked my interest in urban planning and transit systems. I also work as a researcher for a nonprofit focused on identifying and addressing service gaps in the community, including transportation.
Transit Tuesday: Alisa Grishman
My name is Alisa Grishman, and I am a disability activist, wheelchair user, public transit rider, and proud member of Pittsburghers for Public Transit. Public transit is my freedom.
Transit Tuesday: Zaira Rodriguez
Minneapolis, MN – My name is Zaira Rodríguez, and I am a retail janitor at the Mall of America in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. I help keep our mall clean by vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, and washing the floors, which is especially important during the rainy and snowy seasons here. I am also a proud member of my union, SEIU Local 26.
Transit Tuesday: Safiya Ilyas
Seattle, WA – My name is Safiya Ilyas. I’m a first generation Somali American, and the eldest of four. I love the outdoors, and go hiking with friends anytime I find free time. I also love spending time with my family. I just graduated from high school, where I was a Seattle Public Schools Student […]
Transit Tuesday: Eshawney Gaston
My name is Eshawney Gaston, and I’m a food service worker in Durham, North Carolina. In the past, I’ve been a cook, but I’ve worked the register and have done warehouse work as well. I’m also a proud member of my union, United Southern Service Workers (USSW). I’ve been using the public transit system since […]
