Praying for a Bus

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Yes, you heard right. There are a group of community members who are praying for a bus all at one time and one location. They are bringing awareness to the inequality in public transit — and by inequality, they are speaking about geography.

Why does one city have access to public transit while another does not? It all comes down to dollars quite frankly, even though the necessity for public transit exists in all municipalities. Six cities are currently covered: Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Wyoming and Walker. This funding is due to successful millage proposals.

“The Prayer at the End of the Line” event is an example of West Michigan style advocacy. The interfaith prayer service will take place literally where the buses don’t run further north, despite the need for them to do so.

“Transportation is still an issue,” explains Disability Advocates of Kent County event coordinator Katie Foreman.

“We want to bring the community together and raise awareness about the current limits of geography,” says Executive Director David Bulkowski, also from Disability Advocates of Kent County.

You can show your support for the local transportation system by attending the upcoming gathering on Monday, Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m. Learn how transit affects our community, where it goes and where it doesn’t. Several clergy will be participating including:

• Rev. Mike Fedewa – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

• Fr. Mark Przybysz – St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

• Rev. Robert Dean – New Life Church of God in Christ

• Rabbi Michael Shadick – Temple Emmanuel

• Pracharak Fred Stella – West Michigan Hindu Temple

• Venerable Deokwun Russell Pitts – Grand Rapids Zen Center and Buddhist Temple

Want to get involved? You can. Here’s how:

• Attend the event on Monday, Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Plainfield and Rupert (3434 Plainfield NE)

• Contact your local government officials and let them know you want equality in public transportation: Your Representatives and Senators

• Learn more about The Rapid and the public transportation it provides

Source: David Bulkowski, Disability Advocates of Kent County; Katie Foreman, Disability Advocates of Kent County

Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

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