Transportation, conversation mix on the 'Dillo

As you are waiting on the metal bench for your turn to get onto the 'Dillo, you never know what to expect, who you're going to sit down by or if they might be willing to share their life stories.

From Congress Avenue all the way down Guadalupe Street and back, the 'Dillo brings in all types, including businessmen, tourists, the homeless-any and all Austinites in need of a free ride.

Since 1985, the Austin Capital Metro 'Dillo has been picking up peculiar passengers and letting them off in various places downtown.

According to Al, a 'Dillo driver, the one word he uses to describe driving the 'Dillo, after 25 years in the system, is simple. "Great," he says. "I like it because I don't have any problems with passengers and it's free, so most people are happy when they get on."

This laid-back, happy feeling is shared by many riders, like Jessi Conover, a frequent 'Dillo-hopper. "I get a really good feel for the people of Austin every time I ride," she said. "It's a form of entertainment, really, and it's actually kind of fun."

However, there seems to be a few drawbacks to trolley transportation. The loud rattling and shakiness of driving over bumps and potholes causes people to lose their balance and stop their conversations.

The 'Dillo runs from morning rush hour until about 8:30 p.m., allowing riders to commute to and from work free of charge. Also, a few "Night Owl" 'Dillos are in service, transporting bleary-eyed 6th Street revelers and groggy graveyard shifters.

Next time you get on board a 'Dillo, remember-you never know who you will get to ride next to or what kind of friend you will be making.