Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast

Could dedicated transit lanes transform Greenville's transportation future? In this eye-opening episode, we explore how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and light rail could revolutionize mobility in our growing city. While 58% of Greenville residents would prioritize light rail, we discover why BRT might be the more practical next step. Plus, an exclusive interview with Ron Mitchum, who's implementing South Carolina's first BRT system in Charleston, provides a roadmap for what could be possible here in Greenville by 2030. Learn why showing demand through increased Greenlink ridership today is critical for securing these transit innovations tomorrow._Produced by Podcast Studio X.Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

$570 a month - that's what Brian saved when he discovered Greenville's paratransit after losing his sight at age 50. Journey alongside Keith, who travels four hours daily combining bus and bike to reach vital treatment, and Brian, whose quality of life transformed through Greenlink's GAP service ($3 per ride versus $20 for Uber). Through their experiences and insights from LiveWell Greenville's Community Engagement Director, discover how transit becomes the invisible thread determining whether vulnerable residents can access essential healthcare, revealing why transportation might be our community's most overlooked health resource._Produced by Podcast Studio X.Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

As Greenville's housing costs double while wages stagnate, employed residents face an impossible choice: unaffordable housing with transit access or affordable housing without bus service - leaving some to live in shelters despite having jobs. Join Amber Stewart from the Greenville Housing Fund to discover how strategic affordable housing along transit corridors is creating pathways to economic opportunity for all._Produced by Podcast Studio X.Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

What's the real cost of mobility in Greenville? Ride along as we meet Tyleesa, who spends $1.50 daily on Greenlink versus the $75 weekly Uber expenses that would consume half her paycheck, while brain injury survivor Sharon Hampton and economic mobility expert Dr. Kirsten Naomi Chapman reveal how transportation access directly determines who can participate in our economy._Produced by Podcast Studio X.Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

In this season finale, we stitch together the voices of riders, planners, and advocates to paint a vivid picture of Greenville's transit future. Joined by Nathaniel DeSantis, our podcast producer, we explore why transit isn't just a convenience - it's a necessity. We dive into the numbers that spell out Greenville's rapid growth and what it means for our roads, our commutes, and our quality of life. We also debunk the myth that more lanes equal less traffic and discuss smarter, more sustainable alternatives. Learn how you can be part of the change and why the clock is ticking faster than you think. Don't miss this crucial conversation that sets the stage for Greenville's next two decades. Join the movement at GreenvilleConnects.org and let's build a transit system that truly serves us all. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

This week, we're taking you behind the scenes of Greenlink's ambitious transit development plans. We sit down with Kayleigh Cleek, the Transit Planning Manager, to discuss everything from the $6 million grant to route expansions and upcoming facilities. Curious about how the updates will impact you as a rider or concerned citizen? We'll tell you exactly what's coming down the road in the next 12 months, including their push for ADA-compliant bus stops and a transition to a more eco-friendly fleet. In addition to route and fleet changes, Greenlink is going the extra mile by integrating community rooms, green spaces, and trails in their upcoming maintenance facility. Learn how you can have a say in the planning process and what these changes mean for your daily commute. This episode is your ticket to understanding how Greenlink is driving change in public transit. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Join us as we speak with James Keel, the Director of Greenlink, to explore the future of public transit in Greenville County. We discuss the Transit Development Plan (TDP) as we envision an ideal system with accessible, frequent, and intuitive service. It's not just about dreams; we also tackle the harsh realities of transit planning, driver recruitment, and the urgent need for funding to make it happen. By comparing how other cities fund their transit systems, we identify how our current funding model lacks in effectively supporting the service we need. This episode provides an in-depth look at a system poised for growth, but in need of immediate action. Whether you're a daily rider or new to the world of public transit, this conversation is an eye-opener about the complexities, challenges, and opportunities that could redefine transportation in Greenville. Join us next week, as the exploration continues with insights from Greenlink's Transit Planning Manager, Kayleigh Cleek. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Tune in as Greenlink riders speak candidly about what a 30-minute bus frequency would mean for them and the community. Hear Tracy's reflections on the past and present, DeShawn's thoughts on efficiency and environmental benefits, and discover how public transportation affects even those who usually drive. Join us in exploring the human side of public transit and how a simple change in frequency could impact lives, improve accessibility, and bring the community together. Together, we can reshape our city's transit landscape. Visit GreenvilleConnects.org to join our newsletter. In our newsletter, you'll learn more about Greenville transit and discover how you can contribute to our cause. Resources: Greenville Connects www.greenvilleconnects.org  LSE - Suburban Sprawl Costs Americans $1 Trillion / year https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/2015/06/01/urban-sprawl-costs-the-american-economy-more-than-1-trillion-annually-smart-growth-policies-may-be-the-answer/  Transit Alternatives to Cars https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2020/1/7/does-building-transit-reduce-traffic-congestion#:~:text=The%20More%20Complicated%20Answer%3A%20Sometimes,how%20bad%20congestion%20can%20get.  Greenlink Fares https://www.greenvillesc.gov/595/Passes-Fares _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Sharing insights from Brenda, Louise, and other riders, we explore the intertwining threads of affordable housing and transit access in Greenville. Our first guest, Brenda, elaborates on her personal struggles with bus schedules and stop placements. Next, we listen to the tale of a rider who had to relocate due to the lack of bus service, demonstrating the urgent need for Transit-Oriented Developments. Finally, we hear Louise's struggle with a fragmented transit network, adding weight to our call for more frequent and wider-reaching service. This episode is a profound reminder that an effective transit system is not just a convenience—it's a lifeline that can dramatically improve quality of life. In sharing these real-life experiences, we aim to foster community support for more buses, more routes, and more frequency. Let's build a better Greenville together. Visit GreenvilleConnects.org to join our newsletter. In our newsletter, you'll learn more about Greenville transit and discover how you can contribute to our cause. Resources: Reducing Poverty + Long Term Positive Effects of Various Supports https://www.cbpp.org/research/various-supports-for-low-income-families-reduce-poverty-and-have-long-term-positive  Transit-Adjacent Homes See Increase in Desirability https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/property-values-thrive-near-transit-study-finds/564982/  HUD: Transit Oriented Developments https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-trending-051722.html  Greenville Connects Economic Impact https://greenvilleconnects.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/002-SC-2023-GreenvilleConnects-EconImpRprtV3-press.pdf  Greenlink Expansion Plan 2021 Update https://www.greenvillesc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18857/2021-Transit-Development-Plan-Update-PDF  Traveler's Rest Bus Route Map https://www.greenvillesc.gov/1200/Schedules-and-Routes _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Today we chat with Sandy, Equan, and Eddie - everyday people whose lives are interwoven with the pulse of public transit. We explore their experiences, from the conveniences of being steps away from a bus stop, to the need for more frequent routes and the dream of a 24-hour transit system. Tune in to hear how Sandy makes her way home with heavy groceries, how Equan desires the convenience of closer bus stops, and why Eddie, a seasoned sous chef, yearns for transit access seven days a week. We discuss how neighborhood designs can influence transit effectiveness and share news about a potential transportation hub at the airport. Plus, we look at the bigger picture - how expanding transit isn't just about transportation, it's about improving quality of life for riders and their communities. Join us next week as we continue to bring you more conversations from the road. But before then, we need your help to drive change in public transit. Hop on over to our website, GreenvilleConnects.org, to sign up for our monthly newsletter and find out how you can contribute. Together, we can get more buses, going more places, more often. Let's get moving! Resources: Michigan Journal for Sustainability https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/mjs/12333712.0005.104?view=text;rgn=main  National Library for Medicine - Aging-In Place https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7793713/  Greenville Airport Discussion https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/local/2023/06/08/100k-scdot-grant-to-determine-whether-gsp-airport-upstate-public-transit-hub-greenville-spartanburg/70251592007/  Bus Shelter Safety