[Blindtlk] blindtlk Digest, Vol 52, Issue 9

Sat Oct 9 18:27:54 UTC 2010

Hi Kerri,
It sounds like from what you describe that cabs or drivers of some type are
your option in the town you live in?
$5 or $6 for a cab doesn't sound to out of line, but if you want to save
money, you might hire a private driver.
I like hiring college students. Lol, lots of them are broke and looking for
a little cash.
If you want to hire one, or several, you might call the college's career
office and ask if them if they'll put an ad up for you.  Something like:
"I'm blind and am looking for a driver to take me to the grocery store and
other places around town. Please call to discuss rates."

I've done it in the past and gotten some good drivers.
Craigslist is also an option.
Just my two cents worth.
James K

-----Original Message-----
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Behalf Of blindtlk-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2010 1:00 PM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: blindtlk Digest, Vol 52, Issue 9

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Today's Topics:

   1. Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Kerri Kosten)
   2. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
      (cheryl echevarria)
   3. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
      (Jeanette Fortin)
   4. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Cindy Handel)
   5. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Kerri Kosten)
   6. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Ron Poire)
   7. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Anjelina)
   8. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Kerri Kosten)
   9. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Cindy Handel)
  10. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (firoz)
  11. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Anjelina)
  12. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
      (Jeanette Fortin)
  13. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
      (cheryl echevarria)
  14. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions (Cindy Handel)
  15. Re: Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
      (Steve P. Deeley)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 18:43:34 -0400
From: Kerri Kosten <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
	<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>,	Blind Talk Mailing List
<blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID:
	<AANLkTin18SNiawnPq-T0Puk5erG0gFRivTfm7g9P0wKX at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi All:

I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.

I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.

In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
as possible.

How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
store and get lots of stuff?

My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
theaters. It isn't a major city though.

We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
just been expected to take cabs everywhere.

One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.

There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
expensive for a cab?

Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
cabs?

Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and wherever?

Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
asking the right questions?

>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
this normal for a large town/small city?

The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
reasonable?

For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
taking the bus?

What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.

I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
them all in one post.

Thanks so much!

Kerri

------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 18:54:11 -0400
From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <BAY110-DS1745D9395336B2A539ECDCA1500 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

hello Kerri I am Cheryl, and I am in Long Island, NY. I am also an officer
of the Long Island Affiliate.

I love going food shopping, I am a foodie, but I can get carried away.

What I usually do is with the canned and box stuff (frozen, dairy, etc, etc)
I use Delivery Service either Peapod.com or Waldbaums.com I believe
Peapod.com is a more nationwide service, and Waldbaums.com is more for long
island, ny.

I go to there websites pick what I want and have them deliver and carry into
the house, I am sure they will bring them upstairs for you as well.

With the fresh stuff which is much lighter, I just go once a week, since I
also work from home it gets me away from the computer and out for some fresh
air with the guide dog.  I use the reusable bags that you can purchase for
$1 or $2 at the grocery store.  

I am sure that you big chain grocery store in your area does have some kind
of grocery service, and yes they pick what you want and not what they want.

And if there is a problem, they credit my account for the next time.

By the way Kerri, I am also the moderator of the Blind-Cooks Talk list
another fine Talk List on the nfbnet.org list serve so come join us as well.

The biggest compliment you can pay me is to recommend my services!

Cheryl Echevarria 
http://Echevarriatravel.com<http://echevarriatravel.com/>
1-866-580-5574
Reservations at echevarriatravel.com<mailto:Reservations at echevarriatravel.com>

Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Montrose Travel CST-1018299-10
Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Absolute Cruise and Travel Inc.

join my yahoogroup 
echevarriatravel-subscribe at yahoogroups.com<mailto:echevarriatravel-subscribe
@yahoogroups.com>
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kerri Kosten<mailto:kerrik2006 at gmail.com> 
  To: National Association of Blind Students mailing
list<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> ; Blind Talk Mailing
List<mailto:blindtlk at nfbnet.org> 
  Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
  Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

  Hi All:

  I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
  Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
  questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.

  I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.

  In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
  Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
  steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
  Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
  bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
  can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
  carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
  in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
  shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
  as possible.

  How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
  get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
  possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
  store and get lots of stuff?

  My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
  I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
  considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
  more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
  theaters. It isn't a major city though.

  We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
  just been expected to take cabs everywhere.

  One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
  town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
  things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.

  There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
  So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
  students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
  many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
  where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
  I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
  about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
  expensive for a cab?

  Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
cabs?

  Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and wherever?

  Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
  asking the right questions?

  >From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
  again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
  two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
  this normal for a large town/small city?

  The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
  there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
  have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
  reasonable?

  For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
  find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
  taking the bus?

  What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
  all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.

  I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
  I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
  sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
  money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
  owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
  of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
  again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
  seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
  absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
  sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
  owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
  blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
  different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
  doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
  completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
  as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
  right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
  are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
  but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
  live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
  yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
  people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
  them all in one post.

  Thanks so much!

  Kerri

  _______________________________________________
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http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org<http://www.nfbnet
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  To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
blindtlk:

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tmail.com<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cherylan
dmaxx%40hotmail.com>

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 16:56:01 -0600
From: "Jeanette Fortin" <jeanette at fortin-home.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <8D68DD2257024E3CB8589E2B60CFF4D6 at Jeanette>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=original

i can't answer all your questions but one of the things i have found helpful

in gong shopping is i got a pull cart from target, you can also buy them at 
wall mart, it holds about 4 to 6 large bags of  groceries, there are 
different sizes. the one i have can go up and down stairs  farely easily, 
it looks a lot like a grocery cart but is upright instead of long. i put a 
large outdoor garbage bag in it and stuff it as much as i can and pull it 
home. even in the snow it works well.
also have you looked in to whether ther is a para transit program in your 
town? you just never know without asking. where i live in colorado springs 
there is para transit and bus service for part of the tonw, not the part i 
live in of course, but there is some. i have been  fortunate enough to have 
moved close to the grocery store and a small neighborhood mall with other 
businesses. i live too far from wall mart to walk and this year i have a 
child who drives, but next year i will go back to not having a driver live 
in the house so will have to ask a friend for the longer trips or take a 
cab. jeanette
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 4:43 PM
Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> Hi All:
>
> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>
> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>
> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
> as possible.
>
> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
> store and get lots of stuff?
>
> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>
> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>
> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>
> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
> expensive for a cab?
>
> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take 
> cabs?
>
> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and wherever?
>
> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
> asking the right questions?
>
>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
> this normal for a large town/small city?
>
> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
> reasonable?
>
> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
> taking the bus?
>
> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>
> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
> them all in one post.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Kerri
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blindtlk:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/jeanette%40fortin-
home.com 

------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:44:35 -0400
From: "Cindy Handel" <cindy425 at verizon.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <CA843589B5304B6A84CA633E33EB4FA2 at CindyPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
	reply-type=original

Kerri,

As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare 
based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if you're 
going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10. 
But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it takes 30 
minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the cabs 
have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.

