This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

MAGIC CARPET'S JOURNEY

Enfield, CT – April 14, 2014 - Every once in a while, an innovative approach occurs which becomes special and the talk of the town.  I believe the birth of the Magic Carpet Bus transportation here in Enfield, successfully administered by Pam Brown, Director of Social Services and Annette Orlandi, Director of Enfield Transit, is such an approach.

Several years ago, Sandy Fry, now Grants and Procurement Program Coordinator from the Greater Hartford Transit District, Pam Brown and five dedicated and hopeful individuals, including myself, were among those who testified in Hartford of the dire need for local bus transportation for Enfield.  We cited gainful employment, volunteering efforts, doctor appointments, educational opportunities and shopping as our unmet needs and the needs of those who could not be present that day.

In January 2013, thanks to a New Freedom grant from the Department of Transportation our dream became a reality and we welcomed our new arrival – the Magic Carpet bus!  This bus has breathed new life into Thompsonville, Hazardville and parts of Scitico regions and has touched many lives.  What a tremendous outreach it has while it opens new doors of opportunity! Thanks to the new and expanded yellow route effective this April, more eager riders/bikers from all walks of life can travel safely from locations not previously part of these routes.  A barrier to this bus travel included the high snow banks from this past winter, but thanks to some kind individuals, the snow was cleared away and safe travel resulted.

Find out what's happening in Enfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Personally, I alternate between riding the blue and yellow routes to safely travel to my different destinations.  Every time I board Magic Carpet, I’m greeted with a welcoming smile and a helpful and professional “How can I help you?” attitude which makes my ride that much more enjoyable.

I can’t imagine this town without Magic Carpet!

Find out what's happening in Enfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Catch Enfield’s Magic!!!

Catherine Kriss

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?