Arzu Ozkal Telhan had a vision of individuals of varying backgrounds, with no connection to one another, coming together to talk and share a free ride.
As a part of her master's thesis project, Telhan worked the past year to create what she has dubbed "The Public Transphere" - a free public transportation 11-passenger van aiming to bring Buffalo residents together to discuss their thoughts and opinions.
Her project came together this past Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The white van traveled in a 30-minute loop touring three Buffalo neighborhoods: Allentown, The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the Fruit Belt, starting and ending on the corner of Main Street and North Street. The route is also the annual Artwalk pedestrian walk.
Passengers were allowed to stay on for as long as they pleased, and could enter or exit at any of the stops along the designated route. Riders were also provided with free soda, water and candy, as well as informational pamphlets.
Telhan, a native of Turkey, said the idea arose from her interest in the commonalities diverse individuals share, although they may not be aware of them.
"I always go out and find ways to connect with others," she said. "So I decided to start a public discussion in the form of public transportation."
Telhan's goals were hefty for a city in which suburbanites and city dwellers rarely cross paths.
"I feel like people have things to say, it is a nice opportunity for them," she continued. "My idea was merging the city."
Drivers of the van were Telhan, a media studies student, and James Holland, an art instructor at UB.
Telhan said she liked the unpredictability of the event.
"It's an emerging thing, you never know what is going to happen," she said.
During the Public Transphere, the route of the van could be traced online at www.public-transphere.info, thanks to Paul Visco, a media studies student, and Jesse F. Fabian, a visual model adjunct instructor in the media studies department.
At the same Web site, sound bites of conversations in the van and images could be downloaded. Web site visitors were also able to submit questions to the passengers, to create an unusually linked conversation.
Early Sunday afternoon, the Public Transphere was filled to the brim with passengers. The conversation varied among the riders, most of whom had never met.
Riders talked and joked about the state of the neighborhoods in Buffalo as well as the colors of the houses, the cost of apartments, and whether or not the Public Transphere should become a permanent fixture. Riders also talked about their hometowns and life living in the country compared to the city.
One rider teased the driver, Telhan by asking, "How many dates have you picked up so far?"
When a police car flew by with the sirens wailing, some of the passengers joked that the policeman was hurrying to a coffee shop down the street for "free donuts."
At one point, the conversation in the back of the van turned to the issue of violence and safety in the streets of Buffalo, and how it could be prevented.
One rider, Elizabeth Knipe, a second year graduate student in the media studies department, took the opportunity to sift through The Buffalo News.
Saturday, Telhan said a man from East Aurora drove in for the Public Transphere and rode for over two hours.
Telhan said the one weekend event took a great deal of work.
"The first part was the paperwork. Then I had to convince my instructors," she said. "They were very supportive."
Aside from the hard work and effort that was required, Telhan said she has enjoyed the unique experience she will write her thesis paper about.
"Today is the last day and I am feeling sad," she said. "I want to do this everyday."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