You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to get 
some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use a 
cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?

Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow 
involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more 
inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, it 
might work to go shopping.

When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I need 
something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center, about 
15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure 
place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going upstairs, 
that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that would be

strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without 
hurting yourself.

Cindy

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> Hi All:
>
> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>
> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>
> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
> as possible.
>
> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
> store and get lots of stuff?
>
> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>
> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>
> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>
> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
> expensive for a cab?
>
> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take 
> cabs?
>
> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and wherever?
>
> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
> asking the right questions?
>
>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
> this normal for a large town/small city?
>
> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
> reasonable?
>
> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
> taking the bus?
>
> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>
> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
> them all in one post.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Kerri
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blindtlk:
>
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.net 

------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 20:33:57 -0400
From: Kerri Kosten <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID:
	<AANLkTinbd3aT0k0Erq+9Y3Y-DGXAWJeuG9msQyraFG0D at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi All!

I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.

Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
those carts or a reusable bag.

But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
delivers either.

I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
matters and they never mentioned it.

I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.

I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.

I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.

Kerri

On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
> Kerri,
>
> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if you're
> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it takes
30
> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the cabs
> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>
> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to get
> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use a
> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>
> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, it
> might work to go shopping.
>
> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I need
> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center, about
> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going upstairs,
> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that would
be
> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
> hurting yourself.
>
> Cindy
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>
>> Hi All:
>>
>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>
>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>
>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
>> as possible.
>>
>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>
>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>
>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>
>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>
>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>> expensive for a cab?
>>
>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
>> cabs?
>>
>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and
wherever?
>>
>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>> asking the right questions?
>>
>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>
>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>> reasonable?
>>
>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>> taking the bus?
>>
>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>
>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>> them all in one post.
>>
>> Thanks so much!
>>
>> Kerri
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindtlk:
>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
>
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.com
>

------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 20:23:59 -0500
From: "Ron Poire" <rpoire at comcast.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <B336E484F6C1440E9B3166EAB742EB4C at cla.umn.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=original

My thoughts are interspersed throughout your message.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 5:43 PM
Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> Hi All:
>
> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>
> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>
> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
Take two bags at a time, or as many of those plastic bags with handles as 
you can carry.
> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
> can carry, then come back for the rest?
That depends on how you feel about the security in your building. I 
personally prefer to have the cab or my driver wait in front of the entry 
door, and carry the groceries all the way from the car to the apartment.
Is there any better way to
> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
> in? There is nothing wrong with those bags. I've been told about burlap 
> sacks that you can carry on your
> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? If you have a hundred pounds of

> groceries, it will depend on you to figure out if you can carry them in 
> one load or many. This depends on what you are getting, and how much is 
> refridgerated, as the cold items should come up first if possible. I want 
> to make this as easy
> as possible.
>
> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? Hopefully, twice a month. 
> There again, it depends on your life style and available help. When you 
> go, do you just
> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
> store and get lots of stuff? It all depends upon what's happening near the

> time of your grocery trip. You may try recruiting one of those college 
> kids for a shopping run once in a while, in return for a meal out. Kids 
> are always hungry.
>
> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>
> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
Learn to use the bus; then you can decide which transport method is 
appropriate. Where I live, I became qualified for paratransit, and I also 
use busses and my wife, now that I'm married. In my single life, it would 
have friends from church or a taxi. Here in Minneapolis, it's not uncommon 
for a cab fare to run $25, for I might add, I use paratransit occasionally, 
and use it for going long distances.a ten mile trip.>
> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. That's 
> where the church group comes in. Living in Orlando and Tulsa, (not walking

> towns) I made my friends feel good about helping with rides. When
> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out. 
> That's right.
>
> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter. I know

> what you mean. Back in 1979, the Braille Monitor was my life line.
> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Do you have a job 
> holding you there? How about looking for an apartment downtown and moving.
Cabs here are
> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? It would cost me 
> around $20 to go from downtown LaCrosse, to Fox street where some 
> relatives live, which is about thirty minutes by car. Is this
> expensive for a cab? No.
>
> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take 
> cabs?
>
> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and 
> wherever?That's up to you. Like I said, try to use the bus as much as you 
> can and consolidate your trips.
>
> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
> asking the right questions?
>
>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
> this normal for a large town/small city?
>
> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
> reasonable? Not really, but that's what has happend to ground 
> transportation all over the country. There used to be five greyhound buses

> from Minneapolis to Duluth, now there are two.
>
> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
> taking the bus?
>
> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
> all the time? Forget about owning a car, unles you go into business where 
> it would be really advantageous. Dr. Maurer and his kids had a running 
> contest of keeping track of owning a car, versus taking a cab. According 
> to him, it worked about to be roughly the same. He had more money, so he 
> would hire his kids when needed, and paid them the regular taxi fare I 
> think. I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told. Remember besides your

> payment you must consider gas at $1500 or more annually, insurance at 
> least $65 monthly, repairs which sometimes seem to have no limit.
>
> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. They 
> are right. The rest of the story is, now that you own a car, who's going 
> to drive it? You need to run a vehicle a minimum amount of miles to keep 
> itfrom deteriorating from lack of use. Since I have a piano service 
> business, my wife's car gets used for the business on a regular basis. I 
> pay her a fair wage, and I end up hauling the mechanisms around so in my 
> case, I need a minimum length of five feet horizontal for the purpose. 
> When I was single I had a designated driver for my car, because it made 
> sense to do it that way with my business. As someone living by themselves,

> the answer is, ownership isn't worth the extra money and hassle. It
> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. Stop whining 
> and count your blessings. In one
> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
> them all in one post.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Kerri
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blindtlk:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rpoire%40comcast.n
et 

