KA Gets On The Transit Bandwagon
by Brenden Nickels
Blogger and Metro Transit rider Brenden Nickels is an office assistant in the KA Minneapolis office.
A few months ago, I wrote an article promoting the advantages of the Metro Transit bus line. It turns out, a lot of you agree with me. Ever since KA has merged all of their offices (with the exception of Insurance) into one big building in downtown Minneapolis, more employees have been taking advantage of the bus and train and using it for many reasons.
Not Just for City Dwellers
Now, you may think that the buses are only for city dwellers (i.e. Minneapolis and St. Paul residents), but they are also for suburbanites as well. Metro Transit offers Express buses going from Park and Ride lots/transit centers from across the area to downtown Minneapolis or downtown St. Paul and back, allowing for an easier commute. The fare for an express bus is a little bit more than what it would cost on a regular bus, but if you have a Metropass, it’s quicker and easier to ride.
A Sweet Metropass Deal
KA is now participating in the Metropass program, which gives employees who participate a card that allows them unlimited bus/train rides on any route, regular or express. I am one of those employees here at KA that has a Metropass, and before that, I was using a Go-To Card. I have found that it is much more efficient to have a bus card than pay your fare in cash. All you have to do is just touch the card onto the reader when you get on the bus or get to the train station. You don’t have to fish in your pocket or wallet for dollar bills, take up other people’s time, and potentially cause a delay.
Leave the Driving to Them
Another big advantage of taking transit is that it’s not you that has to keep your eyes on the road. You can just kick back, look out the window, read the newspaper, play on your phone/tablet, or just relax.
“It is nice on the way home after a day at work to just sit and relax on the bus.” said KA Construction Project Accountant Andy Worzala. “I can sit back and watch Netflix on my phone – all the buses have free wifi – or I can just listen to music and close my eyes.”
Also, during the winter season, the weather is much colder (obviously) and that of course means potential snowfall. Let’s say it’s a blizzard outside when you get off of work. You’re not the one that has to worry about getting home safe. It may take some more time (which is unavoidable in any case involving transportation), but you can be assured that you know that you’ll be home as soon as you can.
“I think that there are many misconceptions about taking the bus,” said KA Construction Marketing Coordinator Laurisa Titterud. “A lot of people think the bus is dirty and gross, there are questionable people taking the bus, etc. I have found none of this to be true. My bus is always very clean, doesn’t smell and the people are friendly.”
To Sum Up
KA Realty Document Manager Aaron Groshong said this:
“With many things in life you should weigh the pros and cons. A nine-block round trip walk daily in the elements is something I was willing to take on. I knew that the harsh weather days would come and go. This small obstacle is offset with a handful of items that I deem to be a positive. First, I find it less stressful knowing I have a small 3.8-mile commute to the park-and-ride. By jumping on the bus for a reasonable commute to downtown Minneapolis feels safer than battling the gauntlet I call 35W. Also, I enjoy the fact that I’m not beating up my car daily on what would be a nearly 58-mile roundtrip commute.”
If you’re interested in signing up for a Metropass, contact Bre Ostrom in Human Resources. If you’d just like to try it out, Bre also has free bus ride passes available at her desk.
View Comments
Great article Brendan!
It is so great seeing KA employees using and benefiting from the Metropass Program and then writing about it!
Thanks Brenden!
With all the challenges coming forward on the I35-w corridor this summer, I am sure more and more commuters will look to the busing and train option and of course the Metropass!
AWESOME!
I’m an express bus rider and I don’t mind it at all. Buses are comfortable (cushy) and quiet!
Great information! Thank you Brenden!