Commuter Profile
Name: Bob Miller
Works at: TranSystems
Lives in: Olathe, Kan.
Commutes to: Crown Center
Commute mode: Bus
His story: Finding ways to make streets and roadways better for drivers plays a central role in Bob Miller’s job. However, driving doesn’t play a central role in Miller’s commute to work. Several times a month, Miller, a Roadway Team Leader for TranSystems, leaves his vehicle at home and rides The JO’s route B bus from Olathe to Crown Center.
How he began: Getting started on the bus more than three years ago was a relatively easy process for Miller. His employer actively promoted it and covered almost all the cost of a monthly pass, and he knew there were co-workers from Olathe who were already riders. He also knew he could catch the bus from the park-and-ride lot at Rhodes Furniture, and he found the schedule information he needed on the Johnson County Transit web site. Then, “I just thought I’d give it a try,” he says. Now, he takes the bus to work seven or eight times a month as his schedule allows.
Transit plays a part in Miller’s job in other ways besides his daily commute. When he has a meeting downtown, he often hops on the Metro’s MAX route to get there. And when he meets new clients, the transit system can be a good ice breaker.
Why he uses transit: “They’ll ask about the convenience, the extra time, where to get on and get off,” he says. For Miller, the bus ride is about 20 minutes longer than driving alone, but it’s not an inconvenience because he has the chance to relax and catch up on reading professional journals. Plus, he’s not the one behind the wheel at rush hour.
“I-35 is horrible from downtown to Olathe,” he says. “The bus can certainly drive as fast as I can.”