Do you know how to use the maps for Valley Transit? What about the stop cord, transfers, accessibility features or the bike rack on the bus itself? Young women from Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes do – having earned their Independence Badge in part by getting to know their way around on the Fox Cities using Valley Transit!
In April, the Appleton Police Department and Valley Transit hosted an event to help teach the girl scouts about overall community safety including how to navigate the public transit system. The Girl Scouts earned their independence badge, which included “get transportation smart” and “show off your independence!”
Valley Transit mobility manager Sarah Schneider and travel training specialist Stephanie Gifford explained how to use the bus system, the rules of riding the bus and how the public transit bus is different from a school bus. The scouts learned about tools they could use to plan a trip with their family or their troop. Sarah also talked about tools like Google Maps to organize a trip and find more details about each bus stop. 
Learning how to use the bus is all about gaining independence and being active in your community at the stops along the way. By learning the basics of safety and efficiency in the system, these Girls Scouts can now embrace public transit, leading the charge for sustainable transportation. By sharing their knowledge with family and friends, they are shaping their community as well. Traveling by bus is more than getting where you need to go, it’s the way forward as a community.
Click here to learn more about riding the bus yourself! If you need a little extra help, Valley Transit also offers free travel training (even if you’re not a Girl Scout).
Thank you to Appleton Police Department and Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes! Valley Transit had a great time being a part of this event and we look forward to seeing you all on board!
