Approved Bus Transfer Station Makes Riders Happy

Brad Mapel uses the downtown bus system every day to get to work. His job takes him all over the city; and when it takes him to the east side, he has to ride his bike, or find alternative means. But soon that will change. "Ill be able to get there without having to go through extremes, like asking others for a ride. This way I can just jump on a bus and go." After the city council voted 7 to 5 to approve a new bus transfer station on the citys east side, a lot of doors opened up for riders. "I live in Rockford, but I work in Rolling Meadows," says Sophelia Williams. "So that gives me the opportunity instead of commuting with my car, to catch public transportation. Its great!" Critics of the new transfer station say another bus center would create a lot of noise and pollution in the area. But the riders we spoke with said the convenience would outweigh any criticisms. "I actually stay on the south side, but once upon a time I needed transportation for a bus to come out, but it never did, so its good its finally set up," says Katrina Peyton. Riders will still have to use the west side station for a while longer. Construction on the route is expected to begin in the next 18 months, and it probably wont be in use for another two years.