Let's Go! Fall/Winter 2015

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www.gocitybus.com 765-742-7433

When you hear the word “infrastructure,” you probably think of roads, bridges, sewers and airports, and likely believe it’s all paid for through gasoline taxes and fees.

Those are part of the infrastructure, along with public transit, such as CityBus; rail; and bicycle and walking trails. Infrastructure, one definition says, encompasses large-scale public systems, services and facilities necessary for economic activity.

And while gasoline taxes and fees support infrastructure, they don’t cover all the costs.

General Taxes Help Out

The myth that roads pay for themselves was addressed by the Frontier Group in its study, “Who Pays for Roads,” funded by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.

The study found: “Nearly as much of the cost of building and maintaining highways now comes from general taxes (plus additional federal debt) as comes from gasoline taxes or other ‘user fees’ on drivers. General taxes accounted for $69 billion of highway spending in 2012.”

The Highway Trust Fund is in the red because cars use less gasoline than in the past, especially with the advent of electric and hybrid vehicles, a federal gas tax rate that hasn’t increased since 1993, and inflation eroding the fund. That’s prompted Congress to use general funds to meet transportation demands.

By Martin B. Sennett, General Manager

Tapping Indiana’s Surplus This is perhaps one reason why Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently proposed using part of Indiana’s surplus to shore up infrastructure projects. Keeping our highways in good repair is essential for Indiana to continue to be the Crossroads of America.

Another example of supporting transportation needs is the most recent budget adopted by Indiana’s legislature and signed by Governor Pence. It includes funds to keep Amtrak operating in our community seven days a week.

This reflects changing travel habits. Over the years, the number of bicyclists, transit riders and pedestrians has rise in our community. Both cities have added miles of bike and hiking trails, and CityBus provides more than 5 million rides annually.

Variety of Transportation Options Needed

Maintaining a diverse, wellbalanced transportation system will help keep our community and state economically strong—as that infrastructure definition implies.

When you speak to our elected leaders, let them know we need to fund a variety of transportation options, providing access to everyone in this great community.

Kim Davis Photography, Inc.

The Hot Topic: Infrastructure

A Silver Loop bus rounds the corner on Oval Drive on Purdue University's campus.

On the cover: A rider boards the bus on Purdue University's campus.

Photo by Kim Davis Photography, Inc.

Let's Go! is published semiannually by CityBus. Š2015 by CityBus. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without the prior written permission of CityBus. Let's Go! Newsletter, CityBus, 1250 Canal Road, P.O. Box 588, Lafayette, Indiana 47902-0588. 765.423.2666. Tonya Agnew, editor/designer; Kathy Mayer, writer (noted stories); Kim Davis, photographer (noted photos). www.facebook.com/gocitybus

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Stuffing the Bus

By Tonya Agnew

Volunteers (left to right) Jacob McNutt, Andy Kay and Andrew St. Pierre from Purdue's Delta Tau Delta donated paper products, cleaning supplies and other items as well as their time.

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Photo by Tonya Agnew

Nearly 30,000 people in Tippecanoe County are food insecure. This event aims to help.

On a crisp October day, CityBus and Food Finders Food Bank volunteers launched Food Finder’s Drive Away Hunger Fall Food Drive with Stuff the Bus. Community members were encouraged to stuff the bus with nonperishables at two local Walmart stores—one on Northwestern Avenue in West Lafayette and one on Commerce Drive in Lafayette—from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Food Insecurity

In Tippecanoe County nearly 30,000 individuals struggle with hunger, or food insecurity. Of that number, 7,700 are children. Stuff the Bus helps them.

“Like Food Finders, CityBus has been an integral part in serving the Greater Lafayette community for many years and, in some cases, serving the same clients,” says Kier Crites Scherger, chief operating officer, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. Twenty-six members from the Altrusa Club and Purdue’s Delta Tau Delta, Etta Kappa Nu and Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Student Association volunteered for two-hour shifts or more at one of the Stuff The Bus locations. Joining them were 14 CityBus drivers, administrative employees and a few of their family members.

Solving Hunger Together

“A partnership like this sends a message to our clients and supporters alike that we see that hunger is a real issue in our community and that we care enough about the community we serve to take a stand together to look for creative solutions to solve hunger,” says Scherger.

