DATE: September 26, 2008
CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
Broward County reins in the "Green Thursdays" transportation initiative with a gallop to the finish line at the Southwest Ranches Town Hall.
Southwest Ranches City Councilmember Don Maines is riding his horse to work this Thursday, September 25, 2008, expecting to arrive at the town hall at 10 a.m. Councilmember Maines has been riding his horse to and from town hall since he was first elected to office six years ago. Mr. Maines keeps a hay bag and water bucket at the town hall to accommodate his horses.
Councilmember Maines will travel from his home on Southwest 48th Street to 178th Avenue east on Griffin Road to Dykes Road, which is 160th Avenue, then south to the Southwest Ranches Town Hall at 6589 160th Avenue. Don Maines is an avid horseman and enjoys rodeo, cowboy mounted shooting, trail riding and camping with his horses.
"Riding a horse was the original mode of transportation before the automobile," said Maines. "But, unless you live in a community like Southwest Ranches you don't really think of horseback riding as a way to get around. People here ride their horses all the time."
Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs committed to taking the bus to and from work. "It's been great. If you have any preconceived ideas about riding a bus, you'll be surprised at how easy, convenient and pleasant it is. I've taken a Broward County bus several times since Green Thursdays began and I plan to continue to do so," said Commissioner Jacobs.
Green Thursdays has resulted in a win-win situation for Broward County Transit (BCT) and the riding public. According to Chris Walton, Director of Broward County's Transportation Department, "BCT received positive feedback from first-time bus riders, most of whom applauded our efforts to designate at least one day a week to ride our bus system, and to continue to make BCT their commute of choice. Coupled with that was the opportunity to highlight the important role of public transportation as part of the solution to reduce greenhouse gases."
BCT received several survey comments from the riding public on their Green Thursdays experiences. Below are a few:
- "The 18 was right on time and the connection to the 34 to the Tri-Rail station was on time. I commute to Miami daily and usually drive to the Deerfield Beach station. My total commute via driving costs nearly $23 daily. Today's commute will cost $10.75. My average daily commute takes 55 minutes and this morning it was about 80 minutes. However, it was convenient and will be committed to at least every Thursday." Daniel S., Liberty City
- "I think everyone should participate. It's a great way to help save the planet." D. McCor
- "Dear Sir or Madam, Do you have a pdf flyer that details this wonderful event so that we can share with our employees? If so, please email it to me. Thank you." T. White
- "I enjoy Green Thursdays. Every day is a savings on BCT, Broward County Transit." Email from Carol
Broward County Transit launched Green Thursdays in June as a way to encourage people to use an alternate method of transportation at least once a week. County and city officials, public transportation agencies, business representatives and transit riders came together with a commitment to use and support the use of alternative methods of transportation.
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