On Bus Riding

As my plans for Seattle were materializing early this year, my parents and I had to make the decision about whether or not my 1996 Honda Civic was going to make it to Seattle and back this summer. This would be over 3,000 miles, in addition to the many miles that would be earned driving around Seattle all summer. It was decided almost immediately and unanimously that it would not.

But because Seattle is a metropolitan area, it has a very efficient public transit system that I began to explore as an alternative.

I had never ridden a city bus before. To my knowledge, at this time, I rode my first public bus just over two weeks ago.

But it is WONDERFUL. I LOVE RIDING THE BUS. In fact, I love it so much, that I just recently ordered an "ORCA" card. This card works like a debit card for all the public transpo in Seattle - buses, trains, ferrys (!). This is the best thing ever! Because here is the thing:

I am, by nature, not a cash carrier. When I have cash, I think of it as a separate pool of money than my checking account money, and that somehow it is "already paid for," and so generally I spend it almost instantly after getting it unless I put it in the bank right away (I am aware and understand that this is a problem).

BUT the bus requires CASH. This has meant that several times I have had to find a nearby Walgreen's or Safeway in order to buy something that I don't need, get cash back, and then ask them to make my change in dollar bills so that I can take the bus.

So the ORCA card will change my life, I think. And save me some money in the long run (so that I'm not buying three packages of gum a week all summer).

But also, if you have ever enjoyed people watching at all, the bus is absolutely for you. There is every kind on the bus. Last week a former man-woman asked me for change at the bus stop. Today, I sat next to a woman eating malt-o-meal out of a tupperware.

But the bus is also very considerate. The bus rides on hydraulics of some kind, and so the step is a little high. Sometimes some more elderly bus patrons are not able to board the bus. So the bus driver will let out the hydraulics on that side and basically tilt the bus so that the step is lower and the elderly friend can board. There's even an extendable ramp for the incredibly feeble. How very thoughtful.

Here are just some of the reasons why the bus is awesome:

Pros:

No carbon footprint

No gas expenses

No maintenance expenses

No finding parking

No paying for parking

No getting ticketed when parked illegally

No driving through Seattle traffic

No rules about texting+driving

ANY wreck you get in will not be your fault

No getting lost

Bus's consideration for the elderly

PEOPLE WATCHING

Cons:

When the bus is full, you have to choose which stranger to sit next to (this could also be a pro)

When the bus is full, waiting to see which stranger will choose to sit next to you (this is almost always a con)

It takes a really long time to get anywhere

CASH

Needless to say, I am a bus believer. I am learning the routes and most of the Seattlites are impressed by my Metro knowledge. I will be such a pro by summer's end!

Love,

Katie