Shoppers donated a grand total of 1,339 pounds of canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, juice, cleaning supplies, paper products and more.

Some community members decided to donate a few dollars instead, for a total of $116. All of that translates into a total of 1,464 meals.

“CityBus was proud to partner with Food Finders for Stuff the Bus,” says Marty Sennett, CityBus general manager. “Shoppers made a difference for hungry families right here in our community.”

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Safety is Job #1

By Tonya Agnew

Ensuring our riders get to their destinations safely is at the top of our to-do list everyday.

"To us at CityBus, safety means continually taking steps to minimize exposure to risk," says John Connell, manager of operations.

On Oct. 18 CityBus recognized bus operators and mechanics for their safety achievements at the annual CityBus Safety Banquet. A number of our operators have logged more than a dozen years of accident-free driving.

"Risk is all around us and through extensive training our bus operators are prepared to recognize potential risks and take defensive actions to mitigate and, if possible, eliminate the riskiest," says Connell.

"Their success is not just a result of not making any mistakes, but more importantly, their success is attained by doing everything right."

Below is a list of those whose safety records were recognized by the number of years they have driven without a preventable accident, as well as the recipients of two special awards.

1 Year

John Baker Michael Berkshire Elizabeth Berwick Thomas Burnett Lyle Johnston Gary Nelson, Jr. Gary Wilcox

2 Years

Mary Borrelli Art Carmony Michelle Delk Russell Judge Tom Lester Cathy Lewis Chris Parker Richard Warren

3 Years

Brandon Bryant Nanette Moss Joyce Plantenga Riley Stemin

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4 Years

Cindy Barton Tim Bisner Don Condra Patti Gaskin Tom Wagoner Terry Willoughby Bonnie Yost

5 Years

Don Reid Lisa Judge Larry Simons Seth Vaughn

6 Years

Amanda Cooper Gary Hall Rick Moschinger Donna Schultz Dora Trippett Traci Wilson

7 Years

Roger Akers Jason Briant

Don Marshall Bob McFadden Larry Shuster Derek Streeter

8 Years

Lenny Haase Jim Kirby Mark Zerbes

9 Years

Shawn Coffman George Draper Kavin Frazer Roland Hinojosa Renato Laborin Kim Laxson Larry Pattengale Dave Tesky

10 Years

Theresa Anthrop George Baker Roger Miller Darin Stanfield Rick Synesael

12 Years Al Moser Greg Smith

13 Years

Donn Brown Mark Bryant

14 Years

Troy Moffitt Mike Seikel Danette Ward

17 Years

Rosetta Hillard

Dallas Vice Jr. Bus Operator of the Year Award Ron Galey

Jim Schnebly Maintenance Employee of the Year Award Brian Barney

Lee A. Kuipers Meeting Room was named at the CityBus Safety Banquet in recognition for his 29 years of service on the Board of Directors.

Marty Sennett, general manager, and Bill Ooms, Board of Directors chair, present Lee Kuipers with the recognition plaques at the CityBus Safety Banquet on Oct. 18. Mayor Tony Roswarski also presented Kuipers with a plaque recognizing his years of service as a representative from Lafayette.

A plaque now hangs on the wall above the seat where Lee Kuipers sat during meetings at the CityBus administrative offices.

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Johnson’s Lifeline: CityBus When Eddie Johnson needs to get from his West Lafayette home to Lafayette’s east side for kidney dialysis three days a week, he knows who to call: CityBus. By Kathy Mayer While health issues might complicate life a bit for Eddie Johnson, 74, they don’t keep him from savoring his days.

His enjoyment comes from classic movies; jazz music; hot, caffeinated black coffee; and a positive outlook he generously shares with others.

His calendar revolves around dialysis, and to make sure he keeps to his critical schedule, he turns to CityBus ACCESS for rides to and from appointments. “The drivers are very friendly,” he says. “They pick me up at home and get me there on time.”

Loves Old Movies, Music

Kim Davis Photography, Inc.

