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 large cities to small towns, we will document the experiences of the millions of users of buses, trains, ferries, and other forms of public transit in the US.
Public transit is essential to our communities, to cooling the planet, and to advancing equity.
Transit is essential to our very lives. This year there is a unique opportunity for the country to make a historic investment in public transit funding to help the country build back better.
Transit Tuesday: Kelly Ehrhart
I live in Nashua, NH and have been active with the New Hampshire Developmental Disability Quality Council and Disability Rights Council NH. I’m on the autism spectrum and have heart disease so I use buses, Medicaid transportation, Uber, Lyft, and taxis to get around.
Transit Tuesday: Steven Glassford
Minneapolis, MN – I’m Steven, and I live in downtown Minneapolis, where I work as a bus operator. But I don’t just drive the bus—I ride it daily. Whether I’m heading to the YMCA, the library, or work, I take transit because it’s convenient, affordable, and the best way to navigate the city without relying on a car.
Transit Tuesday: Summer Begnaud
Honolulu, HI – My name is Summer. I grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana and Houston, Texas, where sprawling cities and car dependency were the norm. After visiting walkable cities like Paris and now living in Honolulu, Hawaii, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for public transit and urban design that prioritizes people over cars.
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.
