Do you ever find yourself confused while taking the bus? Or have you ever missed the bus because the schedule changed at the last minute? The good news is that Madison Metro Transit is hiring. They are seeking young adults to serve as “ride guides” this summer.
In the past, those “Ride Guides” have been on paper: guidebooks that used to be available at the front of the bus, to help passengers find their way. Metro Transit scrapped those copies during the pandemic.
And now, as routes and schedules of the buses are slated to change in June, help from a Ride Guide will come from a friendly – human – navigator.
Jessy Stammer is a marketing specialist with Madison Metro Transit. She says that they want to create shorter, and more route specific brochures that are easier to navigate.
Stammer says this is the biggest change the bus system has seen in 25 years. So, it might be difficult for riders to figure out bus changes right away. And that’s why the city is hiring Ride Guides who will start at the end of May.
“We wanted to have people out on the streets where our riders are before that change to let people know.”
The guides will stay on a little after the change that goes into effect on June 11. Then they will come back again in August to help students navigate the new routes.
The Ride Guides, paid at $25 an hour, will stand at busy bus stops, community centers and employment centers to direct people to the best stop for their destination.
They will provide information about stops, routes and how to ride the bus. They will also have paper maps and schedules to give out for more information.
Stammer says that no, Ride Guides will not have to memorize the entire 127 page guide book. Instead, they will learn station specific information to give the best help to people in that area.
Guides will ask questions and engage with transit riders to hear about their experiences. They can take feedback about public transit service and take note of customer needs.
Stammer says they have not done anything like this before.
“This is our first hourly position that we’ve hired at Metro Transit maybe ever, for sure in the last 20ish years or so, so this is a brand new position for us.” (Jessy 2)
Stammer says they hope that the Ride Guides enjoy their jobs and that they will want to continue to help when the new Bus Rapid Transit line launches next year.
When the time for in person Ride Guides is up, Stammer says there will still be resources for people who need help navigating the new routes.
Riders can always call the transit call center, visit mymetrobus.com to see routes, or pick up a paper brochure. Schedules will also be posted at bus stops like before, and you can still find your bus routes on your smartphone app.
Reporting for W-O-R-T, I’m Abigail Leavins