You could write a book about the characters who ride Longview’s public bus routes.
Just ask Greg Sambrano.
Sambrano, a 52-year-old car wash employee, future college student and aspiring novelist, is 30 pages into a work of fiction based on the people he meets during excursions across town.
“I cruise around and listen to people,” Sambrano said. “I just ride the buses. It’s all I’ll do today – talk to people sometimes, but mostly just listen and observe. You ride it a few times, you’re going to see the characters.”
It’s a dollar a ride. Like Sambrano, the News-Journal spent a recent Wednesday getting to know a few of the passengers who use Longview Transit every day. They are elderly people, working poor people, homeless folks and others who occupy a range of life situations.
“Everybody has a story,” Sambrano said, “and I want it to be told.”
9:15 a.m.
ROUTE 2: MEDICAL DISTRICT/LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Bob Brown was waiting patiently, in khaki shorts and black socks, for his bus to arrive at Magrill Park. The park doubles as Longview Transit’s transfer hub, and after sitting there for a spell, he climbed aboard the No. 2 bus on his way to a doctor’s appointment on North Fourth Street.
Brown, 83, said he’s a retired accountant who has been taking the bus three times a week for about six months, since his car broke down and he chose to neither fix nor replace it. After working for 57 years and retiring to Daytona Beach, Fla., Brown never expected to wind up in East Texas.
“I met a gal on the Internet,” he said.
They spent three years together in Marshall, and when she died, he moved to Longview in 2007. Now he plays clarinet and sax in a church group. The band sometimes performs at night, well after the buses stop running at 6:15 p.m., or on Sundays, when the buses do not run.
“They pick me up,” he said of his band mates.
LONGVIEW REGIONAL. EXIT BROWN.
Other people on the bus included grocery store cashier Lisa Williams and hairdresser Royce Floyd, a couple of regulars who have gotten to know each other on their daily commutes.
“When gas went up, this bus was crowded with people,” Floyd said. “It was a shock to their system because they didn’t know how it ran.”
Floyd, sporting short, red hair and earrings, said he cannot drive because he has epilepsy. A native of New Orleans, Floyd said he landed in Longview when fleeing Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
WAL-MART. EXIT FLOYD.
“If you really want to know what happened to the people in New Orleans, have a stiff drink and have him tell you about what it was really like,” Williams said. “That’s a story, baby. It’ll blow your mind.”
Idling in front of Wal-Mart, bus driver Clinton Williams jumped from his seat to lower the passenger ramp. An elderly man in a baseball cap and motorized wheelchair rolled onto the bus. A replica Massachusetts license plate was taped to the back of his wheelchair.
The letters spelled “BOB.”
ENTER BOB SHIMELD.
As Clinton Williams secured Shimeld’s wheelchair, a Wal-Mart grocery bag fell from a cardboard box that Shimeld held in his lap. Lisa Williams sprang from her seat to pick it up for him.
“We sort of help each other out because you’re all in the same boat, because if you need help you realize other people need help, too,” Lisa Williams said.
Shimeld thanked her.
He said he moved to Longview about five years ago to escape the Massachusetts winters.
“If you stay still too long, your wheelchair will freeze to the ground,” he said, chuckling. “No snow tires for a wheelchair.”
He wanted to move somewhere warm.
“I had a map of Texas, and I threw a dart,” he said. “I said, ‘If I don’t like it, I’ll go somewhere else.’”
He likes Longview just fine.
“I’m 72 years old. (I do) a lot of sitting around,” Shimeld said. “About 30 or 40 years ago, I used to go out and raise hell. I’m too old for that now. I meet a lot of people at my apartment complex.”
ALBERTSON’S. EXIT LISA WILLIAMS.
People in Longview are pretty friendly, Shimeld said.
“You’ve still got a few rednecks running around,” he said. “Say, the Civil War was over 140 years ago.”
By about 9:40 a.m., Route 2 had circled back to the transfer center. Exit News-Journal.
10:15 a.m.
ROUTE 3: PINE TREE/SPRING HILL AREAS
A big guy in a shiny black shirt lumbered onto the bus at the Magrill transfer center.
“I don’t want to see myself on the news tonight,” he said, noticing the cameras. “Too many women gonna be giving y’all calls.”
John Harris said he had dropped off a few job applications that morning and was heading to the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission on West Marshall Avenue to watch TV. The transit system is his only means of transportation, he said.
“You get good air-conditioning, good drivers, good music. You meet good people,” he said.
At that moment, however, the radio was not playing.
“He’s got music,” Harris said. “Hey Will, play your music, baby.”
Bus driver Will Gill cranked it up. Harris sang along: “Ain’t no woman like the one I got.”
Harris said he’d gotten to know the bus drivers since settling in Longview recently to be closer to his teenage sons in Hughes Springs.
“Right now, I’m looking for a job,” he said. “I’m a truck driver by trade.”
HIWAY 80. EXIT HARRIS. ENTER THERESE WARD AND SANDI TURNER.
