BIRD continues to attract passengers Published April 15, 2011 By Wayne Crenshaw 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Buses into Robins Daily shuttle system from Macon is steadily gaining riders, and those who are riding are frankly a little perplexed why even more people aren't doing so. The bus ride costs $6 round trip, but the entire cost is reimbursed through the federally-funded Transportation Incentive Program. Once people are enrolled in the program they get vouchers, so in fact they never pay any money out of pocket at all. Considering the price of gas these days, that could mean big savings, not just in fuel but wear and tear on a vehicle. But it's not the money savings which makes Julie Julius enjoy riding BiRD so much. Julius and her husband, Dennis Julius, are program managers in the Aerospace Sustainment Directorate and ride the bus just about every day. She said she would ride it even if she had to pay the cost herself. "We love it, love it, love it," she said. "We don't have to deal with traffic, and we get dropped off in front of the building. In general, it's just not as stressful." The Macon residents get on the bus at the Macon Centreplex and it takes about 30 minutes to get here. She said the drivers are "wonderful" and will even look for them in the afternoon to make sure they aren't missing the ride home. "The Macon Transit Authority seems to be doing everything it can to accommodate the base and the riders," she said. Horace Blackshear, an equipment specialist in the ASD, has been riding the bus since January. He said he does not pay as much attention to gas prices these days. When he asks others why they don't ride the bus, the most common concern is they could have an emergency and have to leave. "When you really think about it, how many emergencies do you have?" he said. "It's just once in a blue moon." When he first started riding the bus only about seven people were riding, but now it's up to about 15 each day. "I don't understand why more people don't ride it," he said. "I'm scratching my head." Terry Crawford, a supply specialist in 406th Supply Chain Management Squadron, gets on the bus at the Westgate Shopping Center in Macon, where the Home Depot used to be. She lives in Lizella and figures she saves at least $60 per week just in gas. She said she has "plenty of volunteers" among her co-workers if she has an emergency and needs a ride. "We've been trying to recruit more riders because we want to see it keep going," she said. To sign up for the Transportation Incentive Program or for more information about BiRD, call 468-0945.