Dumb 5:30 a.m. ?: Public transportation

**jeffrey** · 07-06-2008, 01:49 AM

I think it depends a lot where you live. When I was living in the US, there was a junior college fairly close to my house and the vast majority of people were students. In the bigger cities (San Francisco) there are a wide range of people that took bus, BART, light rail and cable cars. I can't vouch for other areas, but since I hate driving (spoiled from the great public transportation in Japan) I had absolutely no issues with it.

**MiikeB** · 07-06-2008, 02:21 AM

I rode the bus for awhile here in Virginia Beach, VA. Although I personally did not mind it, I am sure you would not have enjoyed it. A lot of wine-os and drug dealers, along with bootleggers etc.

You also see a lot of people who are just doing what they have to do to get through life, people who have strong spirits and such. Kinda inspiring sometimes.

**Scanner** · 07-06-2008, 02:28 AM

I don't mind the thought of a couple of wine-o's. . .I am not even repulsed by the idea of sitting next to one (after all. . .I see the indigent all the time at the hosptial).

I am just not thrilled at the thought of being the only rider on there who owns a home, has 3 kids, works a job, takes a shower every day, etc.

The area I live is a mix of rural and suburban.

**cschin4** · 07-06-2008, 03:19 AM

I am just not thrilled at the thought of being the only rider on there who owns a home, has 3 kids, works a job, takes a shower every day, etc.

I think you are watching too much TV! Just kidding. Seriously. Why don't you just ride the bus for a couple of days and check it out? You may find it is really convenient and worth doing. If we had public transport I would happily use it as I find it so much more relaxing to be able to sit on a bus and not have to worry about traffic and parking. I like to take tour buses for trips and find it very convenient.
On our last vacation, we didn't drive the entire week because the bus stopped right in front of our hotel and it was so much more convenient and easy to hop the bus and go downtown.

**asmom** · 07-06-2008, 04:56 AM

Originally posted by cschin4 View Post

I am just not thrilled at the thought of being the only rider on there who owns a home, has 3 kids, works a job, takes a shower every day, etc.

I think you are watching too much TV! Just kidding. Seriously. Why don't you just ride the bus for a couple of days and check it out? You may find it is really convenient and worth doing. If we had public transport I would happily use it as I find it so much more relaxing to be able to sit on a bus and not have to worry about traffic and parking. I like to take tour buses for trips and find it very convenient.
On our last vacation, we didn't drive the entire week because the bus stopped right in front of our hotel and it was so much more convenient and easy to hop the bus and go downtown.

I have to agree! It's only for a short trip to work, you will never know what type of other people catch the bus except for the judgments you make up in your head. And so what if you're the only educated, affluent rider? You don't have to make a connection with anyone. Just put in your headphones or read a book, don't make eye contact with anyone and life goes on. I ride public transit, I have to drive to the train station but I wish there was a bus that ran in front of my house. For the record, I have a master's degree, a home, husband, kids, etc. Also while riding I have seen many people I recognize like physicians and attorneys.

**MonkeyMama** · 07-06-2008, 05:37 AM

It depends where you live. I think you just have to give it a try and see if you feel comfortable.

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 07-06-2008, 05:46 AM

Please put up with a little personal discomfort if necessary in order to arrive home safely. Your family needs you.

Is it a big enough hospital to have carpool boards? My lab-tech friend moved out to a distant suburb and was able to find two other people to share rides with, thus slicing her commuting expense by about 2/3.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 07-06-2008, 07:59 AM

Depends on the time, I only use public transit for work. And it's AWESOME. But only when I ride my typical 9-6 rides. If I work later I drive into work and park. I am uncomfortable riding alone as a female at 10 pm plus at night. And my DH isn't comfortable with me doing it either.

I've ridden public transit in New England and LA. In LA I would ride 9-5, then go home, get the car and go back to school. I do the same now. So basically I paid twice as much to work nights.

But the peace of mind was worth it.

**Scanner** · 07-06-2008, 10:12 AM

Yeah, I guess the only way to know is try it and I am certain I am working with prejudices here, which is why I am asking everyone here the scoop on public transportation.

**irmanator** · 07-06-2008, 06:00 PM

i used to ride the bus in rochester ny and it was ok, I actually didn't get my drivers license till age 24 because of the buses. Then i moved to the sticks and NEED a car.

**GoodBuyGirl** · 07-06-2008, 06:28 PM

All types of people ride the bus. I always found it very entertaining. At 5:30 in the morning though all you are going to get is a bunch of grumps that just crawled out of bed going to work.

**MomofFour** · 07-07-2008, 04:07 AM

I have a feeling you will find a lot more people like yourself than what you think. With the rising gas prices, many people are trying to find ways to cut expenses and will be on the bus as well! As someone else posted, you should certainly try it for your own safety.

**herm4** · 07-08-2008, 12:44 PM

My Dh starting riding the bus recently and was surprised to find many co-workers taking the same bus. He is saving us aprox. $160 a month by riding the bus!!

**Like2Plan** · 07-08-2008, 05:01 PM

Originally posted by Scanner View Post

My question is. . .and it may offend and I apologize in advance for that. . .what kind of people ride the bus? I conjure up images of smelly wine-o's.

Is the experience actually okay?

Is it frustrating trying to keep with the schedule?

I take public transportation on an infrequent basis (no routes to where my regular job is).
I think it depends on the area and the time of day. In this area for the morning and afternoon rush hour, it is commuter traffic comprised of well dress business professional for the most part. There are also tons of tourists especially after the Washington's birthday holiday weekend through September. Occasionally, there are folks who are not as well dressed.
I've never had a problem with the public transportation in this area. It is relatively clean and efficient.
You could try it out and see how you like it. If it doesn't work out, you could always go back to driving.

Dumb 5:30 a.m. ?: Public transportation