His interest in transit stems from childhood days riding a bus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It progressed as a young adult in Chicago where he didn’t have a car, and then in London where “transit is good.”

The first time West University Councilman Dick Yehle rode METRO was in 1990. He’s not a frequent rider, but when he rides, he boards the 2 Bellaire or 73 Bellfort.

Yehle learned about the Transit Academy via METRO Board Member, and former West University Mayor Burt Ballanfant. “The Transit Academy is great for explaining to neophytes the issues facing METRO and its strategy for addressing them,” said Yehle, the first elected official to enroll in the program. “The science behind justifying a route (especially the route to IAH) was illuminating, and it was comforting that METRO so carefully considers the design of its routes. The dilemma between having efficient routes and routes that collect the most people is interesting.”

Participants are asked to present an action plan during the final class to help increase awareness about METRO services and benefits. Yehle wanted to educate senior citizens in his community.

“METRO has some very useful routes serving the West U area that can take people to the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria and the light rail (to downtown, the zoo, the museum district to Reliant), added Yehle. “All West U residents live within a half mile of a bus route. They are paying for METRO with their sales taxes, so they should consider using it.”

Step one of Yehle’s plan was a briefing about how to ride METRO with information on routes, schedules and how to apply for Q Cards. Step two was putting step one to work. “I designed two trips that allowed groups of seniors to use their Q Cards by riding a bus, transferring to another bus or train, and then returning home by a different bus.”

The trips were a success with some participants requesting do-overs. “It is always rewarding to see others gain from an activity and in this case, also enjoy a day out. There was positive feedback that using METRO was easier than they thought and with assistance they were able to overcome being intimidated by uncertainty over the routes, equipment and fares.”

Yehle is a graduate of METRO’s Transit Academy Class II. For more about the Transit Academy and how to enroll in the seven-week course, visit ridemetro.org or click here.