Today we learn about the local bus system and the people who ride them:
The #15 “Post Office” bus at the downtown station
Years ago I rode the CTA “L” trains (Chicago Transit Authority – Elevated ) when my home was within walking distance to a station. It just made sense and it was at times interesting when I worked the late shift and rode with the rest of humanity either coming or going to work or getting home from a party. In a city of 2.8 million people, these things are taken for granted; It was a moment in time that was just a necessary inconvenience.
Side of bus featuring “Jacking In” point
As it happens I live within walking distance to a bus stop, so one day this summer I decided to “take a ride”. My first ride on the “Transfort” system was not particularly unusual except for an unexpected politeness from the bus driver. We’re not in Chicago anymore!
Item 1: The driver clearly announced the next stop. On the CTA you would be lucky to hear anything, and when you did hear them call the next stop, the street called “Halstead” sounded more like “Charleston”.
Item 2: The driver told me how to obtain a pass in order to save money and not have to dump change into the box. Wow! Is this Disney World or what?
A bike on the front rack
Then there is this “Bike-n-Ride” program. This allows me to get out on the road early in the morning when it’s too cold to ride a bike and ride back (or not!) if I feel like it. My bus pass allows me to take my bike on the “FLEX” bus out to Longmont– That’s and additional 33 miles I don’t have to peddle in the morning!
The #1 Transfort Bus at the main station
I ride a Transfort bus once a week now; It’s not much, but the drivers are starting to recognize me and I’m beginning to meet some of the “regulars” like Frank, who sometimes just rides the whole route for kicks; And Jessie who just keeps on talking about stuff.
One time coming from Loveland on the “Foxtrot” I sat next to a “Carny” (carnival employee) who was working the shows between Cheyenne and Estes Park. He asked me if I knew of any carnivals in Fort Collins; I didn’t know, but I told him to check out the Showman’s Directory of Outdoor Events (He was impressed that I knew of the directory). I traveled with a carny in the 70’s; The directory is the carny’s bible!
He started to chat-up a young woman about the exciting life of a carnival worker – the money – meeting big name entertainers – the travel. She was smart enough not to give him any personal information about herself, but she seemed interested in learning more about that kind of life.
I hope it worked out for her. But now it was time for me to get off the bus.