I was nervous the first time I rode Capital Metro's newest bus service, MetroRapid. I have ridden public transit in Chicago, New York City and even Sydney, Australia, but the thought of using my smartphone to purchase and swipe my ticket was unnerving. What if it didn't work? What if I held up the line? What if the driver didn't let me on?

I bought my ticket through Capital Metro's app and had it ready on my screen. The real-time display indicated a bus wasn't set to arrive for a few minutes, so I checked my email. When I switched back to the app my phone failed to connect to Capital Metro's free Wi-Fi service. My ticket didn't appear, I held up the line, but thankfully the bus driver—seeing my panic-stricken face—let me on.

Moments such as this are why many people are nervous about riding public transit. It does not always go smoothly, but in most cases it does. Organizations such as Capital Metro and Commute Solutions do not want fear to deter people from using transit for their commutes. They created programs and resources to put commuters at ease and teach them how to ride. An easy way to try out transit is on the weekend when you're not pressed for time. I explored these options and other technology available to aid residents in finding an alternative to driving alone to work during peak hours in my front-page story of this issue.

As 2014 winds down, our company is gearing up for our annual January Issue that explores highlights of 2014 and what is in stock for 2015. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and we'll see you in the new year.

Amy Denney, Editor, [email protected]