[Durham INC] New from the Rev-elution

[Carl Kenney]

Big time kudos for taking this discussion in the direction needed.  My series of columns on the state of DATA raises the need for a community conversation on how to make public transportation a serious option for those who, for whatever reason, fail to use it now.  I would like to see more people screaming about the need to make it more accessible for people who want to park their cars, but don't because it's too hard to ride the bus.  We shouldn't have to decide not to ride because of problems with the system. YOU HAVE TO STAND UP AND SPEAK!  
I've attempted to related how those who ride the bus feel.  They see themselves as the underprivileged, and equate the bus as part of what defines what that looks like.  Bus transportation in Durham has to get rid of that label.  If that's how they feel, what does that say about how the rest of us feel.  Do we think it's unsafe to ride?  Are people staying away because they feel uncomfortable when surrounded by "those people".  Can't blame them if they do.  Each of us carry cultural bags that need to be examined.  This is bigger than any of that.  We have to get on the bus.
So, lead the way goldenbelt.historicdistrict at gmail.com.  Make us talk about this.  In the meantime, I'm still riding and listening.  Some of what I hear is hard to digest.  There's work to be done beyond what takes place on the bus.
One ride at a time.  Get on board!!

Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:02:50 -0400
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] New from the Rev-elution
From: goldenbelt.historicdistrict at gmail.com
To: inc-list at rtpnet.org
CC: revcwkii at hotmail.com




I have to say how excited I am by all the BUS conversation
in the last few weeks. 
Please Understand my biases in working on a Bus Buddy
program for Clean Energy Durham right now, but know that I am just saying my love
for this city just keeps growing because it takes all kinds as. 



As a community member familiar with the public transportation situation in this
region and the rider and planned transit route changes that have been pointed
out in this recent series of article by Carl Kenney, it concerns me that a valid
point is being overlooked in that ridership is disproportionate to the social
dynamic of Durham. 

Especially considering how many people in this city are concerned with the
environment and clean greener means of transportation I would think ridership
would be considerably higher.   



However I am certain others could speak to the current system and I  would like to see the conversation go further in the direction of
some coalition work that improves the social dynamics of
transit systems and demonstrates comfort for all residents in Durham as viable alternative mode of transportation
that would decrease our carbon footprint as a community working together.

Enclosed are 2 photos that always come to my mind and I am glad to have an
opportunity to share them with my INC community. I would like to thank Carl,
Darius and Christine for sharing their points, I can relate to all of
the above the lack of  attention successful entrepreneurs of color
receive, the concerns about rider safety and the system that focuses on the low
income demographic for public transportation. I would like to discuss transit more. 



John, would it be possible to discuss this in the next meeting? 
Just 3 minutes or so to see if anyone is interested in offering support. 
 -- 
DeDreana Freeman of the Golden Belt Historic District

Durham N.C. 27701


On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 10:25 AM, Carl Kenney <revcwkii at hotmail.com> wrote:





This is part three of my series on riding the DATA.  My hope is that this series will facilitate conversations that will improve DATA and offer suggestions that will undo the rage felt by those who currently ride.  I hope that those willing to comment will consider doing so on my blog versus this listserve.  This is a matter of interest for Durham and the INC, but please don't get stuck on the issue of race and poverty. Ask, what would it take to inspire you to get on the bus.
http://rev-elution.blogspot.com/2012/08/will-anyone-listen-to-pain-of-black-men.html 		 	   		  


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