busman's holiday n: (buhs mEnz ha lih de) A day off work spent doing the things one does on the job. It comes from the idea that a bus driver would spend his holiday traveling on a bus. The phrase dates to the 1890s and originally referred to horse-drawn buses. Example: The hockey player spent a busman’s holiday at the skating rink.
WICHITA, Kan. – To celebrate the grand opening of the Transit Operations Center (TOC), the Wichita Transit is hosting a weeklong celebration of the public transportation. Next week, plan on trying transit at no charge, visiting the new TOC facility or hop on the Shopper’s Express during the busiest shopping day of the year – the day after Thanksgiving.
"We wanted to share our excitement with Wichita residents on the changing times at the Transit department," said Jay Banasiak, General Manager of the Wichita Transit. "The opening of the new $7 million dollar state-of-the-art facility means that a lot of positive changes will start taking place in Transit," he said. Thanks to an increase in state and federal funding, the next three years will bring many changes for the department including new smaller buses to replace the older ones, improved passenger amenities and expanded service on some routes.
Monday, November 22 – Friday, November 26
Win $50 Cash! Find the Mystery Rider all week long and win $50! Is the Mystery Rider sitting next to you on the bus? You could win $50 if you ask, and they are the Mystery Rider of the Day! Passengers try to discover who it is by asking others on their bus. If you find him or her, you get $50 on the spot – perfect to use for holiday shopping! The whole bus also wins and each passenger gets a free Wendy’s frosty. If no one finds the Mystery Rider of the Day, the prize increases by $50 until someone does! Listen to KFDI AM, FM & KAY 98 for more details!
Monday: Free Ride Day! Use any bus or paratransit van at no charge!
Tuesday: Transit Operations Center Open House. The driving force of changing times is the opening of this new state-of-the-art facility. The event is at the new headquarters, 777 E. Waterman from Noon–2 PM, tours will be provided and light refreshments served.
Wednesday: Drawing & Giveaway Day. People who fill out a transit survey are eligible to win a variety of prizes including several free yearlong and month-long bus passes.
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving! Service returns Friday.
Friday: FREE! Shopper’s Express Trolley & Bus Ride Day! Take away the hassles of the day-after-Thanksgiving traffic and parking problems and hop on the Shopper’s Express! Free Rides on all routes AND a trolley takes you on a unique shopping trip to area shops.
East Side Route: Park your car at the Reformation Lutheran Church located at 7601 East 13th North, on the corner of Rock Road and 13th Street. Then hop on the trolley and get dropped at the door of:
- Your Favorite Shop in Towne East
- Your Favorite Shop in Eastgate Mall
- Burlington Coat Factory
- Plaid Giraffe
West Side Route: Park your car in the Central Community Church at 6100 West Maple, between Ridge Road and West Street. Then hop on the trolley and get dropped off at the front door of:
- Your Favorite Shop in Towne West
- Your Favorite Shop in Westgate Mall
- Kohl’s
- Best Buy
On the busiest shopping day of the year, don’t worry about traffic, parking or headaches — hop on the Shopper’s Express and be dropped at the front door of your favorite east or west side shops! For additional information on this event, contact the Wichita Transit at 265-1450.