------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 21:49:05 -0400
From: "Anjelina" <anjelinac26 at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <10D58BFDCB7F450C8E57A221135A89E2 at D9P3ZND1>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=original

I wouldn't compare your situation to other blind people; you have to do 
what's best for *you*. Try the bus system, try the cabs to get to the store 
but $5 is not at all unreasonable for a cab. Most cabs charge you a $2 fee 
just to sit in the cab and than the additional fees for mileage are added 
on. This is just my opinion, but whatever gets you out of the house and 
running your own errands is a step in the right direction whether if it's a 
cab the first few times while you traverse the bus/paratransit system. 
Wal-Mart, and Amazon can deliver nonperishable groceries and you can buy an 
insolated reusable bag for colds and frozen items when traveling to the 
store. These bags are environmentally friendly, more sturdy and you can pack

a lot more in them than in the flimsy plastic bags
Just my thoughts

Anjelina
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> Hi All!
>
> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>
> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
> those carts or a reusable bag.
>
> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
> delivers either.
>
> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
> matters and they never mentioned it.
>
> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>
> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>
> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>
> Kerri
>
> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>> Kerri,
>>
>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if you're
>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it takes 
>> 30
>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the 
>> cabs
>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>
>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to 
>> get
>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use a
>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>
>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, it
>> might work to go shopping.
>>
>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I need
>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center, 
>> about
>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going upstairs,
>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that would

>> be
>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>> hurting yourself.
>>
>> Cindy
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>
>>> Hi All:
>>>
>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>
>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>
>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
>>> as possible.
>>>
>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>
>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>
>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>
>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>
>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>
>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
>>> cabs?
>>>
>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and 
>>> wherever?
>>>
>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>> asking the right questions?
>>>
>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>
>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>> reasonable?
>>>
>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>> taking the bus?
>>>
>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>
>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>> them all in one post.
>>>
>>> Thanks so much!
>>>
>>> Kerri
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindtlk:
>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/kerrik2006%40gmail
.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blindtlk:
>
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l.com
> 

------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 22:02:01 -0400
From: Kerri Kosten <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID:
	<AANLkTimQfdBvrHXOTHT5z2S4P7Nj_5-mX3pywwAkjcuW at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi Ron and Anjie!

Thanks so much for your posts/answers. I will take these suggestions
and try to learn the bus and not worry so much about cabs/the costs of
transportation.

I think I may buy as many non-parishable groceries online as I can
then use a reusable bag or two for frozen things...if I can buy enough
online that should lighten my load some and if you can truly pack many
more groceries in one of those reusable bags that may work out really
well.

To ron, I don't own my own vehicle and I'm not considering doing
so...I just want to make sure I'm not just being expected to spend
more money than others for transportation...that's all.

Kerri

On 10/8/10, Anjelina <anjelinac26 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I wouldn't compare your situation to other blind people; you have to do
> what's best for *you*. Try the bus system, try the cabs to get to the
store
> but $5 is not at all unreasonable for a cab. Most cabs charge you a $2 fee
> just to sit in the cab and than the additional fees for mileage are added
> on. This is just my opinion, but whatever gets you out of the house and
> running your own errands is a step in the right direction whether if it's
a
> cab the first few times while you traverse the bus/paratransit system.
> Wal-Mart, and Amazon can deliver nonperishable groceries and you can buy
an
> insolated reusable bag for colds and frozen items when traveling to the
> store. These bags are environmentally friendly, more sturdy and you can
pack
> a lot more in them than in the flimsy plastic bags
> Just my thoughts
>
> Anjelina
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>
>
>> Hi All!
>>
>> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>>
>> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
>> those carts or a reusable bag.
>>
>> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
>> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
>> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
>> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
>> delivers either.
>>
>> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
>> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
>> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
>> matters and they never mentioned it.
>>
>> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
>> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
>> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
>> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
>> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
>> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
>> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
>> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>>
>> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
>> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
>> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
>> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
>> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
>> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
>> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
>> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
>> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>>
>> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
>> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
>> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
>> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
>> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
>> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>>
>> Kerri
>>
>> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>>> Kerri,
>>>
>>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
>>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if you're
>>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
>>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it takes
>>> 30
>>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the
>>> cabs
>>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>>
>>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to
>>> get
>>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use a
>>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>>
>>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, it
>>> might work to go shopping.
>>>
>>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I need
>>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center,
>>> about
>>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
>>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going
upstairs,
>>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that
would
>>>
>>> be
>>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>>> hurting yourself.
>>>
>>> Cindy
>>>
>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>
>>>> Hi All:
>>>>
>>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>>
>>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>>
>>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
>>>> as possible.
>>>>
>>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
>>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>>
>>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>>
>>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
>>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>>
>>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>>
>>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
>>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>>
>>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
>>>> cabs?
>>>>
>>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and
>>>> wherever?
>>>>
>>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>>> asking the right questions?
>>>>
>>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>>
>>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>>> reasonable?
>>>>
>>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>>> taking the bus?
>>>>
>>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>>
>>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
>>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
>>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
>>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
>>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
>>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>>> them all in one post.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>
>>>> Kerri
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/kerrik2006%40gmail
.com
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindtlk:
>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/anjelinac26%40gmai
l.com
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/kerrik2006%40gmail
.com
>

------------------------------

Message: 9
Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:37:38 -0400
From: "Cindy Handel" <cindy425 at verizon.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <112BB4B2A31B415A83BE8DFE648C5DEC at CindyPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
	reply-type=original

Kerri,

If it's possible to learn the bus system and use it, safely, I might try it.

It would certainly save you some money.  Cabs are definitely more 
convenient, but you're paying for that convenience, and it can get 
expensive.