https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/ped_transit/ped_transguide/transit_guide.pdf  Bus Shelter Costs https://pedestrianobservations.com/2019/04/12/little-things-that-matter-bus-shelter/  Cost of Suburban Sprawl - https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/2015/06/01/urban-sprawl-costs-the-american-economy-more-than-1-trillion-annually-smart-growth-policies-may-be-the-answer/ _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Today we explore stories of people like Phil and Michelle who navigate the trade-offs of time and money, Loretta who highlights the need for 7-day service, and riders expressing the vital need for more buses, routes, and frequency. Through these encounters, we unravel the realities of public transportation in Greenville, revealing transit as the often only viable option amid costly car ownership and exorbitant rideshare prices. Join us as we embark on a journey that could potentially save riders and society hundreds of thousands of dollars. Let's change the narrative together – after all, Frequency is Freedom. Resources: USDOE https://afdc.energy.gov/calc/ Parking Mandates https://www.strongtowns.org/parking  Lifetime Cost of Car Ownership https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800921003943?via%3Dihub  Forbes Cost of Car Ownership https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2022/02/04/lifetime-cost-of-small-car-689000-society-subsidises-this-ownership-with-275000/?sh=d03aa0663987  Statista - Average Cost/Rideshare https://www.statista.com/statistics/890167/average-cost-per-ride-ridesharing-united-states/  Minimum Wage Calculator https://www.minimum-wage.org/south-carolina#:~:text=South%20Carolina%20Minimum%20Wage%20for%202022%2C%202023&text=South%20Carolina%27s%20state%20minimum%20wage%20rate%20is%20%247.25%20per%20hour Greenville Parking https://www.greenvillesc.gov/513/Parking  Park & Ride Benefits https://www.parkyourcarforfree.com/7-benefits-of-using-a-park-and-ride-service-when-visiting-a-city/  Greenville Connects Economic Impact Plan https://greenvilleconnects.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/002-SC-2023-GreenvilleConnects-EconImpRprtV3-press.pdf  Greenville County Council ‘24 Budget https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Council/_Agenda/Meetings%20of%202023/County%20Council/2023.06.06/FY2025%20Ordinance.pdf _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Meet Devrie Williams, a Greenville resident and frequent Greenlink user whose personal narrative paints a vivid picture of public transit's strengths and weaknesses in Greenville. From inadequate bus stop infrastructure to unreliable service frequencies, Devrie sheds light on the realities facing riders daily. We balance his perspective with exciting updates on Greenlink's ambitious improvement plans, backed by a $6 million boost from the Department of Transportation. We also draw comparisons to Columbia's transit system, exploring the stark contrast in resources and transit accessibility. Listen in to understand the challenges, acknowledge the strides made, and learn how you, like Devrie, can advocate for a more efficient and inclusive transit system in Greenville. Resources: Greenville and Columbia counties population estimates come from the US Census https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/richlandcountysouthcarolina  The COMET, Columbia's Public Transit, Cost and Funding Facts FY 2019-2020 https://catchthecometsc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The-COMET-Cost-and-Funding-FY-2019-2020.pdf The COMET, Columbia's Public Transit, Route Guidebook Effective May 2023 https://catchthecometsc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/comet-route-booklet-22-A5-v6.pdf Greenlink's Key Performance Metrics https://www.greenvillesc.gov/152/About https://www.greenvillesc.gov/1891/Key-Performance-Indicators _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Today our journey takes us on bus routes 502 and 507, where we share candid conversations with Greenlink riders and transit operators. Hear from Jamila, a dedicated nurse, Michelle, a Greenlink transit operator, and Glenn, a frequent bus rider, as they express their hopes for an improved transit system in Greenville. They shine a light on crucial issues like the need for extended service hours and increased service frequency. As we listen to their stories, we reveal how these changes can impact their quality of life and reflect on the challenges of maintaining a responsive transit system amidst budget constraints. Stay tuned till the end to gain a deeper understanding of why the next step in Greenville's transit growth is to prioritize increasing service frequency. Don't forget to join us next week as we continue to listen to the everyday voices who use transit to navigate their lives in Greenville. Your ride to understanding transit in our community starts here! _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Today we hit the road on Bus 508, journeying from downtown Greenville to Taylors and back. We chat with Greenlink riders from diverse backgrounds who all share one thing: their reliance on public transit. Listen to the compelling stories of Ashley, an essential worker who navigates the bus system to fulfill her pharmacy technician duties, and Amber, an eight-month-pregnant waitress, whose complex and costly commuting challenges highlight the need for enhanced transit infrastructure. We also introduce you to a downtown dweller who sees the value in public transport and Angela, who shares her experience visiting her mother in Simpsonville via bus. This episode reveals the essential role of public transportation in our community and the transformative potential of increased investment in transit services. Tune in to understand the reality of transit users, their struggles, suggestions, and how improved public transportation can benefit everyone in Greenville. Don't miss our next week's journey to meet more everyday voices who rely on public transit. Hit play now to join the ride! Greenlink Route Map _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Ride along with Erin on the bus with Katy Smith, current Executive Director of Greater Good Greenville and the person who started all of the advocacy work for better transit. Learn what brought transit to the forefront for her and how she and others got things going. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Join Erin on her field trip to the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University to talk with their new Executive Director, Dr. Andrew Predmore. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Join Erin this week on a Proterra bus with the VP of Customer Success for Proterra, Mike Finnern. Learn how electric buses work, how big the engine is, and how long it takes to recharge them, along with other scientific electric bus facts and interesting Proterra tidbits. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

