All Entries / After Becoming Disabled, Michael Finds Out Public Transit is a Pleasurable Experience
My wife, Nancy, and I never thought much about using buses. We were both
drivers. In March 2006, I had a spinal cord injury. The injury produced
weakness in my hands that precluded driving, but Nancy drove me to and from
work. On August 2, 2006, Nancy had a heart attack and died. I was alone,
severely disabled, and without a way to get to work.
I applied for Special Transportation Services (STS), which was a van that took me to work and back for just $3.00 each way. It was wonderful, but the best was yet to come. I learned that there were bus stops just two blocks from my house, and the bus route ran right by my office building, and the bus was free for riders with disabilities.
I actually look forward to taking the bus to work each day. It's enjoyable, relaxing, and some fellow passengers have become friends. One time, I was late getting to the bus stop, but my fellow passengers saw me rolling to the bus stop in my wheelchair; they yelled for the driver to stop and, of course, he did. Last week, I decided to try using a walker to get to the bus stop. When I walked up the bus ramp, I received applause, cheers, and smiles from the driver and passengers.
If I could drive again, I wouldn't drive to work. Taking the bus has become my preferred method of travel, and you can't beat the price. I don't miss paying for car insurance and being at the mercy of OPEC and the oil companies. Being involved with Earth Day has given me a sense of the importance of public transit for the environment. Mass transit is the most important way to correct environmental flaws and prevent further destruction.
