Metro Transit’s Adopt-A-Stop Gains Traction in Brooklyn Center
Through Metro Transit’s Adopt-A-Stop program, Minnesotans can help keep transit stops in their neighborhood clean.
Metro Transit is in 70 communities across the Twin Cities metro. That makes for thousands of stops in thousands of neighborhoods.
“We have over 12,000 in our system,” said Lesley Kandaras, Metro Transit’s general manager. “There’s a lot of opportunity left for people or organizations who want to chip in to join us.”
Anyone can sign up to adopt a stop. In Brooklyn Center, Allen Hancock signed up for one just off Highway 252. It’s behind a gas station and he’s in charge of keeping the stop clean once a week.
“The debris flows down unto the grass, so I pick up any of the litter around,” Hancock said.
Allan Hancock picks up trash just behind the bus stop in Brooklyn Center.
Metro Transit gave Hancock trash bags, gloves and a safety vest. He’s not responsible for hazardous or big items– for those, he calls in transit staff.
Hancock adopted his stop about a year ago. He’s also adopted a drain in his neighborhood, so this was a no-brainer. He said its been a rewarding experience and encourages others to do the same.
“I think it represents a community that shows people care, and want to be a part of a community that takes care of things,” Hancock said.
Adopt-A-Stop Picks Up Pace
The program’s been around for awhile, but was revitalized over the past year. Kandaras said just over 400 stops have adopters now.
She said she’s grateful for volunteers like Hancock. In one instance, when Hancock found broken glass at the bus stop, he was able to clean some of it and alert Metro Transit quickly.
“They are really helping us keep an eye on the system, and alerting us to where we need to put more resources,” Kandaras said. “It really helps us just keep the system clean, and more welcoming for everyone.”
In picking up small scraps, Hancock is seeing a bigger impact.
“It’s really a privilege to be able to take care of a little part of Brooklyn Center,” Hancock said. “I’m just grateful to be a part of Brooklyn Center, and I think we all need to be looking after each other and just loving each other in this community.”
There are hundreds of adoptable spots in the northwest suburbs. You can learn more about the Better Bus Stops initiative and sign up to adopt a stop near you on Metro Transit’s website.