The two women dropped their dollar bills through the money slot and took their seats, sipping oversized smoothies from a nearby coffee shop.
Ward and Turner were on their way to the Heart and Souls Gallery and Bookstore, a walk of only a couple of blocks from Magrill Park. There, Turner was to retrieve a set of homemade bookmarks she had tried to sell during the holidays.
“I thought they’d do really good at Christmas, but ehhh – nobody bought them,” Turner said.
“They’d be really good stocking stuffers,” Ward chimed in.
By 11:10 a.m., Route 3 was back at Magrill Park. Exit News-Journal.
Back at Magrill, Brown had finished his doctor’s appointment and was waiting for the Route 3 bus to take him to his residence on Fairmont Street, off Gilmer Road.
“I’m heading home to check my e-mail and maybe go swimming,” he said. “If I leave here at 11:15, I’ll be home by 11:27.”
11:45 a.m.
ROUTE 1: MOBBERLY AVENUE/LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
Sambrano, the aspiring novelist, lugged an overstuffed backpack onto the No. 1 bus. He was studying the bus characters on his way to Church’s Chicken, where he planned to eat lunch.
“I want to know what makes these people tick,” Sambrano said.
He’s planning to title his book “East Texas Society,” but he hasn’t settled on a subheading.
” ‘East Texas Society-slash-Nonexistent’ or ‘East Texas Society – Nobody Knows,’ ” he mulled.
” ‘East Texas Society – The Other End’ or ‘We’re Here.’ ”
Sambrano was sitting next to his friend Bill Karaus, an older gentleman in a green raincoat.
“I used to take creative writing, and what he’s telling me, it’s pretty good,” Karaus said.
Karaus is the book’s narrator.
“Sit quietly and see them talking,” Sambrano said. “This is the part of society that no one talks about.”
SOUTH AND HIGH STREETS. EXIT KARAUS.
” ‘East Texas Society – Unknown.’ ‘East Texas – Dark Side.’ ”
The title will come.
About 12:15 p.m., Methvin and Fredonia streets. Exit News-Journal.
1:15 p.m.
ROUTE 2: MEDICAL DISTRICT/LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Jean Hicks took her seat next to a young woman who was about to earn a little fast cash selling blood plasma. Hicks was planning to grab a bite to eat and treat herself to a manicure.
Sambrano studied the scene, taking it all in.
“What do you think of a 52-year-old man going back to school and trying to write a book?” he asked. “I know I can.”
By about 1:40 p.m., Route 2 had circled back to the transfer center. Exit News-Journal.
2:15 p.m.
ROUTE 6: MARTIN LUTHER KING BOULEVARD/SOUTH EASTMAN ROAD
As the sweltering afternoon wore on, the passengers grew less talkative.
“I just like to ride. Nothing wrong with riding is there?” asked a man who sat near the front, staring out the window.
He declined further comment, but driver Dorothy Garrett said he’s a regular on her routes.
“He just rides all day when he’s not working,” Garrett added.
Throughout the day, several bus passengers said they sometimes share close quarters with people who put them on edge. Though no one had been talking to him, the only other passenger on the No. 6 bus at that moment started shouting from a back seat.
“You never saw me,” he said. “I do not want to be on TV. If I see you on TV I’ll shoot the TV. Pow! Pow!
“I’m not dangerous. I’m not dangerous. Just really calm. Really calm.”
When the bus finally returned to Magrill Park, Garrett bumped into her granddaughter, Olivia Garrett. The recent high school graduate had ridden the No. 2 bus from a job interview at Sitel, the large call center on Judson Road.
“It went great,” she said. “I got a job, and I start next week.”
4:15 p.m.
ROUTE 5: LOOP 281/SILVER FALLS ROAD POSADOS CAFE. ENTER JOHN SOLOMON.
A young guy stepped onto the bus. John Solomon wore black jeans tucked into busted boots and a Posados baseball cap pulled over a black do-rag. The skin on his hands, wrists and forearms was peeling badly after a day of washing dishes.
“I never even noticed that till you brought it to my attention,” said Solomon, rubbing his arms. “I try to keep lotion with me. I’ll get some lotion and put on it and I’m good. My hands are in water all day.”
Solomon said he’s held the dishwashing job for two years. He rode the bus north to Loop 281, west to Silver Falls Road and back down West Marshall Avenue to Don’s Food Stores, at Marshall and Tyler, where he planned to get a money order to pay his rent.
“After I leave there I’ll just walk through downtown Longview, go down Green Street to Dove Laundry, then a few more miles to go back home,” he said.
There, Solomon would spend a quiet evening with his 2-year-old son and infant daughter.
“This is everyday life,” he said, “at home and work, and that’s it.”
* * *
Longview Transit bus fares
One-ride ticket: $1
10-ride ticket: $9
31-day monthly pass: $45
Discounted one-ride ticket: 50 cents. People may qualify for a discounted pass if they are 60 or older, receive Medicare or have a documented disability.