Cindy

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> Hi All!
>
> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>
> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
> those carts or a reusable bag.
>
> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
> delivers either.
>
> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
> matters and they never mentioned it.
>
> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>
> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>
> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>
> Kerri
>
> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>> Kerri,
>>
>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if you're
>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it takes 
>> 30
>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the 
>> cabs
>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>
>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to 
>> get
>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use a
>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>
>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, it
>> might work to go shopping.
>>
>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I need
>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center, 
>> about
>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going upstairs,
>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that would

>> be
>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>> hurting yourself.
>>
>> Cindy
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>
>>> Hi All:
>>>
>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>
>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>
>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
>>> as possible.
>>>
>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>
>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>
>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>
>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>
>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>
>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
>>> cabs?
>>>
>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and 
>>> wherever?
>>>
>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>> asking the right questions?
>>>
>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>
>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>> reasonable?
>>>
>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>> taking the bus?
>>>
>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>
>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>> them all in one post.
>>>
>>> Thanks so much!
>>>
>>> Kerri
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
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>
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.net 

------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 19:39:51 -0700
From: "firoz" <firojjee at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <1E346B9F7A82434F9138B1A9AC521074 at dellc9bbfb84db>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=response

what is the difference between bus and pera transit system

i am new to america so out of curiosity i am asking

still i have not gone out either by bus or by cab

by the way is there any person who after blindness came here to america and 
got settled?

please write to me off the list to my e mail i.d. . i do have lot of 
questions  in my mind

firoz

firojjee at gmail.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Anjelina" <anjelinac26 at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

>I wouldn't compare your situation to other blind people; you have to do 
>what's best for *you*. Try the bus system, try the cabs to get to the store

>but $5 is not at all unreasonable for a cab. Most cabs charge you a $2 fee 
>just to sit in the cab and than the additional fees for mileage are added 
>on. This is just my opinion, but whatever gets you out of the house and 
>running your own errands is a step in the right direction whether if it's a

>cab the first few times while you traverse the bus/paratransit system. 
>Wal-Mart, and Amazon can deliver nonperishable groceries and you can buy an

>insolated reusable bag for colds and frozen items when traveling to the 
>store. These bags are environmentally friendly, more sturdy and you can 
>pack a lot more in them than in the flimsy plastic bags
> Just my thoughts
>
> Anjelina
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>
>
>> Hi All!
>>
>> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>>
>> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
>> those carts or a reusable bag.
>>
>> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
>> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
>> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
>> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
>> delivers either.
>>
>> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
>> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
>> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
>> matters and they never mentioned it.
>>
>> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
>> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
>> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
>> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
>> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
>> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
>> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
>> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>>
>> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
>> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
>> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
>> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
>> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
>> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
>> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
>> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
>> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>>
>> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
>> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
>> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
>> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
>> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
>> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>>
>> Kerri
>>
>> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>>> Kerri,
>>>
>>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
>>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if you're
>>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
>>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it takes

>>> 30
>>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the 
>>> cabs
>>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>>
>>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to 
>>> get
>>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use a
>>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>>
>>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, it
>>> might work to go shopping.
>>>
>>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I need
>>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center, 
>>> about
>>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
>>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going 
>>> upstairs,
>>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that 
>>> would be
>>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>>> hurting yourself.
>>>
>>> Cindy
>>>
>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>
>>>> Hi All:
>>>>
>>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>>
>>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>>
>>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
>>>> as possible.
>>>>
>>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
>>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>>
>>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>>
>>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
>>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>>
>>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>>
>>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
>>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>>
>>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
>>>> cabs?
>>>>
>>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and 
>>>> wherever?
>>>>
>>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>>> asking the right questions?
>>>>
>>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>>
>>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>>> reasonable?
>>>>
>>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>>> taking the bus?
>>>>
>>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>>
>>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
>>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
>>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
>>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
>>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
>>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>>> them all in one post.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>
>>>> Kerri
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/kerrik2006%40gmail
.com
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> blindtlk:
>>
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l.com
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blindtlk:
>
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om 

------------------------------

Message: 11
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 22:20:09 -0400
From: "Anjelina" <anjelinac26 at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <45C76273F775477DA4755B6191324141 at D9P3ZND1>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=original

In some situations having to spend a little extra is just the inconvenience 
of blindness so I wouldn't put to much stock in what others expect. If it 
takes a bit longer, costs a bit more, you have to work twice as harder than 
a sighted counterpart all that matters to me is getting the job done. As 
they say: "there are a thousand ways to skin a cat." :)
Good luck Kerri

Anjelina
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 10:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> Hi Ron and Anjie!
>
> Thanks so much for your posts/answers. I will take these suggestions
> and try to learn the bus and not worry so much about cabs/the costs of
> transportation.
>
> I think I may buy as many non-parishable groceries online as I can
> then use a reusable bag or two for frozen things...if I can buy enough
> online that should lighten my load some and if you can truly pack many
> more groceries in one of those reusable bags that may work out really
> well.
>
> To ron, I don't own my own vehicle and I'm not considering doing
> so...I just want to make sure I'm not just being expected to spend
> more money than others for transportation...that's all.
>
> Kerri
>
> On 10/8/10, Anjelina <anjelinac26 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> I wouldn't compare your situation to other blind people; you have to do
>> what's best for *you*. Try the bus system, try the cabs to get to the 
>> store
>> but $5 is not at all unreasonable for a cab. Most cabs charge you a $2 
>> fee
>> just to sit in the cab and than the additional fees for mileage are added
>> on. This is just my opinion, but whatever gets you out of the house and
>> running your own errands is a step in the right direction whether if it's

>> a
>> cab the first few times while you traverse the bus/paratransit system.
>> Wal-Mart, and Amazon can deliver nonperishable groceries and you can buy 
>> an
>> insolated reusable bag for colds and frozen items when traveling to the
>> store. These bags are environmentally friendly, more sturdy and you can 
>> pack
>> a lot more in them than in the flimsy plastic bags
>> Just my thoughts
>>
>> Anjelina
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>
>>
>>> Hi All!
>>>
>>> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>>>
>>> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
>>> those carts or a reusable bag.
>>>
>>> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
>>> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
>>> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
>>> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
>>> delivers either.
>>>
>>> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
>>> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
>>> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
>>> matters and they never mentioned it.
>>>
>>> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
>>> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
>>> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
>>> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
>>> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
>>> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
>>> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
>>> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>>>
>>> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
>>> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
>>> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
>>> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
>>> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
>>> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
>>> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
>>> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
>>> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>>>
>>> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
>>> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
>>> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
>>> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
>>> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
>>> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>>>
>>> Kerri
>>>
>>> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>> Kerri,
>>>>
>>>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
>>>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if 
>>>> you're
>>>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
>>>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it 
>>>> takes
>>>> 30
>>>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the
>>>> cabs
>>>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>>>
>>>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to
>>>> get
>>>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use 
>>>> a
>>>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>>>
>>>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>>>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>>>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, 
>>>> it
>>>> might work to go shopping.
>>>>
>>>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I 
>>>> need
>>>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center,
>>>> about
>>>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
>>>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going 
>>>> upstairs,
>>>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that 
>>>> would
>>>>
>>>> be
>>>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>>>> hurting yourself.
>>>>
>>>> Cindy
>>>>
>>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>>
>>>>> Hi All:
>>>>>
>>>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>>>
>>>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
>>>>> as possible.
>>>>>
>>>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
>>>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>>>
>>>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>>>
>>>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
>>>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>>>
>>>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>>>
>>>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
>>>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>>>
>>>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or 
>>>>> take
>>>>> cabs?
>>>>>
>>>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and
>>>>> wherever?
>>>>>
>>>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>>>> asking the right questions?
>>>>>
>>>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>>>
>>>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>>>> reasonable?
>>>>>
>>>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>>>> taking the bus?
>>>>>
>>>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>>>
>>>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
>>>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
>>>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
>>>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
>>>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
>>>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>>>> them all in one post.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>>
>>>>> Kerri
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/kerrik2006%40gmail
.com
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/anjelinac26%40gmai
l.com
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindtlk:
>>
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.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
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------------------------------

