First Time Riding the Wichita Transit
Posted on July 27, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.
I’ve ridden public transit while traveling to other cities but for some reason I’d never ridden the Wichita bus before. Perhaps it’s because I have my own car here and it’s way more convenient to drive yourself. Perhaps it’s Brian’s ultra-negative view of the bus–he thinks it’s gross. For one reason or another, I never have ridden our local transit until last month.
With the launch of the Hub in Delano, bus rides were free for a week so I took advantage of that time to check it out. I met up with a couple of friends (Susie Ternes and Chris Townley) at the Hub and we rode the 21 (WSU route) to 21st and Rock, stopped at the Bradley Fair Bella Luna for some drinks and apps (mocktail for me because I was taking a couple of antibiotics at the time), and then hopped back on the same bus on its way inbound back to the Hub.
We did look at the Lindsey Kernodle installation while we were waiting for the bus but it was very loud at the transit station at times, specially when all the busses are back. It was so much nicer when Brian and went on a Sunday and there were no busses and not a soul around. If you’re just wanting to check out the interactive murals, I highly recommend skipping the bus experience and just going to the Hub on a Sunday. For me, I wanted to experience a real bus ride so that’s what we did.
Shout out to Susie and Chris for experiencing the bus with me. It was kind of a fun adventure. Check out the highlights here.
Only Susie can make riding the bus look cool.
Mom wanted to experience riding the bus too so I went with her later that week also. We got on the 22 (East Harry route) from the East Kellogg Walmart parking lot and took the bus back to the Hub so mom could check out the art. From the Hub, we got on the Q-line and walked around downtown before hopping on another inbound bus to return to the Hub. Here are some highlights from that.
If you own a car, the bus is really not the most convenient mode of transportation but I appreciate that it’s an option. When I went with Susie and Chris, we met a college student who got the bus from the WSU campus and hopped off at the stop by Aldi’s. He hopped back on the same bus as us to return to campus after completing his grocery shopping.
As someone who hates driving, I could totally see myself regularly using public transit to go places. I even thought of parking at the Walmart and taking the 22 to the Hub next time I have to go to a baseball game. The bus fare is way cheaper than parking; and you can drink and not worry about driving. By the time you return to your car, you’ve sobered up a bit and it’s just short drive back home. Not that I’m a huge drinker, but it’s an idea.
Of course, I’ve never followed through on this plan because I’m always with Brian and he hates riding the bus with a passion. If I had to go by myself though, I’d totally take the bus. Anyway, what are your thoughts on riding the bus and public transit in general?
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