Busing to Work, An Historical Act

Posted by Susanna McLeod Jul 29, 2008

We are a one-car household. I gave up my minivan a few years ago when the transmission quit. We knew it was failing, but it lasted almost another year before it would only go in reverse. No forward action left. That was the end of that.

Since then, when the car is not available, I have taken the city bus. My colleague was unappreciative - she would not give up her car for anything. But the bus runs every half-hour, is affordable, comfortable and it's interesting to listen to fellow passengers. It does take the circuitous route to get to my workplace, but all I have to do is sit and watch the scenery pass. It's a lifestyle choice, one to save money on car payments, insurance and fuel. I really don't want to pay a large portion of my income for a second vehicle to sit in the driveway.

Imagine way back, if you can, to the mid-19th century. No cars. To go distances, big ol' horses had to be hitched to rough, spring-less wagons, out in the elements or under a little canopy. And them big ol' horses might not have been cooperative, or hungry or just plain unhappy. They needed feeding and grooming the good care, too. Perhaps the stagecoach was coming through, but I just want to get to my job, not to the next town. Sigh.

That stuff makes the bus sound pretty good.