Bus Buddies are ready to help you get to the YMCA.
If you just moved here from another state or county and aren’t sure how the local bus system works, or maybe your kids have taken away your car keys, or maybe you’ve decided not to drive anymore especially as the weather turns dark and cold and wet, or maybe you want an alternative way to get to work once your office re-opens, or to your local YMCA for a dip in the pool, then give the Bus Buddies a call.
Bus Buddies teaches folks how to get to school, the mall, doctor’s appointments, or just to get out of your home and go places. If you live anywhere near a bus stop, then give them a call and they’ll show you how it’s done.
There are currently ten bus buddies providing personalized support teaching bus riders how to get to new destinations, transfer to other buses at the Olympia and Lacey Transit Centers, and connect with other regional services like Lewis, Mason and Grays Harbor counties, and even up to Pierce and King County for shopping (Tacoma Mall) or medical appointments.
Upon request, they will also take you to places like Port Townsend, various museums in Tacoma, IKEA, Centralia Antiques Tour, Westport Winery and Mermaid Museum, or just about any place the bus goes. It’s time to get out of the house or apartment or senior facility and ride the bus!
One of our bus buddies described why he rides public transportation:
- I think it is good for the environment to cut down on carbon emissions by riding the bus or train.
- It’s great to have someone else do the driving – I like to look out the window and enjoy the sights and the ride.
- I like the challenge of learning how to get someplace that I have never been before by using public transportation.
- I can get on the bus and go right to my destination without having to look for parking and paying big parking fees and worrying about my car.
Scott Schoengarth
Thurston County Bus Buddy Coordinator
ScottSc@ccsww.org
360-688-8832