Harlan: “Public Transportation Means Freedom”
For local singer-songwriter Harlan Rivers, music is a career and a way to connect with people. With a powerful voice and soulful twist on classic tunes, he draws people in to listen closely and enjoy the shared experience of live music.
As a person with a visual impairment, Harlan relies on a transit system that prioritizes accessibility and inclusive design. Whether he’s heading to a performance or traveling to a rehearsal with his band, the ability to move freely across the city is vital to his craft and independence.
“Being a visually impaired person,” Harlan explains, “having access to public transportation means freedom. Freedom of choice, freedom of being able to do the same things that anybody else can do, so it’s very liberating.”
Harlan is a frequent bus rider, taking LTD 10-15 times a week. The bus is a bridge between his home and the stages where he shares his talent. Accessible features, such as low-floor boarding, audio stop announcements, and large station signs, allow him to travel with confidence. By using a screen reader app to scan timetable signs at stations, he stays informed and on schedule. For Harlan, these tools are not just conveniences, they’re essential for his autonomy.
“The bus is paramount for my life,” he says. “Without it, I’m stuck.”
Ultimately, a truly accessible transit system benefits everyone in the community. Features like level boarding help a parent with a stroller just as they help Harlan board the bus with his acoustic guitar. When we remove transportation barriers, we help every neighbor Connect to What’s Possible.
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