The wheels on the bus go round and round

Taking buses in New York is always an adventure. They never run on time. You never know how many people will already be on them. It’s impossible to gauge how long it will take to get somewhere because of factors like traffic, or people throwing themselves on the windshield because they’re pissed the driver won’t let them on (yes, this actually happened, and I was on the bus. Quite the spectacle, I must say).

I’m always amazed by the way so many people treat the bus like their personal car. Today a woman blocked the entryway and took up two seats with her cart and boxes. I realize I am probably one of the few people who has read subway and bus etiquette on the transit authority’s website, but when a bus is full, it’s incredibly rude to invade as much space as possible with all your crap, which honestly looks like trash you’re taking to a dumpster. People have no qualms about screaming on their cell phones, yelling at their children or holding up the line so they can ask the bus driver detailed questions about their commute.

But what I love about buses is the view, which is by far better than subway tunnels. Today I saw courts full of teenage boys shooting hoops. The glow of the sunset casting its soft haze on buildings. And the crowds of people still mourning Michael Jackson’s death outside the Apollo Theater in Harlem, leaving flowers and writing messages. I also saw a whole bunch of cops surrounding a couple guys, but it was too dark to really see what was going on.

I’ve tried convincing skeptical friends of the benefits of the bus — that they can be much more direct and put you much closer to your destination than a train; they’re not as confusing to navigate as you might worry; they really don’t get stuck in traffic (most of the time they’re in a special lane anyways). But not many people believe me. Which is fine, I guess, because it increases my chances of getting a seat.