Community on Wheels | Gabriel Mongefranco

I finally got acquainted at my new place. It's big and cozy, not to mention dirt cheap! The best part is that I am a block away from a major bus line -- one that comes every 15 minutes, and runs until midnight. I missed being able to take the bus anywhere. At my old apartment, the bus only ran every half an hour, and only until 7pm. Having the chance to use public transportation again gives me great freedom.

I took the bus to work this morning. First, I had to catch a bus to central station. The driver was one of those really nice people who can start a conversation with anyone about anything. The people on that route are very friendly. Once in central station, I just had to wait a few minutes for the express bus, which would take me straight to work. During those few minutes, I met a couple of very interesting characters -- a very loud cat lady (seriously, she had one her five cats in a cage; I guess she was on her way to the veterinary) and a very polite middle-school kid. The express to work is normally a little more quiet. There are usually only professionals and a few DU students riding it, so there is not much cheat-chat. Lucky for me, one of my co-workers is on that bus, so I have someone to talk to.

I met a girl on the way back home. Apparently, she lives in the area and rides the bus everywhere. She's a nursing student at GVSU. I also saw an old friend from whom I haven't heard in a couple of years. It was nice to get in touch with him again. In fact, it was nice to talk to people and enjoy the ride for once. I guess riding the bus to work beats driving alone, in the snow, silently yelling at all the crazy drivers on the road. I can just let the bus driver worry about that! Besides feeling like a part of the community while making new connections, riding the bus is also way cheaper than driving, especially across town. As a matter of fact, it's free (for hospital employees), which is definetely a great reason to keep on riding!

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