Columbus, Ohio USA
Return to Homepage www.shortnorth.com
Another One Rides the Bus
By Joel Knepp
September/October 2019 Issue
Return to Homepage or Return to Knepp Page
www.cota.com
Attention, fellow Short North residents: If you haven't sussed this out by now, CBUS, COTAs free bus service, is the whip! The CBUS is a 24-seat, natural-gas-powered ride that travels up and down High Street from our 'hood through downtown to the Brewery District and back. It does this practically all day, every day. Multiple CBUS circulators glide along the route simultaneously so you don't have to wait more than 15 minutes; at last check, a friendly driver reported that five CBUSES were operating at once. Folks, if it's raining cats & dogs, excessively hot or cold, you're running short of time, or you're just not up to hoofing or pedaling it, this is the way to go. You can bomb from, say, the 2nd and High White Castle to the Statehouse or points south in air-conditioned/heated comfort in ten minutes or so, depending on traffic. Or you can leave your jury duty at the county courthouse and cruise back up to ShoNo on a return bus. No fumbling for change, no transfer slips, no hassles, just smile and grab a seat. To cop the words of People Get Ready, "you don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord [and COTA!]."
OK, we live in the grooviest neighborhood in Columbus and perhaps the known world, so why leave? Well, dear readers, the good news is that downtown Columbus ain't what it used to be. They don't roll up the sidewalks at 6 p.m. anymore. Downtown is, in fact, getting more interesting practically every week. What with the Palace, Ohio, and Southern Theaters, the beautifully reworked Scioto riverfront, the many bars & restaurants, lovely green spaces, art galleries, and spiffy new buildings, it's a low-stress, happening, and easily reached destination for us Short North dwellers. This doesn't even take into account the many delights of the Brewery District (on the route) and German Village (close by). And we mustn’t overlook fabulous Franklinton, our fair city’s original settlement which is experiencing an energetic rebirth and renewal. A pleasant stroll across the river gets you from the CBUS stop at Main Street to one of the most stimulating new gathering spots in town, replete with galleries, watering holes, creativity, and special events. Bottom line: Get on board (the CBUS), little children!
Note, however, that these buses are smaller than usual. During times just prior to and after regular working hours, they can get seriously crowded with to-and-from downtown wage earners. At most other times, not so much. My wife and I are sometimes the only passengers, which is enjoyable, since we like to schmooze with the driver or cut up and laugh a lot. But it can be even more fun when the trip is shared with other passengers. In addition to average Janes and Joes entranced by their phones, colorful street characters often take advantage of this free service, thereby spicing up the journey. On one southbound trip, a loquacious fellow with an obvious buzz on insisted on loudly introducing fellow passengers to his new sneakers. Following this, he launched into the tale of why he got them: he had recently been reclining outdoors after consuming what was likely a less-than-moderate quantity of adult beverage. When he returned to awareness, his story went on, he discovered that someone had stolen the shoes right off his feet...which led back to his new sneakers, which led back to the thievery incident, ad infinitum.
On another occasion we were riding an evening CBUS homeward from downtown after chowing down at Dempsey's, a comfortable old-school bar near the courthouse, when we encountered a lively group of nattily-dressed African-Americans in their 60s and 70s. Upon inquiry, we learned that this crowd was on its way to a concert by the latest version of the Temptations, a Motown group which was a major presence on the AM airwaves in the 1960s and early 70s with hits like "My Girl," Ain't Too Proud to Beg," Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and many more. Being a huge fan myself and sensing an instant rapport with my fellow Temps lovers, I engaged the jolly crew in banter about our favorite songs by the group and, for a few downtown blocks, we shared the love.
A curious element of CBUS transit is the way some people get on and off almost instantly. It always makes me wonder when a young, apparently vigorous office-worker type gets on at one stop and then alights at the next. Can't this guy walk two blocks? Maybe he's late for a meeting, or has, despite a strappingly healthy appearance, some dreaded lung condition. Maybe he's a Russian spy evading a tail from the FBI. Lacking information, one can amuse oneself by making up a story. In any case, the ride is free, and so is the ability to board and alight. You can stay on for 30 seconds or make the entire loop, as the spirit moves you.
Our former Governor John Kasich, shortly after taking office, spouted out an ill-conceived pronouncement about the direction of his new administration. His hostile words were something along the lines of “Get on the bus or get run over!” I say, “Get on the CBUS or miss out on the fun!” So for experiences like the ones recounted above and many more, or just an easy way to get around in the constantly improving heart of Columbus, try the free bus, the CBUS! You'll be glad you did.
The CBUS runs along High Street every 10-15 minutes from 3rd Avenue in the Short North to Sycamore Street in the Brewery District and stops only at COTA stops marked “CBUS.”
Joel Knepp lives in Victorian Village with his wife Lynda McClanahan, an artist.
They performed as the musical duo Nick & Polina for many years in the area.© 2019 Short North Gazette, Columbus, Ohio. All rights reserved.
Return to Homepage www.shortnorth.com
