Mission 6: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!

Corrupt Angel Investigates: This super hero is all too familiar with the non-driving commute. You see my non-super hero power self doesn't drive. Never has learned. Don't judge.......believe me I have pestered her for years. You think I want to hoof it everywhere or take the bus!? But, she reminds me that it's good for the environment and our health to not rely on cars for everything. So, if any of you loyal readers wish to know what it's like to go car-less here in good ol' Modesto just ask.....I'm all too familiar with the public transportation system.

Act: Here's a few rules to follow if you want to travel by bus here in town: 1) Plan everything way ahead of schedule. The buses here, though they do run on an bi-hourly or hourly basis, they are always late. So plan to leave your house at least 2 hours ahead of schedule 2) Be prepared to walk.....a lot. The bus routes, unfortunately, do not cover a great percentage of the city. 3) If your'e planning to travel outside of the Modesto area by bus......be prepared for frustration. Within the close proximity of Modesto (such as Turlock, Ceres, etc.) there are transferable buses, but they aren't as frequent or as reliable. Anything further than within the county......all I have to say is good luck! 4) the buses are very restricted as far as hours of operation are concerned. The buses, at the earliest, run at 6:15 and stop running at 7:45 pm, so if you need to get anywhere real early in the day or real late at night your best bet is to just forget about using the bus!, and lastly 5) You may experience some of the less desirable parts of Modesto's population because, let's face it, sometimes shady people ride the bus and you're not always as safe as you feel in the comfort of your own car.

     Now as far as proposed plans for light rails and trains that would connect Modesto to the rest of California, it's always been a rumor floating around out there. The fact is, all proposed efforts would be costly and would take years to complete. Positives are that a completed connection to railways within California might bring business to Modesto and offer opportunities to people who previously never considered the option of commuting to work. 

Imagine: Ok, Modestans here is what we need: a more reliable bus system, less crowded freeways, more bike and pedestrian walkways, and public transportation that connects all of California. Not asking for much, right? I know, I know all that is going to take years and billions of dollars easily. First off people should be given more incentives to try alternative means of commuting to work and school. Perhaps employers should give bonuses to workers who participate in carpools and commuting via automobile-less means. Hey that's just me offering my two cents.....people like money, people will do things they normally wouldn't if offered a little incentive..... viola......instantly less cars on the road!
     Now how can I use my awesome powers to get this ball rolling? Hmmmm.....sounds like we need some cash support fast. Time for a lil trusty mind warp action! I shall give a little push to those with the extra cash to donate to the cause......believe me they will see this as positive. It's not like I'm totally forcing them (cough-cough people have accused my mind warping skills of opening up the philanthropic pockets of the wealthy as being communist.......pssssh) Well if we have tons of cash lying about then we can make better buses, more effective routes, and extended hours of operation. Now for that light rail. How awesome would it be if we could hop on a train and go to San Francisco or LA right here from downtown Modesto!? With the rest of the cash we will build a downtown hub where you can catch a bus or train and start the building of a light rail connection to the Bay Area!
Here's a public transportation system Modesto should model itself after!


     After 5 long years of construction the downtown transportation hub is fully operational with more buses and extended routes. Now the buses cover virtually all of Modesto and the surrounding areas and run into the night. The best part is that the ground-breaking for the light rail is finally underway! The proposed station is under construction downtown right alongside the bus station and tracks are being constructed leading out of Modesto alongside Highway 99. I've been devoting lots of man hours myself in this project because I never want to have to worry about how I'm going to get around without a car!!
     WOW! A quarter of a century and lots and lots of cash later Modesto has one of the most thriving transportation centers in the state. Hardly anyone drives now and people are using public transportation more than ever. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant community with more businesses and money thanks to the light rail and the economic opportunities it has brought to the town.


Ok so Chani did some drawing this weekend between studying, walking about at the Architecture Festival, and volunteering to teach art to kids.....Here's a nifty little sketch she did on the back of a postcard while inspired by Modesto's commuting woes:

and here's the comic capturing my awesomeness!: