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FRED provides friendly and reasonably priced transportation for commuters. |
I RECENTLY wondered how much higher my gasoline bill would have to rise before I'd get out of my car. After all, I thought,
As an 89-octane gallon
While commuting to Dahlgren aboard the "K1" early every morning, I noticed that it made only a few stops along State Route 3 east toward King George County, and it made stops in the King George community. A few technology people, others who work in King George retail stores, the staff from corporations that support Dahlgren's Navy effort, and others returning from night jobs in Fredericksburg joined the outward-bound trip.
"We should view riding the bus as part of American culture," one rider observed. Our bus traversed farmland, near wooded areas, and across river valleys as it headed toward Dahlgren. Informal conversation ensued among the riders. Topics such as the weather, recent fuel prices, arrival times, and similar subjects abounded.
On the evening run, a bus departs from stops near Dahlgren from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., and later, with some commuters transferring at the King George Shopping Center for the return to Fredericksburg. The last bus departs from the McDonald's-Sheetz location around 6:20. Though the ride is sometimes slightly delayed--some riders call FRED for an update--the drivers understand their role and usually pass along traffic information of interest.
Bus lines in larger areas might appear unfriendly, but I have ridden buses in London, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore, San Francisco, and Chicago, and most travelers seem friendly and helpful.
FRED has had its moments. Once, when a particularly loud rider hopped aboard, the passengers were subjected to his opinions about being an American, and all the good that the U.S. has to offer. No liquids, food, or loud music is allowed, but shouting is evidently not
Camaraderie develops. Acquaintances become friends as new riders join from FRED stops along Route 3. Our driver, Jim, says hello and welcomes all new arrivals, checking numbers recorded for FRED purposes. Some checkpoints are passed with riders confirming departure points at marked FRED stations. The local passengers enjoy an air-conditioned and an occasionally bumpy and rambling ride.
Peace arrives somewhere between Fredericksburg and eastern Caroline or King George counties. Trees, landscaped farms, rock quarries, and distant housing communities quiet any unruly riders, leaving passengers lost in thought or passing comment. On the morning run, a new rider might miss a stop. FRED understands and responds
Leaving at dawn during winter, meeting others who have work to do, and taking in the landscape of the commonwealth makes me wonder how we ever forgot this perspective.
As gasoline prices rise, we confirm the reason to engage FRED in the first place. Many businesses, like Goodwill, encourage their employees to take the bus. After a long day, I can relate to their relief as we enter the main bus terminal. Tomorrow may bring rain, but it's of little concern, because a FRED bus will serve.
Riding FRED is not a whirl-wind voyage. But as the land goes by, I relax and appreciate all that we have to be thankful for in this expensive era. This is a simple bus ride on a simple mission. Simple, direct, and inexpensive are FRED bywords. Though passengers may
Tomorrow's ride departs from FRED headquarters to many locations throughout our community, including Stafford, Caroline, and Spotsylvania counties. One can contact FRED by phone or e-mail, or--as I did--by simply hopping aboard and enjoying the ride. Even one day's trip saves fuel. It is friendly and comfortable. The price is fantastic!
Charles Russell works for SCCI,
