The wheels on the bus go round and round

Ended up riding the bus a couple of times this past weekend due to the starter on my car going bad. I didn't really mind it too much. However, the city bus system definitely has some drawbacks.

1. The schedules are crap. Even on the main route, it can be 40 minutes between buses during the day. I can't imagine if i depended on the bus to get to work (if I had a job).

2. Very few shelters. Taking the bus in the dead of winter is ridiculous when it is 10 degrees out and you are standing unprotected on the side of the road for any length of time. Especially if it is 40 minutes to an hr before the next bus. Hell, I'd walk home.

3. Routes are terrible. There are many places in the city that aren't really accessible by bus. Especially if you have to go to the suburbs. Heck, the bus I'd take doesn't even go the university. I'd have to walk more than a mile to get to the department. Not horrible good weather, but with unshoveled sidewalks and terribly cold weather + a 15lb computer bag = not ideal.

However there are a few good things about taking the bus:

1. Interesting people. Some people might see this as a drawback. Admittedly there are usually a few people on the bus that are rather eccentric. However, some interesting conversations are often overheard.

2. It reminds me of Germany a little. Granted, the buses aren't as nice, the schedules and routes aren't as good, but I like the idea of public transportation. I like zoning out on the bus and not worrying about driving in the snow.

There are some people that wouldn't dream of taking the bus here. A few people asked my why didn't I ask for a ride? Personally, I don't mind the bus too much, and I'd prefer to rely on myself to get somewhere.

Some people say it is too dangerous (maybe some routes), dirty (really not too bad), or that they are "too good" to take the bus. That somehow they are better than the bus riders. Really? No person is better than another. Sure, some people have more education, a better job, nicer clothes, etc. But that doesn't mean that those people have more value than another. I can't stand the snobbery that some people have.

I like having my car and will continue to drive it. But I do like the option of taking public transportation even if it is a pain in the ass.