Riding the L Bus: An Experience

I think I've always been a sleeper cell for the War On Cars: I was the last of my friends to get my driver's license in a very car dependent, rural-ish environment; I did a lot of walking, or biking, and was pretty aware of how car dependency had decimated the small city I live in. But 2 things happened that radicalized me:

I went on a 3 day bike tour of vineyards in Burgundy, France.

I was hit by a car while bicycling to work.

These 2 things happened within 3 months of each other. One really good, one really bad. 

But really the point of this writing is about the L bus. I can't think about riding my bike to work without feeling deeply anxious. This is a real shame because, door to door, my office is about 1.5 miles away from my front door. I could walk, but the route isn't ideal. So I take the bus; the L Route operated by Dutchess County Transit. Here's a few thoughts on the experience:

Designed by Peter Eccles

The thing that really stands out to me is, if I'm planning to take the bus, I have to have my shit together. I can't doom scroll for 30 minutes over breakfast, I can't sink into this puddle of ennui that saps my motivation before the day even starts. I'm forced to stay focused on what comes next for getting myself out the door. So, once I lock my front door and set off, I actually feel quite more in control of the day; a sense of accomplishment comes with me. Taking the bus also starts my day with a little walk to the stop, and a little walk from the stop to my office; I'm getting myself moving, I'm in some sunshine, and in that morning air. Usually I'll listen to a podcast and I can give it my full attention because I'm not simultaneously concentrating on backing out the driveway. It's a little pleasant moment to see the bus rolling towards me on Main Street, it's hazards flashing because the driver sees me. I say good morning to him (or her), and find a seat. Today there was another passenger who knew me from when I worked at Dutchess Outreach, Inc. Another bus ride home, a friend of mine got on the next stop and we were able to talk about his upcoming trip to Paris. I'm beginning my day with interaction with people in my community, not annoyance at the driver in front of me making a left turn. When I get off at my stop, I call out "thank you!" to the driver and begin walking through campus to my office. 

This whole trip takes the same amount of time as driving. I'm not exaggerating. The fare is $1.75, though I often flash my Vassar id card for the waived fare. I would say it's priceless. 

That being said, there's plenty that could be improved by Dutchess County Transit. Often it seems as though the team that designed and enacted this system has never actually ridden public transportation.  I'll write those thoughts out next week.