Garden Walk Bus Tours

(Deb Wagner)
While it's still fresh in our minds, we should capture our thoughts and suggestions about the Garden Walk bus tours.

• I thought the tourists got a lot out of it. More than one stayed on the bus through the entire circuit to get the full tour. At least one rider made a point of coming over to the table to tell us how much he enjoyed it.
• We had three buses (and at times on Sunday, only two.) The shuttles were consistently full, to overflowing. At times the drivers denied access to additional riders. When they were down one bus on Sunday they did allow standing, but otherwise tried to prevent it. I think they need four buses.
• A few problems occurred with the PA systems. We also need to check how far back the sound reaches. Kudos to those who could function without the PA.
• Does the Garden Walk survey the tourists for their input? Do they know how crowded it was? Or how the tours were received by the riders?
• Final loop: We need to have a consistent message from the bus company on when the final circuits will be made.
• I thought the route was appropriate for garden seekers and to show highlights of the city. It went to Niagara Square, when there really wasn't a garden stop nearby. Folks seemed to enjoy seeing the new Federal Court House, the Avant, and New Era Cap Company with its gun turrets. It gave an opportunity to highlight positive developments in downtown. And a chance to plug the City Hall tours.
• As extensive and useful as Greg's script is, we need to fill in the gaps. There are sections where there aren't many/any significant sites to point out. We can each come up with our own material, but would want to give first timers some ideas.
• I had fun and I think it definitely contributed to a fuller experience for the garden tourists.