Common Bus Problems #1 - K shares her solutions...you lucky people you.

I consider myself somewhat of a bus expert. Not by choice, but necessity, I have been a regular rider of OC Transpo for around 10 years. Wow that's sad. I've been a hard core rider for a little over 2 years, and (if you look to the left) I've clocked some serious bus hours.

I've decided to share some of my tips to deal with the ridiculousness that is city bus transportation. While everyone has their own mentally crushing experiences, there are some common problems that we all face. I going to make this a weekly special, so tune in next week for another BUS TIP!

P.S. -  As a sidenote, I haven't updated the bus hours because I have to add up the time for the rest of 2012, but it should be coming soon. I have a feeling it will be a disgustingly big number!

P.P.S - I know I've said I'll do weekly specials before, and I let you down. Let's be realistic and say this will be a bi-weekly special.
Wait, does by-weekly mean twice a week, or every 2 weeks? Hmm, I think I mean bi-monthly. Yes, we're going with that. Tune in 2 weeks from now for another BUS TIP!


Without further ado, I present our first tip!

Mystery Bus

I've had a long day, I just want to go home. I've been standing at the station for what feels like forever, and it's freezing out.  Anyone who has waited for a bus at a major station has learned (probably the hard way, like me) that you have to watch EVERY SINGLE BUS that goes by on the off chance it's yours. One momentary lapse and your done. I remember one incident where I was distracted by some 15 year old boy full-on dancing at the stop like it was a disco. I looked up just in time to see my bus blow past me. That little dance break cost me another 30 minutes in the cold! But I digress.

The problem I wanted to talk about is when the bus pulls up, but doesn't display a number. What are you supposed to do? Go up and ask (potentially missing your own bus in the process)? Wait and hope it isn't?

It's super sucky.

K's Solution:

I've developed a (super creepy) method of recognizing other people who are on my bus every day. I keep an eye on the buses going by, while watching everyone approach the Mystery bus. If someone I recognize gets on I make a run for it, if not, I'm still in position to observe all the other buses for my number.

You might be uncomfortable doing this, but let's face it, you probably spend a lot of time on the bus with these people, why pretend you don't make up nicknames in your head. You don't? Okay judgy, maybe it's just me. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Smiley Lady: She used to take the bus with me in the mornings at 6:30 am (before I switched to the 6am bus, that's right, 6am). Rain or shine or snowpocalypse, she always boards the bus smiling.

Art Student: I recognize this kid by the poster holder that he always carries. Look for easy to spot items like a trombone case or a particularly fascinating hat. Pretty sure my magic winter hat has helped a few people board the correct bus. You're welcome peeps.

Cape Man: I'm not making this up. There is a guy who wears a cape and takes OC Transpo. He is awesome. And really easy to spot if you know he frequents your neighborhood.




This has been 'Bus Tips with K'. Signing off; may your face stay unfrozen and your bus waits be short.