Across Minneapolis, people are juggling work, errands, school drop-offs, and full
schedules. Transportation plays a big role in how each day unfolds. As the City and
regional partners improve sidewalks, bike routes, and transit service, more people are
choosing options that help them move through their day with less stress and more joy.
We spoke with Afron, a resident of Minneapolis, and asked her to share about how she
moves around the city – and why she chooses to walk and take transit.

CHOOSING JOY
As a blind person, Afron can take rideshare, walk, or use the city bus to get around,
which she prefers. She says, “[her] favorite is the city bus”. “I can’t drive but using the
bus as a blind person allows me to get out and explore the city, or go places I otherwise
wouldn’t.” Transit can help you venture to more places in Minneapolis. Walking can be
a great option for shorter trips or to connect to a transit route. In her words, “Minneapolis
is walkable and the residents do a great job of keeping up with the plants they have,
and so you can smell nice scents of flowers on your walks.”

REDUCING COST
Transportation costs add up quickly. Gas, parking, insurance, and car maintenance all
put pressure on a monthly budget. Afron shared that “I would encourage people to take
the bus and trains to offset the cost associated with gas and upkeep costs. The bus is
cheaper.”
Feeling intimidated to go somewhere new on transit? Afron shared her tricks. “There are
plenty of ways to check when and where the particular bus you want will arrive. Whether
it’s the website, or the phone, you can get real time updates.” Check out https://www.metrotransit.org/ for more tools. Replacing even a couple of short car trips
each week with a bus ride, a walk, or a bike trip can help stretch your budget.

CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
Taking the bus is an opportunity to connect with other people. Afron enjoys striking up
conversation with strangers on the bus. “Even if we aren’t going to meet again… I think
riding the bus encourages people to interact with each other in a time when people are
isolated. It’s great for one’s mental health.” If you’re more introverted than her, you still
might find joy in seeing connections being made and riding alongside your neighbors.

CHOOSE WHAT FEELS BEST
On any given day, the best option is the one that saves time, reduces stress, cuts costs,
or simply feels easier. Driving or taking rideshare can feel stressful, especially during
rush hour. Like many residents, Afron especially likes taking the bus during busy times
of the day. “Some people don’t like driving, and rush hour only makes that feeling more
front and center. You can just take the bus.”

Are you curious about trying walking, biking, or taking transit but feeling unsure? Afron
offers these words of encouragement from one neighbor to another:
“Give it a chance; it might change your mind. Your wallet might also be happier.”

The post More connection and beauty: a neighbor’s perspective on transportation in Minneapolis appeared first on Sahan Journal.