Since my profession is sustainable energy, opting for public transit in lieu of taxis when visiting a “foreign” city is one way to "walk the talk." It’s also a great way to really see the city and it’s inhabitants, as well as to reduce my carbon footprint (and stretch my small travel budget). I’ve had great success in many cities in Europe and also in San Francisco, Minneapolis, Boston, and NY. So today, the ultimate challenge — Orlando, Florida! Is it possible?
Goal: Orlando International Airport to Loews
Royal Palm Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that even on a Sunday, the local bus system, Go Lynx, promised to get me within a half mile of my hotel. Granted, the trip would take four times longer than by taxi, according to Google maps. But, trading my time on a Sunday afternoon for less carbon seemed like a good deal. With a little exercise thrown in for free.
Next challenge: bus fare. There was no where obvious where I could purchase a ticket with a credit card, so I decided to arm myself with exact change before leaving the airport. I ducked into a souvenir shop selling NASA themed merchandise and asked for change for a $20. No joy. I needed to make a purchase. The closest, cheapest objects were post cards. The one that said “Failure is not an option” seemed most appropriate for the occasion. With an Apollo-mindset as my shield, I followed the signs for “ground transportation” and then spotted one for “public bus.” Out the terminal door I went.
The airport’s signage immediately let me down. Standing on the curb and looking to the right and left I could see many buses and shuttles, but not mine, and no further signs. A Mears Shuttle employee pointed me in the right direction, however, and at the far end of the terminal’s walk way I found the area reserved for public buses.
The bus stop included a poster listing the departure times and a scant amount of route info. Luckily, Google maps provides public transit directions, even on a cell phone. My app advised me to take the 111, and transfer at Florida Malls to the 37. The 111 departed on-time, and a short ride later, we pulled up behind the 37 bus. I had plenty of time to make the transfer — about 10 to 15 minutes, before the 37 departed. Then the long part of the trip began. 36 minute and 24 stops. Time to write a blog post!
I expected the last part, the walk to the hotel, to be the biggest challenge. Prior visits to Orlando left me frustrated with the lack of sidewalks and general hostility toward pedestrians. Street view had not persuaded me that this trip would be different. But Google maps said it was possible. I was prepared, however, to be disappointed.
I got off at the stop for Universal Studios. Google had advised me that I would need to walk up the road quite a distance before I could cross the divided road, after which I’d have to double back. But instead I was able to head straight up an escalator and, after going through security, cross over the roadway on an elevated bridge — then straight into “city walk” at Universal Studios!
After passing through a barrage of restaurants and themed souvenir stores, I emerged near a lagoon where I could choose between taking a water taxi or the “Garden Walk” to my hotel. I opted for the latter, which was easy, pretty, and relaxing. Yay! Another public transit success story!
So, will I see you at the bus stop?
Donna M. Attanasio, November 11, 2018