Ear to the Street Reception recap 1
Thanks so much to everyone that attended getDowntown’s Ear to the Street Reception yesterday! I am working on compiling the results of the survey presented at the reception and will post them soon.
Over all, the event went very well. We had representatives from the City’s Energy Office and Transportation Program, as well as representatives from MichiVan, The DDA, the AATA, and the WBWC. They all set up stations and handed out all sorts of materials. It was a party just to have them there!
I also invited all of the Bike Ambassadors from getDowntown. These are bicyclists interested in promoting and education people on bicycling. They were definitely a presence and it was nice to have them around.
I passed out a survey to every employer who came to the event. The survey had two simple questions: 1. What is the most challenging thing about commuting to downtown Ann Arbor? and 2. What is the best thing about commuting to downtown Ann Arbor? I also asked people what programs and services they’d like to see getDowntown provide. Like I said, I will publish the results soon. I also hope to put these questions out in my next e-newsletter so others can comment.
All in all, about 45 people came to the event. Among the businesses/organizations represented were:
–Arbor Networks
–Bellanina Day Spa
–Ecology Center
–Eastern Flame
–Hobbs and Black
and more! So glad to see so many people at the first official event of the season. As I said at the event, I am hoping this is the beginning of a long partnership between getDowntown and downtown businesses. And thanks so much to the Metro Cafe for providing tons of great appetizers and a great location!
Most challenging thing about commuting … the timeliness of the bus system (or lack of)
Best thing about commuting … the friendships developed w/ other bus users.
Comment by Noree Bowbeer — October 2, 2007 @ 8:29 amNoree,
Thanks for your comment. I know the AATA works hard to keep the buses running on time, but it’s not always easy with construction and other obstacles. I know they will continue to work on it.
Yes, I agree about the friendships. There are a lot of “regulars” I see on the bus that are fun to talk with. I also like getting to know the drivers who are in general very nice.
Comment by Nancy Shore — October 2, 2007 @ 9:13 amSorry I couldn’t make it to this!
I rely on Mobile Ridetrak
http://mobile.theride.org/
to help tell me just how late (or early) the bus is going to be. Note that it works well on a Blackberry, but it doesn’t have an iPhone style sheet, so you have to squint to see the details - I’m sure that’s relatively easily fixable.
Comment by Edward Vielmetti — October 2, 2007 @ 2:21 pmHave you found Mobile Ridetrak useful?
Comment by Nancy Shore — October 2, 2007 @ 2:31 pmThank you to getDowntown for organizing this event, it was great to have so much information in one room–kind of like the getDowntown website in person. I especially liked the ham & cheese sandwich analogy.
I have no issues with commuting, I am lucky to have so many options (walk, bus, bike) with living in Ann Arbor. I would love to be able to more easily get around on the weekend though to see a movie without having to pay for a cab.
Comment by Shannon Tubb — October 3, 2007 @ 2:27 pmThanks for your thoughts,Shannon, I totally agree. I would be great to have more weekend transit options.
Comment by Nancy Shore — October 3, 2007 @ 2:32 pm