Outside those hours, he might watch an old-time movie from his collection; his all-time favorite is “Cornbread, Earl and Me.” He likes Westerns, too, especially those starring Clint Eastwood—“Fistful of Dollars” and “Hang ‘Em High.” And he collects old television shows, such as “Bonanza” and “Cheyenne.” Premieres of the Beatles, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson on “The Ed Sullivan Show” are other favorites he owns.

“I’ve always liked movies and

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music,” says the former Philadelphia security guard, who often worked in movie theatres.

He tried playing the saxophone as a teenager, but found he’s better at listening than playing. These days, he often cranks up jazz tunes by Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. “I’ve got a whole stack of jazz,” he says.

Born into a family with 15 children— Johnson was the oldest—“I was spoiled by my grandmother,” he admits. Her name was Ellen Goode, and, “She saw that I had hot lunches every day and took me wherever I wanted to go.”

Friendly Fellow

For his fix of coffee and people, he rides a regular route CityBus to Java Roaster downtown nearly every day where “everybody knows me.”

Says Sarah Reinert, the coffee shop’s owner, “Eddie is a great guy.

During the summer, he sits in a chair outside. In the winter, he sits inside by the window so he can greet people.

His ball-and-chain is the dialysis, but he’s always so positive.”

CityBus rider Eddie Johnson brings smiles to everyone he meets.

Through the ACCESS program, CityBus provides transportation to people with eligible disabilities.

Applications are online at www.gocitybus.com or call 765-742-2121. www.facebook.com/gocitybus

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Kenny Relishes Stories Told by CityBus Drivers

By Kathy Mayer

What’s the best way to learn about Greater Lafayette if this is your new home? Hop a CityBus, Sebastian Kenny, 18, will tell you.

Sitting in the front seat on CityBus and chatting with the driver, first-year Purdue student Sebastian Kenny, who goes by “Kenny,” is learning about his new community and making friends.

On the bus every day, he commutes from campus housing to classes, activities and shopping.

Drivers His Friends

"CityBus helps people like me who don’t like walking,” he laughs. “You see everyone, and the bus drivers are friendly. I count about 18 bus drivers as my friends. They offer many interesting stories, like one who told me about living on a farm and getting stung by hornets. Driving along, circling the loops, I also try to entertain them.”

Talk about liking the CityBus drivers—that’s what he dressed up as for Halloween, complete with a cardboard bus he made. It was his first time experiencing the holiday and “quite exciting.”

He’s also braced for another first: living where it snows. Of temperatures in Indonesia, his home country, he says, “Basically, the weather is either hot or hot. There are no four seasons.”

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Far from Home

Kenny brings an interesting background of his own to share with new friends. Born in Indonesia and of Chinese descent, he speaks Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin and English. He chose premed because his grandmother, Ida Rachmaeewi, wanted one of her 14 grandchildren to become a doctor.

Studying in the United States was prompted by a time in high school when he translated for visitors from this country. “I was liking the idea of studying aboard and learning in a place away from where I am from, so I looked at the opportunities here,” he says.

Since arriving this fall, he’s immersed himself in campus life— serving as director of diversity and inclusion for Purdue Student Government, getting involved in the Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center, and participating in the Indonesian Student Association.

While he misses Indonesian food—especially the pork dish, babi guling—he likes being here. “I see many people from countries I’ve never been to, and I learn about their culture and background. It’s good. It gives me experience,” he says.

“And I like the public transportation!”

Kim Davis Photography, Inc.

While Sebastian Kenny has traveled to many countries and continents, the welcome extended by CityBus drivers has been among the friendliest, he says.

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‘Getting Healthy’ the Mantra at CityBus

By Kathy Mayer

Kim Davis Photography, Inc.

Eating veggies, drinking water and moving more. These are launching CityBus employees into new energy and health.

Amy Pitstick, assistant controller, gets her blood pressure checked by Rosemary Benjamin, CityBus' health coach.

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Healthy habits are catching on at CityBus. Some of the positive results: • 42 employees lowered their blood pressure • 29 lost weight and/or improved body mass index • 7 increased exercising • 3 quit using tobacco “It’s hard to tell what other benefits we’ve realized, because you never know what health crises were prevented,” says Marty Sennett, CityBus manager.

