The Riders

The more than 150 people who testified at six public hearings last week were a cross section of the region’s bus riders, with speakers wearing everything from suits and jeans to khakis and Metrobus uniforms. Some carried sheaths of petitions crowded with dozens of signatures from others who couldn’t attend. For some, the buses provide their only transportation option, while others said they chose to ride buses for the environment or to save money. Here are some of their stories: