Michael fires the starter’s gun for the Bus It Challenge in Bass
I can still remember working late at night several months ago when a mysterious email arrived from two young Tasmanians wanting me to commit to travelling only on public transport for 24-48 hours during the first week of February. Making a commitment to not travel around using the very convenient car.
No more convincing needed – so I signed up straight away that very night:
Yeah count me in…. I accept your challenge!
Stay in touch.
Michael
PS – who are where are you ??
(If I thought I would be the first to agree to this odd request, I was nearly right…. In fact just beaten to it by an equally enthusiastic participant in the Liberal candidate in Denison Matt Stevenson.)
Main challenge day Tuesday February 2
My challenge started today by driving to the nearest bus stop and parking. Armed with my new Metro Greencard (which I nicknamed my LiberalCard) I started over to the bus stop. In fact, there are two Metro bus stops just 40m apart from each other on the same side of the street. That’s weird. Which will be the correct one? The kind young lady walking down the hill clarified for me that one is disused. (Note to self: tell Metro they may have a problem to fix!)
Arriving at the bus stop at 9:15 I find that the buses depart every hour. Rather disappointing really. I am 10 minutes late for the last bus and 50 minutes early for the next. At this point I am thinking of walking into the city – this would be quicker – but I know my Tweet followers would be disappointed so I wait. While this was annoying, it gave me a chance to call a local mayor regarding a huge problem in the community I am working on; and to return a call to a lady who is having problems with the government that no-one else wants to bother with. So this is time well spent. Also chatted to some people going by and two others waiting for the bus. They are all fascinated that a politician would actually honour the commitment for a whole day!
TWEET: I’ve started the bus it challenge! Now waiting for the number 80c to get into the city.
The bus arrived 8 minutes late which is within tolerance I guess…. But too bad if running late for work or a meeting. I swipe my LiberalCard and found a seat. The bus driver is an old family friend and it was nice to say g’day and tell him all about the challenge. The bus itself seemed almost like new, air-conditioned and was able to drop and raise the suspension to help older people manage stepping on and off. Sitting next to a young mum with her two kids and struck up a chat with little Miss. Discussed with the lady the bus transfer she would need to make in the city to get to her dad’s home for a visit. Felt very proud of my knowledge of the bus timetables….
TWEET: Ok I’ve just got into the city on the metro. Great ride but was running bit late… More soon
Later in the day I walked the 2k from the City to Newstead as I thought it would be quicker (I was passed by two buses…ha ha) but that’s ok, it’s all part of the challenge to find these things out. 25 minutes and I’ve arrived. The majority of my time today is for business appointments to further develop an exciting project I am working to improve quality of life in the CBD.
TWEET: It’s interesting. Meeting ran too late so despite a long hot run I… Missed the bus… Now waiting in Newstead for the next one 2 city
At the conclusion of these visits I climb aboard the return bus to the city – it’s right on time. The friendly lady-driver is happy to have a snap with me and we’re away. My dear friend Reg Trebilco moves over and asks me to sit with him. We catch up, discuss the bus service, his amazing artwork and the importance of eating and drinking well. He’s an authority after all, at 95 he looks healthier than quite a few younger people I met today.
TWEET: Just sat next to the most amazing man reg trebilco 95 years young and still painting his amazing work.
TWEET: Clean nice quiet bus. About 3/4 empty. Great busdriver asking me all about #busit challenge which I am answering for all passengers 2 hear
Finish my business and customer interviews and doorknocking today. Checked the timetable and head over to bus stop…. Can’t help but notice some unsavoury and antisocial behaviour as I walk past a bus stop…. I’m glad I’m not travelling with them but feel very sorry for anyone who will.
TWEET: @busitchallenge time to travel home now… Pretty sure I’m early now.
Aboard the bus and heading home. It was great to catch up with a friend who was able to tell me about her wonderful efforts volunteering 3 days a week for the City Mission. I thank her for her efforts and congratulate her. We need more people with this generosity of spirit. Thanks Leanne!
TWEET: Stuck behind a cyclist on a windy narrow rd!
Reflection
Today was a day without any dramas or bad incidents travelling on the Bus It Challenge. My card cost $20 which I will be able to use for future exciting editions of the Bus It Challenge. (yes, that’s right… stay tuned!). Having not caught many buses in Launceston in recent times, I was pleased with the standard of buses I rode. I found the timetabling to be adequate but not as frequent as would make it a viable option for me to rely on day-by-day. Also the distance from my home to the bus stop could prove to be a real pain in the neck during wet days. On the up side, I am able to do work and make phone calls while being driven and there’s no need to fight over expensive car parking in Launceston City so that was a bonus! I’m doing more for the Bus It Challenge in the next few days so stay tuned for more feedback. In the meantime, I welcome any feedback from any other Challenge participants or supporters. Live forum on my website at www.michaelferguson.com
What improvements or experiences can you share with other readers of this page? Please, let me hear from you and allow me to gain an even greater insight into the value and opportunity of public transport, road infrastructure and car parking in Northern Tasmania.
