In March of 2005 I was 8 months pregnant, I had a career with the Department of Corrections, and I had a car. A nice car a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant and loved it. I can remember my exact words on a warm and sunny afternoon, "we will never have to catch the bus." Those words are now the reason why I am writing this story. My life changed dramatically in the last five years and the bus and the tri-rail has been my main forms of transportation. This is coming from the one who said "I would never." Well you know how the old saying goes, never say never. Now, I am so very grateful for the Public Transportation, because without it I would have no means of getting to school, picking up my daughter from school or even getting to doctor's appointments.

I resigned from my position with Corrections for medical reasons, and that signficantly reduced my income. I lost my car but I still needed to get around. Public Transportation, for me mainly the Miami Dade Bus has helped me to remain active. The recent changes to the Miami Dade system has decreased waiting time and you can get around now more accurately and fluently. Also, with the new Easy Card system you depart from stops faster, because people can board and be seated quickly. Its less stress on the drivers and a quicker means to our destinations as passengers.  Catching the bus can seem like a drag but truly it is not.  It gives you time to read, think, and explore new possibilities.

I decided to go back to college and take non credit classes so that I may pursue a new career. I did not have a problem with that decision because the bus runs conviently by my home right into the college. With good trip planning and patience the Florida Transit system can replace having a car. Who does not want the freedom of having a vehicle, but when you don't have a car life does not go on hold. You don't have to quit your job, or take your kid out school. Just have a little patience and discipline yourself and you can continue with life as normal.

In close I would like to share an experience I had on March 28 on bus 05183. I took his bus number down because I wanted to call report this to the supervisor. This seems like a better way to tell someone thankyou. After a difficult morining I had picked my daughter up from school and boarded a bus to the Publix Pharmacy. I wasnt sure of how to get there but the driver was very helpful. He alerted me when we were near my destination and also when I got there. He was very polite and after a day like a had that really what was on the menu. A friendly and helpful bus driver can be the difference in your day. I am grateful for public transportation and can appreciate a well organized system that we have in Florida right know. It's not perfect but it is very good and I again am grateful. I have caught many buses and will continue to use public transportation as long as I have to.