Over two inspiring days, Citilink brought together neighbors, leaders, and decision-makers to imagine a stronger transit future for the Greater Fort Wayne community.
More than 90 people joined us as we fully funded the events through generous sponsorships, welcomed nationally recognized advocate Anna Zivarts, and experienced our empathy game Take a Ride in Their Shoes, leaving attendees with powerful new insights about the realities our riders face every day.
Our recent community survey echoes what we heard in the room:
- 69% of respondents want new routes in underserved areas.
- 55% want expanded service to the airport and major employers.
- 49% want longer service hours.
And 75% support additional funding for Citilink’s expansion — especially younger adults, Black/African American residents (80%) and Hispanic/Latino residents (79%).
Event Highlights
On September 9, our Building Better Mobility Community Event welcomed over 30 participants to Parkview Field for an open house, meet-and-greet with Anna Zivarts, the Take a Ride in Their Shoes empathy game, and video testimonials.
On September 10, we hosted a Legislative Lunch with over 60 attendees, including local, state and federal officials — and our very own Mayor — for conversations about public transit’s economic impact and rider experiences. Thanks to our sponsors, these events were fully funded (we do try to put the fun in funding transit!).
Reflections from the Take a Ride in Their Shoes empathy game
During this interactive game, participants stepped into the shoes of transit riders and shared powerful realizations:
- Transportation can disappear in an instant — a car breakdown or health crisis can derail work and school.
- Residents who use mobility devices face “first and last mile” barriers even when buses are available; rideshares aren’t always accessible.
- Limited routes and infrequent service force some into multiple low-pay jobs close to home, creating financial stress and anxiety.
- Many realized how much they take transportation for granted, while neighbors without reliable options can feel like second-class citizens.
- Attendees called for more frequent routes, larger coverage areas, and support from elected officials for the funding Citilink needs to expand service.
These reflections mirror our survey results and reaffirm why Citilink and our partners are working to expand service, improve accessibility, and engage policymakers and employers to build a transit system that truly links people to life.
Our Growing Coalition
The Public Transit Coalition has already raised $95,000 in launch funding from Ambassador Enterprises, Easterseals National, and the GM Foundation. A new steering committee is developing a name, brand identity, website, marketing materials, and exploring a wrapped bus to build visibility.
In partnership with Input Fort Wayne, we’re helping launch the 12-month “Moving Fort Wayne Forward” series, and have produced a transportation economic-impact report (soon to be published!) to inform advocacy and employer engagement. We’re also working to create opportunities for tax incentives that support employer-sponsored bus lines.
Together, these projects are laying the groundwork for employer-sponsored transit funds and greater access for South Fort Wayne.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners!
We’re deeply grateful to the partners who made both days possible:
- Bowen Health — Presenting Partner of the Legislative Lunch and Access Advocate sponsor of the Community Event
- AWS Foundation — Mighty Money grants
- Easterseals — Equality Champion at the Legislative Lunch
- AARP — Access Advocate at the Community Event and Equality Champion at the Legislative Lunch
- Input Fort Wayne — Empathy and Access Advocate Sponsor
- Rothberg Law Firm — Civic Partner at the Legislative Lunch
- CareSource — Transit Ally at the Community Event
- Gensyn and MapleTronics — Community Supporters
Their generous support demonstrates a true commitment to advancing mobility and opportunity for all Greater Fort Wayne residents.
Join Us
Our community wants more routes, longer hours, and better connections — and that takes resources and partners. Here’s how you can be part of shaping a more connected future for the Greater Fort Wayne community:
- Join the coalition at fwcitilink.com/join-us to stay informed and receive updates.
- Invite us to present our empathy game, Take a Ride in Their Shoes, to your group to learn firsthand about the barriers riders face and how you can help.
- Take a ride! Not sure how? We offer free travel training and will soon launch virtual travel training to make it even easier. Visit us on our website at fwcitilink.com to learn more.
Together, we’re building better mobility — and a stronger, more connected Fort Wayne.
With gratitude,
Casey Claypool
Marketing & Development Director, Citilink
