THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 14, 1995 TAG: 9507140061
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SHAWN M. TERRY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
THESE DAYS, Willie Brown cruises around town in a shiny blue and white $235,000 ride with a personal chauffeur.
Recently, the rising junior at Granby High School embraced a 2 1/2-hour journey from his Lindenwood neighborhood to Military Circle Mall.
For Brown, that leisurely trip - normally a 10-minute, 3-mile car ride - was a scenic route to freedom.
``Now, I can go places on my own,'' Willie said as he rang the bell to alert the bus driver that he wanted to exit. ``The ride is always like this, but I don't mind.''
Since June 1, Willie has flashed his TRT Summer Youth Pass in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
As a part of TRT's many programs in South Hampton Roads geared to encouraging folks to use public transportation, the $35 pass covers unlimited rides on buses, trolleys (except tours and festival shuttles) and the Elizabeth River ferry between June 1 and Labor Day.
The regular bus fare is $1.10 and an additional 55 cents after the bus crosses a zone.
The passes can be purchased at TRT ticket outlets and most Farm Fresh stores along TRT bus routes. Pass holders will receive discount movie rentals and a free soft drink at participating stores.
Tidewater Regional Transit officials said more than 300 youngsters age 12-18 used the pass to get around to summer jobs, recreation centers, malls and other places last summer.
``Our goal is try to even double that this year, and that's a really good deal,'' said Linda Minner, director of marketing and service development for TRT.
As of June 30, TRT officials had sold 174 passes.
In his wildest dreams, Willie Brown says, he never thought a piece of plastic that looks like a credit card could strengthen his self-expression, independence and responsibility.
``And the best part,'' said Willie, 17, is ``I don't have to pay each time I get on the bus.''
Although Beverly Monroe, Willie's mother, can't use the pass, she said her son isn't the sole beneficiary.
``Now that he's dating, he can use it to go see his girlfriend, and I can stay home,'' Monroe said. ``It's extremely important because it gives me more freedom and him more freedom.''
During his travels, he learns more about the city too. She also said the use of the pass encourages students to be on time.
For now, all that separates Willie from catching his freedom is the closed folding passenger doors on the bus and a spent list of places he can visit.
``As long I have the pass, I'll find something to do,'' he said.
In the hot sun, Willie trekked five blocks to catch his freedom at Monticello Avenue and 25th Street. Destination: The Wall music store.
``I'll probably go pick up some tapes,'' Willie said as sweat beaded on the tip of his nose.
Driver Lauretta Walker of the Crosstown/Military Circle bus said she had encountered four or more students using the pass on six different routes.
``It makes the kids more responsible. I think it's good for them,'' Walker, 38, said as she waited for passengers to board the bus at Elm and J streets in Norfolk.
TRT officials say the pass breathes new life into students with limited transportation.
``Three or four of my friends went everywhere, just as if we had a car,'' said Cortney Lucas, who lives in Bay View. Lucas was 17 when she started using the pass last summer, although she had her driver's license.
``It didn't bother me that I was riding the bus and had access to a car, because it saved on gas and wear and tear on the car. It saved on everything,'' Cortney said. by CNB