Onsite Wellness Coach

The initiatives have been helped along by Rosemary Benjamin, a wellness coach from WELLNESSCOACHES USA, who began offering CityBus-funded, onsite appointments in November 2014.

“We did this to contain health insurance costs by solving issues before they resulted in a catastrophic claim, and to help employees improve their health so they can maintain their commercial drivers’ licenses,” Sennett says. High blood pressure and sleep apnea are two conditions that could prompt license revocation.

High Participation

Benjamin sees from 20 to 30 participants each day she spends at CityBus. “My role is to coach the employees when they are ready, to assist them in changes they want to make,” she says.

“I’m a mentor, confidence builder, planner, organizer, instructor, counselor, motivator, promoter, advisor and educator.”

Among those making healthy strides are these five bus operators.

Lisa Judge

“I’m monitoring my blood pressure, body mass index and weight.”

Knowledge is power, Lisa Judge believes. The more she knows about the path to good health, the better the choices she can make. Her visits with the wellness coach are information-centered.

“I ask questions, and I appreciate her advice and information,” Judge says. “And she sees the nuances in your questions and elaborates more.” www.facebook.com/gocitybus

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Seeking healthy, on-the-go snacks, Judge mastered food nutrition labels, identified the best energy bars and satisfies hunger with carrots.

“Rosemary is a great source,” Judge says. “I’m feeling fine.”

And Judge has renewed energy for her CASA volunteer work, advocating for children in the court system.

Joyce Plantenga

“I drink six or seven bottles of water while I’m driving.”

A health scare prompted Joyce Plantenga to enroll in a medical weight loss program that helped her lose 65 pounds in the last two years.

“My biggest challenge was finding something I can eat on the bus. I take a couple of small salads, and when I have wait time, I eat a cup of salad.” She also packs a protein bar or shake.

For support, she turns to Benjamin. “She’s very likable, so positive.”

Renewed health makes the job she loves even better. “I didn’t grow up here, so I didn’t know many people.

Now, I’m meeting people and making friends.”

Rick Synesael

“A couple of years ago, broccoli was the only vegetable I’d eat.

Now, I eat lots of vegetables.”

Wanting to lose weight before his son’s wedding last June, Rick Synesael consulted a nutritionist in January, embraced healthier habits and lost more than 80 pounds.

He had to nix garlic bread with cheese, but he enjoys meat, eggs, cheese and vegetables, with asparagus and spinach earning top ratings. His own garden and love of cooking eased the change.

“I didn’t want to wake up anymore saying, ‘Today’s the day the heart 12

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attack comes.’ I’m 55, and now I feel like I’m 25 to 35 again.”

And he’s enjoying his hobby. “I like tinkering around with old cars.”

Currently, that’s a green ’63 Chevy Biscayne.

Dora Trippett

“I woke up the day after my birthday and said, ‘I’m done with diet pop and smoking.’”

A gym membership, 90-pound weight loss and tobacco-free days have Dora Trippett singing a healthy tune. “I have more energy, my knees don’t bother me anymore and I don’t get winded going up and down stairs.

“It came on like a light bulb for me,” she says of her decision to change. “I gave up sugars, pastas and breads. I eat a sweet potato instead of a baked potato. And I learned portion control.”

One challenge is upping water consumption, but she’s working on it. And she, too, seeks guidance from the wellness coach.

Mark Zerbes

“I’ve come up with comfort foods that are still healthy.”

The numbers tell it all for Mark Zerbes. “I lost 40 pounds, dropped one shirt size and went down four pants sizes,” he says of his travels to improved health.

“At times, it is very hard,” he admits. “And giving up processed food was hard.” For help, he consults the wellness coach and seeks support from others following similar eating choices.

He also takes Tai Chi and walks around between bus trips.

With his extra energy, he’s fixing up a 1965 camper that he and his wife took out a few times this summer, bringing along their grandchildren. www.facebook.com/gocitybus

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Be Prepared for Winter Travel with CityBus

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• CityBus website (www.gocitybus.

CityBus employees work hard to ensure the buses operate in all kinds of weather. However, if extreme weather hits, CityBus is prepared.

