With the high cost of gasoline, “thought balloons” are floating over many a head. “Does the Monona Express pass near my house?” “How can I lessen the emissions from my commute?” “Doh! Why did I choose this gas-guzzling SUV over a compact hybrid?”

I can’t answer that last one. But at this year’s Monona Community Festival, The Natural Step Monona (TNSM) hosts a booth devoted to transportation. Those thought balloons can be popped from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Do we understand the mass transit options in Monona? Did we know that Monona offers two bus services, Monona Lift and Monona Express, both of which anyone can ride?

At June’s Mass Transit Commission meeting, members and citizens alike were surprised to learn that the Monona Lift is not only for the elderly and disabled. Anyone can ride the handicapped-accessible bus on its six daily loops (four through Monona and downtown Madison, and two within Monona). Elderly or disabled riders with special needs can prearrange to be picked up or dropped off within one-half mile of the route as it makes its regular journeys. Those who can’t make it to a Monona Lift stop but can make it to a spot on the route should call First Transit Services (222-3350), the provider of transit services to Monona. Notified in advance, they will stop, but only along the route.

Monona Express serves commuters, making four loops through Monona and downtown Madison each weekday morning and evening, excluding holidays. With no stops between Monona’s city limits and downtown/UW- Madison, it’s a swift ride. “It takes me about 22 minutes,” says Tom Heiber-Cobb, who commutes using the Express.

Heiber-Cobb has used the Express for six years. “The hallmark of this service is that it’s extremely personalized,” he says. “The drivers get to know you by name and where you live.” When asked whether he reads or speaks with others while commuting, Heiber-Cobb says, “It depends on whether Jim Keck’s on the bus,” making it clear why the social aspect is his favorite part. His least favorite part? The loud, bumpy ride “makes you feel like you’re in a covered wagon.”

To “rebrand” the Monona Lift as a service for all Monona residents, the TNSM booth will host a contest to rename “Monona Lift.” Yes, there will be prizes! There will also be a big map marked with routes and stops, info on fares, schedules, a short survey to share thoughts and ideas about transit in Monona, and more.

Also featured at the booth will be Community Car, a member-based car sharing service in Madison. It provides cars by the hour, saving thousands of dollars a year in car expenses for each member and allowing a majority of members to avoid a car purchase. Imagine no car payments, no insurance payments, no gas to pump, and no maintenance. Community Car handles it all.

Six Community Car members live in Monona and use the strategically-placed cars in Madison. They can bike, carpool, or use the bus to get to work, and yet have a car available for business meetings, doctors’ appointments, or emergencies at their children’s schools.

With enough interest from individuals, families, and/or businesses, Community Car could launch in Monona. Sign-up at the booth to join the program and/or state your interest in bringing it to Monona. Check out www.communitycar.com.

Want to talk two wheels? Copies of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin’s Ride Guide and the Dane County Map for Bicyclists are among the things free for the taking at the TNSM booth. Alder Doug Wood’s really cool Giant “Trans Send” bike (not free and not for the taking) will be on hand to admire and inspire. And Budget Bikes’ Burley cargo trailer will convince us we don’t need a car to pick up groceries or large items.

We have choices. And every choice matters. Taking a better way—using feet, bikes, and shared transit—is a step toward a markedly improved, nonpolluting transportation system. It’s also a step in making a better way, a way of shared responsibility to do everything we can to exchange our harmful behaviors for less harmful, benign, or even beneficial ones. Trade in our old ways and our SUVs and let’s head down a long-lasting, sustainable road together.