Friday, February 19, 2010

48. Slow Down

One misses a lot, commuting by car, moving too fast, separated from the world by steel and glass.

The other day I was waiting for a bus, and saw a mini-SUV drive up, a couple of guys inside, blue collar workers, I guessed, judging by their clothes. One got out, apparently being dropped off for the bus. But before he gets out, he gives the driver a kiss on the cheek.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

47. WiFi


A school district in Tucson has installed wifi on one of its busses, transforming a a rowdy, noisy ride into a study hall with essays written, science reports turned in electronically, and of course emails setting up dates.

Sound Transit has internet on a couple of bus routes, but not on mine. With books, magazine, and journals I don't really need the internet, except of course to blog (both of my work places block "social networking" sites). And if I really want to surf the web while commuting, I can cycle a few extra miles and take the WiFi-equipped Sounder train. I do have a recently purchased PC netbook-- If I had just waited, I might have felt justified buying an I-Pad (though for several hundred dollars more).

Friday, February 5, 2010

46. Tough Love

I had just sat down when the driver asked me to turn down my ipod. Just a book on tape, not loud music and full earphone not ear buds, so I was surprised that anyone could hear it. But no problem since I usually I take off my headphones as soon as I sit down anyway. A few minutes later she asked me again, in a tone that would normally be reserved for disobedient children. I explained that I had already turned it off, which prompted the rider in back of me to apologize-it was his music all along. A few stops later she refused to let a guy on:"You jaywalked; I don't let jaywalkers on my bus." I guess I should be grateful that she hadn't kicked me off--it's her right to do so.

The day before, a guy who looked 70 but moved like he was 80 slowly climbed on and asked how much was reduced fare. "I have to see your reduced fare card." The passenger sat down and leafed through his wallet, showing his medicare card, his drivers license, and a couple of other random cards, all to no avail. Meanwhile a kid gets on and shows a transfer. "We don't take Pierce transit transfers. That will be $3.00 or $2 if you're a student." The kid explains that he got stranded without any money; he's just trying to get back home. "Then take the local bus; they'll accept the transfer." So the old guy pulls out a $5 bill and pays for his and the kid's fare.

Monday, February 1, 2010

45. February


To some February is daffodils, to others the Super Bowl, or maybe tahe academy award nominees. To me its the half-yearly bus schedule update.

I'm on pins and needles. Will my routes expand? Shrink? New routes to help the commute? The transit's sales-tax-based revenue is down; ridership uncertain (maybe fewer people going to work, but others deciding better save money and take the bus). So many factors, so little time.

And the winner is..... me!

Routes have been added to the Seattle-Federal Way express (I work in FW a couple times a month). Gone is the Metro route that swings through the airport. I'll save almost an hour a day.