Bus Stop Coffee
Transportation is an essential part of life. Public transportation availability is critical for those without private transportation options. Our community members on the bus and light rail deserve our respect and thanks. They are improving our communities by reducing traffic congestion and impacts to our environment. Sourcery would like to make their lives a little more comfortable by offering amenities at neighborhood bus stops. This is not a new idea by any means. Anyone can offer-up warm drinks and on-the-go snacks in their neighborhood.
A basic project starter idea has already been tested. A portable table was set up adjacent to a bus stop. It was stocked with 2 hot water crafts, instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate with associated accouterments. Also present was a trash can. We filled the crafts with boiling water every morning at 6 am. Water levels and supplies were checked and replenished every few hours by a group of neighbors. Our experiment took place during cold weather months so we left the hot water and supplies out from 6am until 10pm. For our experiment we left the table at the bus stop for several weeks, although having a wheeled cart that could be rolled up a driveway at night might be easier. There was no vandalism or theft. Several people left notes of thanks.
We also considered other ways to make the stop more comfortable and safe. Getting electrical power to the bus stops would allow for many amazing amenities, (think phone charging station, mini fridge or a heated pad on the benches). We have not come up with a way to accomplish this, but decided that Bus Stop Coffee would be a good starting point to grow from. Greater minds than ours will have to solve the power problem.
Other amenities we considered were umbrella lending, a free library, or a place where the community could drop off cans and bottles for anyone who needs them. This would also reduce the occurrence of people going through neighbor’s personal trash bins which often result in trespass on private property and littering of trash pulled out from the bins during the search.