Member Interview: Rudy Ellis

Where are you from?
I was born in St. Paul, and I still live there. I’ve lived out of state, but I still reside in the city and state where I was born.

Why are you interested in transit?
I don’t have a car. Transit is my main way of getting around!

Photo: Rudy Ellis and Patience Caso

How do you get around?
Well, it’s a combination of busing and walking. I've used a dial-a-ride service, and I use a cab once in a while. They’re not cheap, so I don’t use them often. I’ve had cars, but I take transit most of the time. [Taking transit] is nature’s way of keeping you in shape.

What type of work have you done with TLC?
What haven’t I done? I started working with Patience [TLC's Organizer] before the 2006 State Fair. She called me, and we talked a bit about why I'm interested in transit. I worked at the State Fair last year and I'll be working there this year. I’ve done phone banks. I walked around Minneapolis with the "Vote Yes" campaign. I've been at demonstrations for light rail. I also spoke publicly to state representatives at a field hearing in Minnetonka. I got a couple good comments from people, and I didn’t sound like I was mumbling.

Why do you do it?
Well, the Twin Cities region is growing. Buses can only be stretched so far. Sooner or later, we have to have something like the transit system in New York City, Chicago, or San Francisco. I started volunteering with Transit for Livable Communities because I wanted to see what could be done.

I worked security for almost a decade, and I was in the air force for a decade. I’ve worked with lots of organization, but I like volunteering with TLC because of the free food! That, and I got a good feeling for how they work and how they link with other organizations. It's better when groups work together; it's just plain Midwestern sense, and TLC is a perfect example of that.

What activities are coming up that you would encourage others to participate in?
The State Fair was interesting. There’s food and good work! At the State Fair, you get to see a cross section of people from across Minnesota, and you’re talking with people who actually want to listen. That was fun. The phone banks are interesting because you learn about mindset and how people communicate.

What has been the most powerful action you've taken to advocate for transit?Working to pass the Transportation Amendment. I thought it was the right thing and would be effective. Despite some shortcomings. I thought the thrust of the Amendment was good, and I was delighted and surprised when it passed.

What are your top concerns about transportation, particularly transit?
My top concern is about setting up light rail in St. Paul and making sure that local businesses aren't hurt during construction. I hope that we've learned lessons over the past years, and I think these disruptions can be minimized.

Also, if you’re going to take transit, do your homework. Call the bus company, tell them where you’re going, have them help you. Get a bus schedule, spread it out on a table so you can see the maps, and plan out your route. Don’t depend on the driver to plan out your schedule or call out the streets. Ask your driver to call out certain intersections or landmarks!