Cole and I rode the South Bend Transpo as part of our immersion experience for our project. We wanted to take a bus from any South Bend location to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. We got on the bus near the intersection of Ironwood and Route 23. Fortunately, the ride was free since we had our Notre Dame IDs; but a bus ride typically costs $1 for a resident. If someone is handicap, they can request a ride from a van for $2.
The first bus route did not include St. Joseph Medical Center though. We had to stop at University Park Mall where we had to wait 30 minutes. Fortunately, Cole and I were able to walk around the mall to pass the time; but many people cannot spend any leisure time away from the bus stop because they are sick or absolutely cannot risk missing the bus.
After we boarded the bus at the mall, it made a few stops then finally reached St. Joseph’s. The bus dropped us off at the door and our simulated immersion was over.
Looking back on our trip on the bus to the hospital, we gained valuable insight into the challenges that many people face while trying to get to medical appointments. Although the bus drivers were very friendly and buses were on time, our trip from bus stop to hospital took 57 and a half minutes. This is especially concerning because many of St. Joseph’s patients come from work and cannot afford the time it takes to go on an hour bus ride, spend an indefinite time at their appointment, and go on another hour long return ride. This immersion will be very helpful as we frame and conduct the rest of our research.