Operation Wheels on the Bus

CapMetro has always wanted folks singing on their bus lines, right? Well, we're going to bring it in style this summer with our June 20th "Operation Wheels on the Bus" led by Agent Laney AKA Rachel. We will get on at a few different stops along Congress and at a specified point, will begin singing. We'll sing a few songs, then as abruptly as we began, we will cease. At the next stop a small group will get off and then the rest at the next stop. Then we re-board the next bus and do it all over again. Here is a layout, please note that this mission does cost $1.50 to ride the bus.

• 10:30am Saturday June 20th meet at Republic Square Park for pre-meeting
• We go over the plan and songs
• Songs we will be singing (it's really important to know these and be thinking of creative variations for the Wheels on the Bus especially):

1. Wheels on the Bus: Lyrics and/or Listen
2. Baa Baa Black Sheep: Lyrics and/or Listen
3. B-I-N-G-O: Lyrics and/or Listen
4. Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Lyrics and/or Listen

• We head to the bus line and board in groups at predetermined stops 2nd St - 11th St.
• For those of you who are not familiar with our awesome CapMetro system, I'll explain a bit about how it works to buy a day pass. Unless you have a month pass, this mission will cost you a small fare. Please make sure you have exact change for a day pass. It costs $1.50 and is good for exactly 24 hours from time of purchase. When you board the bus and you put your money in the feeder it will not dispense change if you do not have exact fare. It will spit out a day pass card with a magnetic strip on the back that you then must swipe each time you board a bus for the remainder of the operation.
• As always, Flash Mob Austin policy remains mums the word. This means, if anyone on the bus questions you or wants to know what is going on, you respond with a calm, and possibly confused look explaining that you just typically like to sing on the bus, or it reminds you of your childhood, or when one person starts to sing you just can't resist joining in, etc. FMA is never mentioned.
• After busing and singing we will meet back up at Republic Square Park again for our optional post-meeting discussion. Should be totally wrapped up by 1pm, or earlier. You're welcome to bring snacks and water for in-between bus rides, but be advised CapMetro has a "no food eating while riding" policy.
• You're welcome to bring an MP3 player of sorts (or just headphones!) to "use" while riding, as it will look like you're not part of a group that may board all at the same time and would generally present the idea that you were not participating in the "weirdness" since you're already "listening to something" in your earphones. Hilarious.
• Think of other ways to make this operation wacky-normal and go for it. Blending in every way but the singing is what we're going for, so this operation wouldn't be suitable for your Gorilla costume. I know, sorry.

We have been throwing this fun idea around in the hopper since last year and now the time has finally arrived for "Operation Wheels on the Bus" to have it's day! Don't miss out, this is easy to do with kids, friends and folks of all ages. Familiarize yourself with the songs we'll be singing in advance, spread the word(s) to your friends and we'll see you on the 20th!