Message: 12
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 21:54:23 -0600
From: "Jeanette Fortin" <jeanette at fortin-home.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <C1BB601AA3024C329C512D19BFC78743 at Jeanette>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=response

when i lived in dallas i'd go to the store on the bus and then ride a cab 
home
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Anjelina" <anjelinac26 at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> In some situations having to spend a little extra is just the 
> inconvenience of blindness so I wouldn't put to much stock in what others 
> expect. If it takes a bit longer, costs a bit more, you have to work twice

> as harder than a sighted counterpart all that matters to me is getting the

> job done. As they say: "there are a thousand ways to skin a cat." :)
> Good luck Kerri
>
> Anjelina
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 10:02 PM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>
>
>> Hi Ron and Anjie!
>>
>> Thanks so much for your posts/answers. I will take these suggestions
>> and try to learn the bus and not worry so much about cabs/the costs of
>> transportation.
>>
>> I think I may buy as many non-parishable groceries online as I can
>> then use a reusable bag or two for frozen things...if I can buy enough
>> online that should lighten my load some and if you can truly pack many
>> more groceries in one of those reusable bags that may work out really
>> well.
>>
>> To ron, I don't own my own vehicle and I'm not considering doing
>> so...I just want to make sure I'm not just being expected to spend
>> more money than others for transportation...that's all.
>>
>> Kerri
>>
>> On 10/8/10, Anjelina <anjelinac26 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> I wouldn't compare your situation to other blind people; you have to do
>>> what's best for *you*. Try the bus system, try the cabs to get to the 
>>> store
>>> but $5 is not at all unreasonable for a cab. Most cabs charge you a $2 
>>> fee
>>> just to sit in the cab and than the additional fees for mileage are 
>>> added
>>> on. This is just my opinion, but whatever gets you out of the house and
>>> running your own errands is a step in the right direction whether if 
>>> it's a
>>> cab the first few times while you traverse the bus/paratransit system.
>>> Wal-Mart, and Amazon can deliver nonperishable groceries and you can buy

>>> an
>>> insolated reusable bag for colds and frozen items when traveling to the
>>> store. These bags are environmentally friendly, more sturdy and you can 
>>> pack
>>> a lot more in them than in the flimsy plastic bags
>>> Just my thoughts
>>>
>>> Anjelina
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hi All!
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
>>>> those carts or a reusable bag.
>>>>
>>>> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
>>>> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
>>>> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
>>>> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
>>>> delivers either.
>>>>
>>>> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
>>>> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
>>>> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
>>>> matters and they never mentioned it.
>>>>
>>>> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
>>>> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
>>>> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
>>>> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
>>>> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
>>>> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
>>>> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
>>>> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>>>>
>>>> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
>>>> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
>>>> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
>>>> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
>>>> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
>>>> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
>>>> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
>>>> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
>>>> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>>>>
>>>> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
>>>> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
>>>> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
>>>> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
>>>> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
>>>> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>>>>
>>>> Kerri
>>>>
>>>> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>>> Kerri,
>>>>>
>>>>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a 
>>>>> fare
>>>>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if 
>>>>> you're
>>>>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say 
>>>>> $10.
>>>>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it 
>>>>> takes
>>>>> 30
>>>>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the
>>>>> cabs
>>>>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>>>>
>>>>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to
>>>>> get
>>>>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use

>>>>> a
>>>>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>>>>
>>>>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>>>>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>>>>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, 
>>>>> it
>>>>> might work to go shopping.
>>>>>
>>>>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I 
>>>>> need
>>>>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center,
>>>>> about
>>>>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a 
>>>>> secure
>>>>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going 
>>>>> upstairs,
>>>>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that 
>>>>> would
>>>>>
>>>>> be
>>>>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>>>>> hurting yourself.
>>>>>
>>>>> Cindy
>>>>>
>>>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>>>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi All:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>>>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>>>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>>>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>>>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>>>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>>>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>>>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>>>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>>>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>>>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as 
>>>>>> easy
>>>>>> as possible.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you 
>>>>>> just
>>>>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>>>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>>>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>>>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>>>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>>>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>>>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. 
>>>>>> I've
>>>>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>>>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>>>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>>>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>>>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>>>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>>>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of 
>>>>>> this,
>>>>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>>>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>>>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or 
>>>>>> take
>>>>>> cabs?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and
>>>>>> wherever?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>>>>> asking the right questions?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>>>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>>>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>>>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>>>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>>>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>>>>> reasonable?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>>>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>>>>> taking the bus?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>>>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>>>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>>>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>>>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>>>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>>>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>>>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. 
>>>>>> It
>>>>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>>>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>>>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>>>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so 
>>>>>> many
>>>>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>>>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the 
>>>>>> bus
>>>>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never 
>>>>>> gone
>>>>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I 
>>>>>> feel
>>>>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing 
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>>>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>>>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>>>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>>>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>>>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>>>>> them all in one post.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Kerri
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/kerrik2006%40gmail
.com
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
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>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>
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l.com
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
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>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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>>>
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.com
>>>
>>
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>>
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l.com
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>
>
> _______________________________________________
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home.com 

------------------------------

Message: 13
Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2010 07:45:23 -0400
From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <BAY110-DS23C3299039BB82F8348302A1510 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

well where I live on Taxi's they do not go by mile, they go by zones. My
local supermarket is in my zone and I pay $5 each way.

