Sunday, January 27, 2013

From Edinburgh, Scotland: "Breaking the ice." (Not Reading On the Bus)


I used to occasionally see a woman at my old bus stop who always stood well away, almost around the corner.  She never stood any closer and always looked into the opposite direction, as if she either did not wish to see...or be seen.  She did not look like my idea of a misanthrope (somehow, I expect the signs of misanthropy to be etched upon the features, like suffering), but nor was it ever possible to make eye contact, never mind do that non-committal, half-nod that says, ‘I recognise you but let’s not invade each other’s space’ that we Edinburgh commuters seem to like to affect. (Read more here.)

Sunday, January 20, 2013

From Vancouver: "Adventures on the short bus," by Kate Zimmerman


First, let’s acknowledge that the HandyDART is a wonderful invention and, for many, an absolute lifeline.

Then, let’s admit that given our druthers, few of us would choose to be in need of this door-to-door “shared-ride” service.

(Read more here.)

Sunday, January 13, 2013

From San Francisco: "Bus Report # 725," by Rachel.


For the past week, my 22 Fillmore driver has greeted me with a cheery, "Good Morning, Ray-chul!"

It was a little jarring the first time - I'd given a couple of my favorite drivers coffee cards for the holidays and while I'd scribbled a "Thanks, Rachel" on the bottom of each card, I didn't think my signature was actually legible. (Read more here.)

Sunday, January 6, 2013

From Indianapolis: "Omniscient Driver." (Bus Rider Confessions)


I’ve seen this behavior once before. He was having a seizure.

I yelled, “Bus driver, this man is having a seizure!” (Read the  story here.)