CityBus' severe weather procedure outlines four levels of service.

com/Rider-Alerts)

• DoubleMap (our free mobile app for

Severe Weather Procedure

• LEVEL 1: All routes operate regular schedules, but some routes may run minor delays depending on road conditions.

• LEVEL 2: All routes operate; however, routes 1A, 3, 5 and 7 may not serve all areas due to road conditions.

• LEVEL 3: All routes are impacted with major reductions in scheduled service and significant delays.

Service may start later than scheduled to allow road crews to clear the streets and CityBus personnel to clear CityBus properties.

• LEVEL 4: All CityBus services are suspended until conditions improve.

Sign Up for Alerts

Level 2, 3 or 4 will be shared with local media (WLFI-TV18, WBAA, Journal & Courier, WASK and WAZY).

Riders can prepare by knowing where to find alerts or by subscribing to a CityBus alert tool. Rider alerts are communicated through:

real-time bus arrival information) announcements area (http:// citybus.doublemap.com/map/) • CityBus Facebook page (www. facebook.com/gocitybus/) • CityBus Twitter page (@gocitybus) • Opt-in text or email alerts

Email and text notices go only to those who opt-in to the service.

To sign up for the email and/or text alerts, visit www.gocitybus.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and submit your information.

To sign up for text alerts only, text “gocitybus” to 95577. Carrier rates may apply for the text service.

See your carrier plan for details.

Subscribers of both email and text alerts can opt out at any time.

As an aid to those who rely on the bus to get to work and school, John Connell, manager of operations, asks property owners to help keep bus stops safe and clear during a snow or ice event.

“With over 900 stops, we clear as many heavily used stops as we can. If home and business owners shovel a path from the bus stop to the street, that would be incredibly helpful for riders,” says Connell. “Be sure not to block sidewalks or paths to the shelters or stops with snow. Our riders will appreciate any help clearing the way for them to get on the bus.”

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Training for Travel

Paul Igo, travel trainee, and Katy Dietrich

What is Travel Training?

Travel Training is a free program that teaches people how to ride to and from their destinations on CityBus. Travel Training is not intended to replace occupational therapy needed by certain riders, but it will help those who need a little extra assistance navigating the routes.

Who can use the service?

Anyone interested in learning how to ride CityBus can request help.

How is help requested?

Contact Katy Dietrich, outreach coordinator/travel trainer, at least one week in advance. Training hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Katy will teach you how to plan your trips, use tools to make your trip easier, and get to and from your destination. She can ride with you to your destination and back if needed.

Contact Katy at 765-420-2989 or katy@gocitybus.com.

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Where's the Bus?

Our real-time information tools provide the answer.

DoubleMap

View the buses on a map in real-time on your mobile device (Apple or Android) with our official mobile app. Download the free app by searching "DoubleMap" in the app store. Once downloaded, open and select "CityBus of Lafayette." A web-based version is also available.

Go to: http://citybus.doublemap.com.

MyRide

Access real-time bus data with the Quick Code on the bus stop sign. Enter the MyRide Quickcode (BUS###), address, street intersection or landmark and receive the next bus times for all of the routes serviced at that stop.

Go to: www.gocitybus.com/Wheres-The-Bus#myride.

My Bus

Access real-time bus data, alerts, schedules and a trip planner.

Go to http://bus.gocitybus.com.

Text

Get arrival times via text/SMS. Text your stop number and route to RT4 and receive the next three bus departure times for any given stop.

1. Find the bus stop ID (BUS###) on the bus stop sign.

2. Text “RT4� followed by the bus stop ID and route to 41411 (carrier charges may apply). Example: If you are at stop BUS389 on route 1B, you would text RT4 BUS389 1B to 41411.

3. Receive next three departure times via text.

To refresh departure times, simply reply "R" to the text received from RT4.

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Throwback to...

Photo and caption courtesy of the Journal & Courier archives

1984

Ernest Jenkinson shovels snow from beneath a Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation bus at the corners of Sixth and Ferry streets, as Union Street bus driver Jean Howell watches in the background. This was the second time Howell's bus was stuck at this intersection in one day.

The photo was taken Feb. 28, 1984. www.gocitybus.com 765-742-7433 18

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