The biggest compliment you can pay me is to recommend my services!

Cheryl Echevarria 
http://Echevarriatravel.com<http://echevarriatravel.com/>
1-866-580-5574
Reservations at echevarriatravel.com<mailto:Reservations at echevarriatravel.com>

Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Montrose Travel CST-1018299-10
Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Absolute Cruise and Travel Inc.

join my yahoogroup 
echevarriatravel-subscribe at yahoogroups.com<mailto:echevarriatravel-subscribe
@yahoogroups.com>
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kerri Kosten<mailto:kerrik2006 at gmail.com> 
  To: Blind Talk Mailing List<mailto:blindtlk at nfbnet.org> 
  Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
  Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

  Hi All!

  I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.

  Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
  those carts or a reusable bag.

  But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
  delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
  doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
  have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
  delivers either.

  I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
  service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
  about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
  matters and they never mentioned it.

  I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
  don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
  the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
  make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
  flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
  usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
  goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
  know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.

  I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
  convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
  discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
  also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
  walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
  and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
  learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
  about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
  notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.

  I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
  to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
  but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
  my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
  pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
  much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.

  Kerri

  On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel
<cindy425 at verizon.net<mailto:cindy425 at verizon.net>> wrote:
  > Kerri,
  >
  > As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
  > based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if you're
  > going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
  > But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it takes
30
  > minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the
cabs
  > have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
  >
  > You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to
get
  > some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use a
  > cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
  >
  > Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
  > involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
  > inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, it
  > might work to go shopping.
  >
  > When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I need
  > something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center,
about
  > 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
  > place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going
upstairs,
  > that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that
would be
  > strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
  > hurting yourself.
  >
  > Cindy
  >
  > --------------------------------------------------
  > From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com<mailto:kerrik2006 at gmail.com>>
  > Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
  > To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
  > <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>; "Blind Talk Mailing List"
<blindtlk at nfbnet.org<mailto:blindtlk at nfbnet.org>>
  > Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
  >
  >> Hi All:
  >>
  >> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
  >> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
  >> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
  >>
  >> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
  >>
  >> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
  >> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
  >> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
  >> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
  >> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
  >> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
  >> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
  >> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
  >> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
  >> as possible.
  >>
  >> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
  >> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
  >> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
  >> store and get lots of stuff?
  >>
  >> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
  >> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
  >> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
  >> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
  >> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
  >>
  >> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
  >> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
  >>
  >> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
  >> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
  >> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
  >>
  >> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
  >> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
  >> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
  >> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
  >> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
  >> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
  >> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
  >> expensive for a cab?
  >>
  >> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or take
  >> cabs?
  >>
  >> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and
wherever?
  >>
  >> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
  >> asking the right questions?
  >>
  >>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
  >> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
  >> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
  >> this normal for a large town/small city?
  >>
  >> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
  >> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
  >> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
  >> reasonable?
  >>
  >> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
  >> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
  >> taking the bus?
  >>
  >> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
  >> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
  >>
  >> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
  >> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
  >> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
  >> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
  >> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
  >> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
  >> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
  >> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
  >> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
  >> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
  >> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
  >> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
  >> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
  >> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
  >> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
  >> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
  >> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
  >> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
  >> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
  >> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
  >> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
  >> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
  >> them all in one post.
  >>
  >> Thanks so much!
  >>
  >> Kerri
  >>
  >> _______________________________________________
  >> blindtlk mailing list
  >> blindtlk at nfbnet.org<mailto:blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
  >>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org<http://www.nfbnet
.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org>
  >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
  >> blindtlk:
  >>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40ve
rizon.net>
  >>
  >
  >
  > _______________________________________________
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dmaxx%40hotmail.com>

------------------------------

Message: 14
Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2010 10:07:01 -0400
From: "Cindy Handel" <cindy425 at verizon.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <CF4647116EF84D4CA209152C081701C5 at CindyPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
	reply-type=response

The bus system is just a public bus which runs on a fixed route.  Anyone can

pay and use the bus.  Para Transit is a system where you call and schedule a

trip. They pick you up at your door and take you to your destination.  It's 
less expensive than a cab, because it's subsidized.  But, in most cases, 
it's a shared ride situation, where you are picked up and others may be, 
too, if they're headed in the same general area.  So, the ride could be 
longer than if you were to take a cab.

Cindy

--------------------------------------------------
From: "firoz" <firojjee at gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 10:39 PM
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> what is the difference between bus and pera transit system
>
> i am new to america so out of curiosity i am asking
>
> still i have not gone out either by bus or by cab
>
> by the way is there any person who after blindness came here to america 
> and got settled?
>
> please write to me off the list to my e mail i.d. . i do have lot of 
> questions  in my mind
>
> firoz
>
> firojjee at gmail.com
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Anjelina" <anjelinac26 at gmail.com>
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:49 PM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>
>
>>I wouldn't compare your situation to other blind people; you have to do 
>>what's best for *you*. Try the bus system, try the cabs to get to the 
>>store but $5 is not at all unreasonable for a cab. Most cabs charge you a 
>>$2 fee just to sit in the cab and than the additional fees for mileage are

