The Hillsborough Street Renaissance Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from Noon to 10 PM. The street will be closed from Gardner St to Logan Court. Since they will need to set up, expect that portion of Hillsborough Street to be closed all day.
No, it doesn't involve jousting or men wearing tights. It's a celebration to kick off the changes planned for Hillsborough Street over the next year and a half. If you live in Raleigh, do take the time to click on that link and especially watch the video of the changes planned. It's going to be cool, but man that's going to be a mess until it's finished! (Click on downloads->additional files->traffic simulation flyover video Aug 2007)
There will be music, food and fun as we would expect from any self-respecting street festival. There will be an eco-friendly fashion show, an alternative fuel vehicle showcase, and a Kid Zone. They are claiming to have a fraternity, sorority and business BBQ cook off. I am still awaiting confirmation to see if they are going to barbecue actual fraternity boys. I'll keep you updated on that one.
The event is free, but tickets appear to be required for certain parts, like the sorority girl barbecue and the fashion show. Keep in mind also that this is the same day as the Raleigh St Patty's Day Parade. The parade begins at Noon also then ends with a party in Moore Square Park where the townsfolk gets their Irish on with the homeless people.
Basically, what we're looking at here , from a public transit standpoint, is a big ol' mess downtown on Saturday. If you have to take the bus anywhere on Saturday, and I suggest you do NOT, go first to the City's transit website to check the Announcements and Detours, which includes street closures and bus detours. A better solution would be to just join the party, any party, that you might stumble across on Saturday.
The weather on Saturday looks crappy at best. So, bundle up and carry an umbrella.
Showing posts with label getting around. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getting around. Show all posts
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Oh goody.
Exactly what my neighborhood needs on the weekend. More underage sorority girls!
Wolfline offers shuttle to Glenwood South on weekends.
Wolfline offers shuttle to Glenwood South on weekends.
Monday, February 16, 2009
If you build it, they will come.
WRAL, a local tv station, reports that the Downtown Circulator is up and running.
I will take a ride one night this week and this weekend, which I will report here naturally.
I will take a ride one night this week and this weekend, which I will report here naturally.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Moore Square Transit Mall, demystified
I'd like to think taking a CAT bus is simple, but it's not always. There may be times when you need to go to Moore Square, either because you live near there or because you have to transfer to another bus. Once you become a little familiar with the set up, it will feel a little more user friendly. If you're like me, you'll probably only take the same couple of buses and soon you'll know just where to go! Right now I am addressing the CAT bus system. In subsequent posts, I will talk about the TTA and then both systems together.
Moore Square is divided into five zones. Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Purple. Click here to view a map of Moore Square. All buses enter from the south on Martin Street and exit to the north on Hargett Street, with the exception of the Yellow Zone, which exits to the east and the south on Blount. You should also be aware that your bus entering the transit station may not continue as that bus. For example, I was on the No. 21 coming home from the Farmer's Market one Saturday. To get to my apartment, I can take the 2, 4, 6, 8, or 16. No. 21 leaves from the Yellow Zone. Nos. 2 and 4 leave from the Blue Zone, and the rest leave from the Red Zone. I was expecting the 21 to continue as the 21. Nope. In what turned out to be a great stroke of good luck, it turned into the No. 8 which stops in front of my building. Considering I had more veggies than I could carry, I was pleased.
Also, be aware that the driver will not give you a transfer ticket at Moore Square. This baffles me, but whatever. The rules are the rules. If you know you need another bus, ask for a transfer when you get on the bus. Or better yet, pony up the $2 for a Raleigh day pass and don't worry about it. If you have to get a day pass, tell the driver BEFORE you put your money in the machine.
I have found the City Kitty drivers to be a little less than customer service oriented, possibly due to the characters they serve. I have also found that saying hello when I get on the bus, can be helpful. Even if your driver is grumpy, do not hesitate to let the driver know you aren't sure where to get off. I had to go to the Wake Tech Health Campus the other day and my driver was happy to let me know when to get off.
In conclusion, here what you really need to know about the City Kitty in general and Moore Square in specific:
1. Here is the website for all of the CAT bus schedules. I think the schedules are pretty easy to read. In subsequent posts, I will go over more resources that help you figure out what bus you need.
2. The fare is $1 a trip unless you are a Senior or handicapped, then its fifty cents, or a kid under 40" tall then it's free. Wake County and City of Raleigh and State of North Carolina employees, NCSU and Meredith College students all ride for free with the proper identification. In most cases, it will probably be easier to tell the driver you want a CAT day pass before you insert any money then you don't have to worry about transfers and such. Just don't lose the day pass!
3. Take exact change. Use $1 bills, or better yet...bring quarters. Just don't be the asshole who pays with nickels.
4. There is an information booth in Moore Square Transit Mall. I suggest you use them as a last resort. Their information and attitude is a little less than what you'd expect, if you catch my drift. (Seriously, just email me, it'll be easier!)
5. The CAT drivers will help you figure out where to go if you ask for help.
6. Keep you eyes OPEN in Moore Square and on the bus. This is the time to channel your inner New Yorker. Moore Square isn't bad from a personal safety standpoint, but I can guarantee you I will not whip out my iPhone there either. Keep it simple, don't encourage trouble.
7. You can take a bike with you on a CAT bus. Here are the instructions on how to do it. (Yes, it's the TTA website, but the bike racks operate the same.)
8. Arrive about five minutes early to the stop. The buses will run a bit late on the weekends, but you should not.
9. For as cranky as CAT bus drivers can be, they will stop if they see you at a bus stop. It's not a bad idea to wave at the bus you need. I am acutely aware that I have to hail a bus here in the South and it depresses me on many levels.
10. Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy your surroundings. Keep an eye out for weirdness. Relax. Remember your doing good for the environment and your soul.
Moore Square is divided into five zones. Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Purple. Click here to view a map of Moore Square. All buses enter from the south on Martin Street and exit to the north on Hargett Street, with the exception of the Yellow Zone, which exits to the east and the south on Blount. You should also be aware that your bus entering the transit station may not continue as that bus. For example, I was on the No. 21 coming home from the Farmer's Market one Saturday. To get to my apartment, I can take the 2, 4, 6, 8, or 16. No. 21 leaves from the Yellow Zone. Nos. 2 and 4 leave from the Blue Zone, and the rest leave from the Red Zone. I was expecting the 21 to continue as the 21. Nope. In what turned out to be a great stroke of good luck, it turned into the No. 8 which stops in front of my building. Considering I had more veggies than I could carry, I was pleased.
Also, be aware that the driver will not give you a transfer ticket at Moore Square. This baffles me, but whatever. The rules are the rules. If you know you need another bus, ask for a transfer when you get on the bus. Or better yet, pony up the $2 for a Raleigh day pass and don't worry about it. If you have to get a day pass, tell the driver BEFORE you put your money in the machine.
I have found the City Kitty drivers to be a little less than customer service oriented, possibly due to the characters they serve. I have also found that saying hello when I get on the bus, can be helpful. Even if your driver is grumpy, do not hesitate to let the driver know you aren't sure where to get off. I had to go to the Wake Tech Health Campus the other day and my driver was happy to let me know when to get off.
In conclusion, here what you really need to know about the City Kitty in general and Moore Square in specific:
1. Here is the website for all of the CAT bus schedules. I think the schedules are pretty easy to read. In subsequent posts, I will go over more resources that help you figure out what bus you need.
2. The fare is $1 a trip unless you are a Senior or handicapped, then its fifty cents, or a kid under 40" tall then it's free. Wake County and City of Raleigh and State of North Carolina employees, NCSU and Meredith College students all ride for free with the proper identification. In most cases, it will probably be easier to tell the driver you want a CAT day pass before you insert any money then you don't have to worry about transfers and such. Just don't lose the day pass!
3. Take exact change. Use $1 bills, or better yet...bring quarters. Just don't be the asshole who pays with nickels.
4. There is an information booth in Moore Square Transit Mall. I suggest you use them as a last resort. Their information and attitude is a little less than what you'd expect, if you catch my drift. (Seriously, just email me, it'll be easier!)
5. The CAT drivers will help you figure out where to go if you ask for help.
6. Keep you eyes OPEN in Moore Square and on the bus. This is the time to channel your inner New Yorker. Moore Square isn't bad from a personal safety standpoint, but I can guarantee you I will not whip out my iPhone there either. Keep it simple, don't encourage trouble.
7. You can take a bike with you on a CAT bus. Here are the instructions on how to do it. (Yes, it's the TTA website, but the bike racks operate the same.)
8. Arrive about five minutes early to the stop. The buses will run a bit late on the weekends, but you should not.
9. For as cranky as CAT bus drivers can be, they will stop if they see you at a bus stop. It's not a bad idea to wave at the bus you need. I am acutely aware that I have to hail a bus here in the South and it depresses me on many levels.
10. Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy your surroundings. Keep an eye out for weirdness. Relax. Remember your doing good for the environment and your soul.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Oh, the places you'll go!
It was brought to my attention that there are those amongst you who might like to take a City Kitty to get around Raleigh but don't know how. Well, dear readers, let me help you. We here at Chez Meg On The Bus feel public transportation should be accessible to everyone! Ride without fear my friends! Over the next few days I will be bringing you my sage guidance and sound advice on getting around not only Raleigh, but the Triangle with ease!
DID YOU KNOW....
you can take your bike with you?
you can get to Crabtree Mall, North Hills Mall and Southpoint Mall by bus?
the City Kitty runs on Sundays?
you can buy a day pass for Raleigh or the Triangle?
Yes, peeps. You can do all of that and more, without driving! I freely admit to having a long standing love affair with public transportation. Perhaps it stems from my long standing desire to feel like I live in a "real" city. I used to take the bus to Crabtree to do Christmas shopping. Parking there is such a nightmare after Turkey Day, so I'd take the bus. I didn't have to worry about where to park or where I left my car! While I was in school, I didn't have a parking sticker for campus and got sick of all of those parking tickets. When I lived to far to walk, I'd take the bus.
I will arm you with the resources you need to ride stress-free. I am fairly certain that all of my friends in Raleigh live within a few blocks or so of a bus line. Unless you tell me otherwise, I will go with that assumption.
Tune in tomorrow for Lesson One: Moore Square Transit Station! See you then!
DID YOU KNOW....
you can take your bike with you?
you can get to Crabtree Mall, North Hills Mall and Southpoint Mall by bus?
the City Kitty runs on Sundays?
you can buy a day pass for Raleigh or the Triangle?
Yes, peeps. You can do all of that and more, without driving! I freely admit to having a long standing love affair with public transportation. Perhaps it stems from my long standing desire to feel like I live in a "real" city. I used to take the bus to Crabtree to do Christmas shopping. Parking there is such a nightmare after Turkey Day, so I'd take the bus. I didn't have to worry about where to park or where I left my car! While I was in school, I didn't have a parking sticker for campus and got sick of all of those parking tickets. When I lived to far to walk, I'd take the bus.
I will arm you with the resources you need to ride stress-free. I am fairly certain that all of my friends in Raleigh live within a few blocks or so of a bus line. Unless you tell me otherwise, I will go with that assumption.
Tune in tomorrow for Lesson One: Moore Square Transit Station! See you then!
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