After a bit of real life transit drama, Erin and Kayleigh Cleek get a chance to talk about the details that go into planning for the entire Greenlink system. Do you want to know where Greenville is going in 10 years? This is the episode for you! Transit Development Plan _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company. Bussin' is a project of Greenville Connects.

Join Erin as she rides along with Greenlink Director James Keel on the 510. They talk James' career path that brought him to Greenlink, the future of buses in Greenville, and how technology and growth is bringing a lot of new potential to service. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Join Erin's conversation with Greenville County Councilman Chris Harrison. With Chris' experience in planning and current service on Greenville County Council, he shares insights about the impacts of growth on infrastructure, the coordination that goes into planning for developments and community improvements, as well as how affordable housing fits into the overall picture. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Listen in on Erin's conversation with Rev. Stacey Mills, Executive Director of the REEM Commission, as they ride the 502. They talk about race, equity, economic mobility, and transit, as well as the impact of affordable housing on neighborhoods and communities. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

This week's episode focuses on the intersection of economic development, employer success, quality of life, and transit. Erin's conversation with Carlos Phillips, President and CEO of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, takes place on the 502 - listen in in their conversation and hear more about how growth and prosperity align with mobility. To learn more about the Chamber, visit www.greenvillechamber.org. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

With new staff on board at Greenville Connects, Erin introduces us to Joseph Fields, Greenville Connects new Transit Community Organizer. A long-time Greenville resident, Joseph has been riding the buses for the last few months, getting to know Greenville all over again. With interesting observations about transit, Greenlink and the importance of our bus system to the overall community, this conversation is one to enjoy. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Dan Tripp is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 28, Dan shares his thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Joe Dill is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 17, Joe shares his thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Benton Blount is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 19, Benton shares his thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Lynn Ballard is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 26, Lynn shares his thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Jackie Clark is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 19, Jackie shares his thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Joey Russo is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 17, Joey shares his thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Sheryl Guarniero is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 17, Sheryl shares her thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

David C MitchelI is today's guest on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast. A candidate for County Council District 23, David shares his thoughts on transit, infrastructure and growth. David Mitchell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-c-mitchell-15b0465/  _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Alan Mitchell, Greenville County Council candidate for District 23, rides the Greenville transit to talk about his goals if elected, his experience with public transportation, the changes we can make to Greenlink, development in Greenville, and more! Alan Mitchell Website: https://www.alanmitchell-greenville23.com/ _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company.

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes bus riding podcast, Bussin'! Join us on the Greenlink busses as we hear from everyday citizens, movers and shakers in the community, candidates for County Council elections, and more. Thanks for riding along with us on Bussin' - The Greenville Transit Podcast.