>>added on. This is just my opinion, but whatever gets you out of the house 
>>and running your own errands is a step in the right direction whether if 
>>it's a cab the first few times while you traverse the bus/paratransit 
>>system. Wal-Mart, and Amazon can deliver nonperishable groceries and you 
>>can buy an insolated reusable bag for colds and frozen items when 
>>traveling to the store. These bags are environmentally friendly, more 
>>sturdy and you can pack a lot more in them than in the flimsy plastic bags
>> Just my thoughts
>>
>> Anjelina
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>
>>
>>> Hi All!
>>>
>>> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>>>
>>> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
>>> those carts or a reusable bag.
>>>
>>> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
>>> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
>>> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
>>> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
>>> delivers either.
>>>
>>> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
>>> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
>>> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
>>> matters and they never mentioned it.
>>>
>>> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
>>> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
>>> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
>>> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
>>> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
>>> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
>>> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
>>> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>>>
>>> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
>>> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
>>> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
>>> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
>>> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
>>> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
>>> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
>>> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
>>> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>>>
>>> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
>>> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
>>> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
>>> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
>>> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
>>> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>>>
>>> Kerri
>>>
>>> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>> Kerri,
>>>>
>>>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a fare
>>>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if 
>>>> you're
>>>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say $10.
>>>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it 
>>>> takes 30
>>>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the 
>>>> cabs
>>>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>>>
>>>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to 
>>>> get
>>>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use 
>>>> a
>>>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>>>
>>>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>>>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>>>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But, 
>>>> it
>>>> might work to go shopping.
>>>>
>>>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I 
>>>> need
>>>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center, 
>>>> about
>>>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a secure
>>>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going 
>>>> upstairs,
>>>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that 
>>>> would be
>>>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>>>> hurting yourself.
>>>>
>>>> Cindy
>>>>
>>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>>
>>>>> Hi All:
>>>>>
>>>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>>>
>>>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as easy
>>>>> as possible.
>>>>>
>>>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you just
>>>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>>>
>>>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>>>
>>>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. I've
>>>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>>>
>>>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>>>
>>>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of this,
>>>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>>>
>>>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or 
>>>>> take
>>>>> cabs?
>>>>>
>>>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and 
>>>>> wherever?
>>>>>
>>>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>>>> asking the right questions?
>>>>>
>>>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>>>
>>>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>>>> reasonable?
>>>>>
>>>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>>>> taking the bus?
>>>>>
>>>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>>>
>>>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. It
>>>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so many
>>>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the bus
>>>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never gone
>>>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I feel
>>>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>>>> them all in one post.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>>
>>>>> Kerri
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon
.net
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/kerrik2006%40gmail
.com
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>>> blindtlk:
>>>
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l.com
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> blindtlk:
>>
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om
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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.net 

------------------------------

Message: 15
Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2010 10:22:56 -0400
From: "Steve P. Deeley" <stevep.deeley at insightbb.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
Message-ID: <EAA124FFE40940199A5A6B98E694C846 at StevePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed"

I prefer a cab over parra transit.
Steve
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cindy Handel" <cindy425 at verizon.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2010 10:07 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions

> The bus system is just a public bus which runs on a fixed route.  Anyone 
> can
> pay and use the bus.  Para Transit is a system where you call and schedule