Free transfers: When buying a ticket, passengers may request a pass that allows them to transfer between routes. Pass is valid for one hour.
Information: www.longviewtransit.com or (903) 753-2287, ext. 10.
* * *
Bus ridership
2003-04: 83,512
2004-05: 99,382
2005-06: 131,648
2006-07: 166,340
2007-08: 172,988
2008-09: 196,402
Source: Matt Penney, Longview Transit general manager. Fiscal year is from March through February.
* * *
Passenger feedback
The Longview Transit passengers interviewed for this story were largely complimentary of the city’s public transportation system, appreciative of the $1 fares and courteous drivers.
Many wished the routes ran into the evening. Several of the people who hold jobs said they are regularly stranded when they work past the final route of the day, which typically leaves the Magrill Park transfer hub at 5:15 p.m. and returns at 6:15 p.m.
“If I miss the last bus, I have to catch an $18 taxi,” said Lisa Williams, a grocery store cashier.
2008-09 budget
City officials expect Longview Transit to nearly break even in the current fiscal year – generating $1.6 million in revenue while also spending $1.6 million for a net loss of not quite $15,000.
Source: City of Longview budget
* * *
Bus timeline
August 2002: City Council approves fixed-route bus system. To operate the system, the city hires Fort Worth-based McDonald Transit Associates.
March 2003: Bus service begins. Nearly 300 people board the buses on first day of operation.
December 2007: Advertisements on buses approved by the council.
July 9: The council OKs funds to purchase two new buses, replacing aging models.
Looking ahead: City officials say they don’t plan expanded routes soon, although residents and Councilwoman Sidney Bell Willis have asked about creating a stop at the Wal-Mart on Texas 149.
Published July 17, 2009, in the Longview News-Journal
3,364 responses to “Longview Transit riders as varied as the routes”
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you
are working with? I’m experiencing some minor security issues
with my latest website and I’d like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any solutions?
Hey there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!|
I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.|
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks|
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!|
Great blog right here! Also your website quite a bit up very fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate hyperlink on your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol|
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website. I’m hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal blog now ;)|
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road. Cheers|
This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an overly skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for in search of extra of your excellent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks|
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my weblog thus i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!|
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will come back from now on. I want to encourage
one to continue your great writing, have a nice morning!
It’s remarkable in support of me to have a web site, which is good designed for my knowledge. thanks admin|
Right here is the perfect webpage for everyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic that has been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just great!|
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I’m hoping to offer something again and aid others such as you aided me.|
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this blog could certainly be one of the best in its field. Excellent blog!|
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.|
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you just can do with a few p.c. to pressure the message home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.|
Magnificent goods from you, man. I have keep in mind your stuff prior to and you are just too excellent. I really like what you’ve got right here, certainly like what you are saying and the way wherein you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it wise. I can’t wait to read much more from you. That is actually a tremendous web site.|
constantly i used to read smaller content which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am reading now.|
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering troubles with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!|
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!|
you’re in reality a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you have done a wonderful task in this matter!|
Undeniably believe that that you stated. Your favourite reason seemed to be on the net the easiest thing to have in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked even as other folks consider concerns that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing without having side-effects , folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank you|
This article is genuinely a nice one it assists new web people, who are wishing for blogging.|
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Thank you!|
I am no longer positive the place you’re getting your information, but great topic. I must spend a while studying more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.|
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100 certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos|
It is perfect time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may just I wish to suggest you some attention-grabbing things or tips. Maybe you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I desire to learn even more things approximately it!|
Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I’m hoping to present one thing back and aid others like you helped me.|
Hi, this weekend is fastidious in support of me, as this time i am reading this enormous informative paragraph here at my residence.|
That is really fascinating, You’re an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and stay up for in search of extra of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks|
I truly love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own blog and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Cheers!|
I savour, lead to I found just what I was having a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye|
I am extremely impressed with your writing talents and also with the structure for your weblog. Is that this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a great blog like this one nowadays..|
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this website regularly, this site is truly good and the viewers are truly sharing fastidious thoughts.|
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering problems with your website. It appears like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before. Thanks|
Awesome! Its genuinely amazing paragraph, I have got much clear idea concerning from this paragraph.|
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website so i got here to return the favor?.I am trying to find things to improve my web site!I guess its good enough to make use of some of your ideas!!|
Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!|
Hello! I just would like to give you a big thumbs up for the great info you have got here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your website for more soon.
Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.|
At this time it appears like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?|
Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent blog and outstanding design and style.|
If you are going for most excellent contents like myself, only pay a visit this site everyday since it presents quality contents, thanks|
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?|
If you are going for best contents like I do, simply go to see this website all the time because it gives feature contents, thanks|
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A small number of my blog visitors have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any suggestions to help fix this problem?|
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!|
It’s going to be ending of mine day, however before finish I am reading this enormous piece of writing to improve my knowledge.|
I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re
utilizing? I’m having some small security problems with my latest
site and I’d like to find something more safeguarded.
Do you have any recommendations?