For many years, I've had  a fascination with transit.  It probably began when I was around 3 years old, when I was living on Amber Street in Philadelphia, less than a block from the Frankford El, and seeing the old El trains rumble by, along with route 5 buses, which went in front of the house.  Well, anyway, one day, new trains came on the el...the Budd cars...not too long after that, we moved downtown, where I ultimately found myself a block from the Broad Street Subway.  All of this helped set me on the path, since I ultimately became somewhat of an enthusiast of both rail and bus transit.

So, now you're asking, how did this get me into advocacy...well, back in the 1980's, I was looking for publications that would allow me to keep in touch with transit events.  I discovered a publication called "The Delaware Valley Rail Passenger", the newsletter of the Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Passengers.  I saw that there was a group that had some good ideas.  That was in the 1980's, now flash forward to 1995, when I first went on the Internet, and was looking for rail-related internet sources.  Once again, DVARP crossed my path.  Also, at this time, I began to get involved with the Philadelphia Trolley Coalition.  A number of their people were also DVARP members, and I began to go to DVARP meetings in January, 1996.  I found that there was a group of people who were aiming for things I was looking for, namely. that there would be some sort of public transit availability in the Philadelphia area.  I began to make occasional contributions to their newsletter, would join DVARP at the end of 1996, and have continued in advocacy in DVARP and the Philadelphia Trolley Coalition.
 
I first began to seriously notice SoCaTA in 1998.  While preparing for a West Coast vacation trip, I began to lurk in the la.transportation newsgroup, and noticed mentions of the Southern California Transit Advocates.  After I returned from the trip, I found myself continuing to spend time in la.transportation, even postung things from time to time.  When I had a chance, I decided to investigate further SoCaTA, and decided to join the group, although I'll openly admit that I may be more of a moral supporter, at least as far as Southern California is concerned, considering my Philadelphia-area residency.   However, my support will be there, no matter how distant I am, physically.

Well, that's my story.  Hope I haven't put someone to sleep while reading this.