> a
> trip. They pick you up at your door and take you to your destination. 
> It's
> less expensive than a cab, because it's subsidized.  But, in most cases,
> it's a shared ride situation, where you are picked up and others may be,
> too, if they're headed in the same general area.  So, the ride could be
> longer than if you were to take a cab.
>
> Cindy
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "firoz" <firojjee at gmail.com>
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 10:39 PM
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>
>> what is the difference between bus and pera transit system
>>
>> i am new to america so out of curiosity i am asking
>>
>> still i have not gone out either by bus or by cab
>>
>> by the way is there any person who after blindness came here to america
>> and got settled?
>>
>> please write to me off the list to my e mail i.d. . i do have lot of
>> questions  in my mind
>>
>> firoz
>>
>> firojjee at gmail.com
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Anjelina" <anjelinac26 at gmail.com>
>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:49 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>
>>
>>>I wouldn't compare your situation to other blind people; you have to do
>>>what's best for *you*. Try the bus system, try the cabs to get to the
>>>store but $5 is not at all unreasonable for a cab. Most cabs charge you a
>>>$2 fee just to sit in the cab and than the additional fees for mileage 
>>>are
>>>added on. This is just my opinion, but whatever gets you out of the house
>>>and running your own errands is a step in the right direction whether if
>>>it's a cab the first few times while you traverse the bus/paratransit
>>>system. Wal-Mart, and Amazon can deliver nonperishable groceries and you
>>>can buy an insolated reusable bag for colds and frozen items when
>>>traveling to the store. These bags are environmentally friendly, more
>>>sturdy and you can pack a lot more in them than in the flimsy plastic 
>>>bags
>>> Just my thoughts
>>>
>>> Anjelina
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 8:33 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hi All!
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to reply to answer a few questions.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the suggestions...I'll have to look into either one of
>>>> those carts or a reusable bag.
>>>>
>>>> But, I just checked on both Peapod.com and Safeway.com and neither
>>>> delivers to my area. I will call Kroger and ask them but I kind of
>>>> doubt it as I didn't see anything on their website about it. We also
>>>> have Walmart and Giant Eagle but I don't think either of those
>>>> delivers either.
>>>>
>>>> I keep meaning to call the bus about paratransit or dial a ride
>>>> service but something tells me that if they had it I would've known
>>>> about it already as I've made contact with the bus before about other
>>>> matters and they never mentioned it.
>>>>
>>>> I understand cabs go by mile and time you are in the cab...I just
>>>> don't know whether I should just not be concerned and take cabs all
>>>> the time to get around or whether I need to be really concerned and
>>>> make an effort to take the bus. The cabs here don't have an exact
>>>> flat-rate but the town is small enough that $5-6 each way is what it
>>>> usually comes to. Of course if I make an extra stop or something it
>>>> goes up but that is usually for the most part what it is. I just don't
>>>> know whether I should be concerned or not that's all.
>>>>
>>>> I use an NFB fiberglass cane and was taught how t use it at
>>>> convention. I have also read tons of articles about structured
>>>> discovery so know how to ask assistance/directions when need be. I
>>>> also try not to use human/sighted guide much and it has improved my
>>>> walking speed and cane travel skills significantly. I just want to go
>>>> and do more but don't know whether I need to make a real effort to
>>>> learn the bus or whether to just take cabs all the time and not worry
>>>> about it. The sighted people tell me not to worry about it but I
>>>> notice many blind people don't like to take cabs.
>>>>
>>>> I've been told before that we don't have paratransit but I don't want
>>>> to say anything until I call. I wish Safeway or Peapod delivered here
>>>> but they don't...at least that's what the website said when I entered
>>>> my zipcode. There is a Kroger right across that 6 lane highway with no
>>>> pedestrian light so I could easily cab there but my problem is how
>>>> much to get in one trip and how to carry it all.
>>>>
>>>> Kerri
>>>>
>>>> On 10/8/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>>> Kerri,
>>>>>
>>>>> As far as the cost of cabs, in most places, cab companies charge a 
>>>>> fare
>>>>> based on the distance they take you, as well as the time.  So, if
>>>>> you're
>>>>> going five miles and it takes 20 minutes, you might pay, let's say 
>>>>> $10.
>>>>> But, another day, if you go five miles and run into traffic and it
>>>>> takes 30
>>>>> minutes, they might charge $15.  These are just examples.  So, if the
>>>>> cabs
>>>>> have a flat rate, it sounds pretty good.
>>>>>
>>>>> You could learn to take the busses.  But, it would probably be wise to
>>>>> get
>>>>> some instruction before you venture out there on your own.  Do you use
>>>>> a
>>>>> cane, and have you had cane travel instruction?
>>>>>
>>>>> Some towns/cities have paratransit.  Often the bus company is somehow
>>>>> involved in operating it.  You could ask about that.  It is more
>>>>> inconvenient, because you have to schedule rides ahead of time.  But,
>>>>> it
>>>>> might work to go shopping.
>>>>>
>>>>> When I go grocery shopping I buy what I'll need for the week.  If I
>>>>> need
>>>>> something else during the week, I have to walk to a shopping center,
>>>>> about
>>>>> 15 or 20 minutes away.  As far as carrying bags in, if there's a 
>>>>> secure
>>>>> place to put your bags, so no one takes them while you're going
>>>>> upstairs,
>>>>> that would be fine.  I wouldn't get any kind of a bag, though, that
>>>>> would be
>>>>> strong enough to load down with more than you can safely carry without
>>>>> hurting yourself.
>>>>>
>>>>> Cindy
>>>>>
>>>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>>>> From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
>>>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 6:43 PM
>>>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Grocery shopping, and transportation questions
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi All:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have some more questions about grocery shopping and transportation.
>>>>>> Instead of making two separate posts, I figured I'd just put all my
>>>>>> questions in one post...they are somewhat related to each other.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'll start with the grocery shopping questions.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> In the apartment building I live in, there is no elevator.
>>>>>> Unfortunately I live on the third floor, which is up four flights of
>>>>>> steps. What is the best way to carry lots of groceries up the steps?
>>>>>> Would it be okay, when having lots of groceries to set some of the
>>>>>> bags on the floor in the hallway by the door, go up with as much as I
>>>>>> can carry, then come back for the rest? Is there any better way to
>>>>>> carry groceries than in the plastic bags the grocery bagger puts them
>>>>>> in? I've been told about burlap sacks that you can carry on your
>>>>>> shoulder...does this reduce the load much? I want to make this as 
>>>>>> easy
>>>>>> as possible.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How often do you usually go grocery shopping? When you go, do you 
>>>>>> just
>>>>>> get the things you absolutely need, and keep the load as little as
>>>>>> possible or do you usually take advantage of the fact you are at the
>>>>>> store and get lots of stuff?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> My next questions are about transportation. I live in a college town.
>>>>>> I guess it's your typical college town. It's big enough to be
>>>>>> considered a small city or large town...we have five Krogers, four or
>>>>>> more Walmarts...tons of restaurants and bars, two malls...two movie
>>>>>> theaters. It isn't a major city though.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We do have a bus system but I've never been encouraged to use it. 
>>>>>> I've
>>>>>> just been expected to take cabs everywhere.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> One of the problems though is that the town is not really a walking
>>>>>> town...there are parts of it you can walk in but not very many. When
>>>>>> things/places are built, often pedestrian accessibility is left out.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> There doesn't seem to be any blind people; there is no NFB chapter.
>>>>>> So, naturally the majority of the people, including most of the
>>>>>> students drive. From what I've read on their website, the bus covers
>>>>>> many areas, but usually until only 6 o'clock, unless it's downtown
>>>>>> where the students are. I don't live downtown though. Because of 
>>>>>> this,
>>>>>> I find myself having to take cabs almost everywhere. Cabs here are
>>>>>> about $5-6 each way. Is this normal for a college town? Is this
>>>>>> expensive for a cab?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Are my only options to either take the bus when it is available or
>>>>>> take
>>>>>> cabs?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Should I just not worry about the expense and take cabs when and
>>>>>> wherever?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Is learning to use the bus hard or is it as simple as calling and
>>>>>> asking the right questions?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>From what I can tell, from where I live, in order to take the bus
>>>>>> again since I'm not in the downtown student area I will have to take
>>>>>> two buses to get anywhere and it usually takes about two hours. Is
>>>>>> this normal for a large town/small city?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The closest major city to me is Pittsburgh. There is a bus that goes
>>>>>> there twice. In order to take a grayhound bus, or AM track train you
>>>>>> have to somehow get to Pittsburgh. Is the bus going twice daily
>>>>>> reasonable?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> For those of you who live in college towns similar to this how do you
>>>>>> find a balance between taking cabs, using family and friends, and
>>>>>> taking the bus?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What is the cost monthly of owning a vehicle compared to taking cabs
>>>>>> all the time? I'm sorry to ask this...I've never been told.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I guess I am just asking these questions because I want to make sure
>>>>>> I'm not getting screwed so to speak. I don't mind taking cabs, but
>>>>>> sometimes I feel like I'm just automatically expected to spend the
>>>>>> money just because...if you know what I mean by that! I've been told
>>>>>> owning a vehicle is several hundreds of dollars a month when the cost
>>>>>> of maintaenance, car payments, insurance, and gas is added up but
>>>>>> again these have just been from sighted people who don't take cabs. 
>>>>>> It
>>>>>> seems like most other blind people I know don't take cabs unless they
>>>>>> absolutely have to and I hate having to do it all the time. In one
>>>>>> sense I feel like I'm being told to go ahead, don't worry about it,
>>>>>> owning a vehicle is expensive too...but then on the other hand so 
>>>>>> many
>>>>>> blind people don't seem to like doing it. I know each town is
>>>>>> different...but if I want to go somewhere and it's after 6 and the 
>>>>>> bus
>>>>>> doesn't go are cabs or family/friends my only options? I've never 
>>>>>> gone
>>>>>> completely broke or run out of money by taking cabs but again...I 
>>>>>> feel
>>>>>> as if I'm getting mixed messages and I want to make sure I'm doing 
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> right/best thing. From where I live you can't walk anywhere as there
>>>>>> are several things across the street but it's not actually a street
>>>>>> but a major six-lane highway...so walking is out. I'm not married and
>>>>>> live alone. Do those of you who live in towns like this find
>>>>>> yourselves having to also take cabs more frequently than other blind
>>>>>> people? I know my questions seem a little crazy but I thought I'd ask
>>>>>> them all in one post.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Kerri
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>
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.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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.com
>>>>>
>>>>
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>>
>>
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>
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End of blindtlk Digest, Vol 52, Issue 9
***************************************