I have, as of late, joined with my fellow "green"iacs and financially downtrodden individuals to taking part in the local public transportation system. It has led to many some what frustrating and interesting situations. Today, for example I learned that a house near our neighborhood has a secret cock fighting ring. This can not be proven but why on earth would I hear multiple roosters bellowing from a person's garage. I know what Sarah and I are doing this coming weekend. I don't know why this secret excited me so much but I also don't know why Sarah and I spent an hour in my car once with windows cracked, watching three cop cars converge on the apartments across the street to catch some underage drinker or me sitting in the shadows at midnight watching the cops over at naked kid's house solving some domestic dispute. Why is this so fascinating? Why can't I stop myself from trying to find out what is going on? But I'm off topic now.On these treks up to campus, I have also caught a small taste of what Logan is. The bus has such a conglomeration of individuals that ride the large and ungainly vehicle that many may not expect. Where else can one sit next to your professor or boss, converse with an old high school friend that you haven't seen in years, get verbally assaulted by the twelvies wearing the latest digs from Hot Topic
(since when is the president a pop-culture figure), or receive sage advice from bumper stickers plastering the back of an electric wheel chair.I feel connected with Logan more now that I take the bus on a regular basis. I am now more aware of what is going on in the community because within the walls of the bus not only is there countless gossip to eavesdrop on (as stated before I just can't help myself when it comes to other peoples secrets) but there are multiple signs reminding all to "Vote Today" or invitations to explore other local events. I also witness the driving habits of my fellow Loganites. I just don't know what it is about buses but ever since our honeymoon, I can't help but get mental images of cars careening into the side of the bus. It's a bit terrifying and suspenseful.
Okay you may be wondering what has caused me to decide to ride the bus. Was it money or environment? Come on and take a guess. Both are excellent reasons to switch but I have to say it is principle that caused me to change. With USU charging more for a parking pass this year than they did last year, I just couldn't take it anymore. The B lot parking is already exorbitant. There isn't just a Fall semester pass for the economy lot. And not to mention that USU now is one B lot less this year due to the move of the tennis courts. It's ridiculous. Parking is a precious commodity that was already limited and I just did not wish to take part in their game anymore. So it's the walk to the closest bus stop, drive to Smith's and getting on the bus, bike (Please don't ask. I had derailleur problems that led to a lot of pain), or coax Sarah into being a peach and giving me a ride on up.
I have come to have a fondness for the local bus. It fills my days with rays of sunshine when I take it. I can't help but get off and smile at the experiences I just took part in. Yes, it is frustrating when your bus driver is standing outside the bus making a pass on a girl but it is alright. Bus drivers need love too. Sure the bus should have left ten minutes ago. Maybe we passengers could be more understanding of the bus drivers needs instead of banging on the windows and shouting out profanities to get the bus drivers attention. That is the lesson I have gained while riding the bus.
