August 31, 2006

Published February 8, 2006

Bus Chick, Transit Authority
Bus Chick ’s Manifesto

by Carla Saulter

When I was in third grade, I started riding the Metro bus alone. At first, I was allowed to ride to school only, but eventually my parents extended my privileges to include Grandma’s apartment, the Market, and, in the summer, Seattle Center. I cherished my ability to get around the city without the assistance of an adult, a power rare among my eight-year-old peers. By the time I turned 16, however, a new power beckoned: a form of transportation that was available on demand and did not require an umbrella or an extra pair of gloves.

Seven years ago, I got a job in the suburbs. Rather than subject my beloved city to the impact of a 30-mile round-trip commute, I returned to my bus-riding roots. As an adult rider, I found the same irritations — the heavy bag, the exposure to the elements, the waiting — that had originally driven me (pun intended) to car ownership. But there were also benefits I hadn’t previously considered: enforced exercise, extra time to read, reduced expenses. After several months of regular bus commuting, I started riding on the weekends. Soon, I was using my car so rarely that I decided to try living without one. I sold my lovely silver coupe in March of 2003 and have used the bus as my primary form of transportation ever since.

So began, dear Real Change readers, an experiment that has changed my life so completely that it has become a part of my identity (hence, the name). This doesn’t mean it’s always fun. I don’t like riding on rainy days, when the floor is wet and the windows are fogged up and everybody is in a bad mood. I don’t like standing when the bus is crowded. I don’t like drivers who ride the brakes. I don’t like practical hairstyles or sensible shoes. But those are minor irritations compared to what I’ve gained — and I’m not just talking about a few extra dollars in my pocket or a slightly eased conscience. What I love about riding the bus, folks, is actually riding the bus.

Every day, I sit by my neighbors. I turn my head to look at beautiful children and plug my ears to block out loud ones. I roll my eyes at young lovers, eavesdrop on married women’s gossip, and chuckle at the posturing of teenage boys. Every day, I have adventures. Every day, I hear stories. It is these adventures and stories that I intend to share in this column. My hope is that they will encourage some of you to ride the bus more often, but I will be satisfied if they provide you with a different perspective of your city, and (hopefully) some amusement at my expense.

Got a question or comment about public transportation in Seattle? E-mail Bus Chick at buschick@gmail.com.