For the love of buses
Route map photo from ridetransfort.com
Public transportation — I never understood why it gets such a bad wrap in the US. It seems to me that those in big cities are supportive of subways and the like, but in smaller cities without a subway where public transport options are more limited, many people that I’ve interacted with would “rather not”. The reasons are predictable and all the same. Mostly complaints about convenience, which have never convinced me.
I, for one, really enjoy riding the bus. Sure, I don’t own a car and often don’t have many other options. Sometimes I’ll even opt to take the bus instead of bike, even on a nice day. Here’s why:
1 — the bus is already going there so you may as well be on it
This one needs minimal explanation. If you’re going to same place the bus is going, why drive yourself? Seems inefficient, doesn’t it? The bus is going whether or not you are on it so you may as well take advantage of the ride. Not owning a car has taught me to always appreciate a ride — from a friend, colleague, or, well, the bus.
2 — taking the bus is a good reminder to not to be in a hurry
All these complaints about buses and inconvenience can be reframed by reminding yourself that you aren’t in a hurry. When I take the bus, I often have to get to my destination 15–30 minutes early. I love this because I hate feeling rushed and it gives me a moment to collect myself before I move on to “the next thing”. Another realization I’ve had in my years taking the bus, is that when it’s late, it’s late and there’s no use freaking out about it. For a time-obsessed person like myself, riding the bus has reminded me that life doesn’t have to be such a hurry all the time. Especially on days when I’m running around from one meeting and obligation to the next, my time on the bus becomes a moment of calm. “I’m doing all I need to do right now”, I think to myself. And that is enough.
3 — riding a bus makes me feel more a part of our community
Riding the bus is a community event! It brings people who may not interact together with the common goal of getting somewhere. Ride the bus enough and you get to know the bus drivers and regular riders. These people become familiar faces around town outside of your typical haunts. It’s like going to a bar enough to become a regular except, of course, without all the drinking. I find a unique comfort in riding the bus. It makes me feel like a local.
4 — bus rides create time to do things you want to be doing more of anyway: reading, writing, & thinking
This is arguably the best reason to ride the bus more often. Buses allow for the ultimate laziness you’ve always wanted. You don’t have to pay attention to driving, you don’t have to bike uphill and into the wind, you don’t have to do anything but sit there and maybe pull a cord. Of course many people will fill this space with random, unfulfilling scrolling, but what if you used the time for something else. I get much of my reading done on the bus. 15 minutes may not seem like a whole lot, but over a week, 15 minutes of reading a few times a day can lead to many pages and even books. It’s the same reason I often read books while I walk — some say it’s a bad habit, I think of myself as more like Belle in Cinderella — but more on that in a later post.
Reading isn’t the only stimulating and creative thing you can do on the bus. What about writing? Maybe one of these medium posts right here? I’m composing this post on the bus right now. It’s not something I’ve done a lot, but this bus writing space may be a place I continue to cultivate.
A lot of my time spent on the bus is spent just like that — on the bus. I don’t do anything but sit there and think. Sometimes I look out the window. Sometimes I people watch. It doesn’t really matter what you’re looking at, as long as you’re allowing your mind to wander; allowing the creative juices to flow. It isn’t always easy to be alone with your thoughts, but it’s always worth it. And on days when it’s hard, it’s over as soon as you get to your stop.
Slow down, ride the bus, and enjoy the little things along your journey. I spent the entirety of two bus rides composing this little ode to public buses. Surely there are worse things I could have done with my time.
