is more difficult to get stranded with all the technology we have at our disposal and those lift services. But if you do, it’s late at night, and you see a bus, flag it down! They will stop. I did it several times, when I had no clue of where I was, a long time ago. Even if it’s not the bus that can get you home, the driver will assist either by giving you directions or calling in for assistance. Again, bus drivers don’t bite. We have never heard of a public bus found abandoned in a remote location with half-devoured passengers on board, even after a full-moon.
No matter what is being said, buses and trains are still safer than cars. They’re big, and with object versus bus, bus usually wins. Let’s not even talk about the train that pulverizes everything in its wake. Buses also have cameras. So, once more, it is safer to be on a bus than on the street, by yourself, at night, especially women. I have never felt in danger on a bus or a train even when a brawl had started between passengers. In this case, I just get off, and wait for the next bus.
Finally, please, please, PLEASE, have the correct fare change on you! I can’t recount how many times I have paid for other passengers, either because I didn’t want to miss my train due to unprepared people asking for change or rummaging through purses and handbags, or because the person was on the wrong bus and had already spent their fare. It applies to passes, too. Have them REA-DY, and carry a bit of change on you!
In conclusion, I have gone everywhere on bus and trains, crisscrossed LA in every direction, gotten lost, found, and lost again. I have been frustrated, angry, and have had a load of fun riding public transit, too. I have hauled all kinds of things on buses and trains, from synthesizers, desktop computers, chairs, and even a small table once—yep, it was a bit embarrassing, but… did it. I squeezed incredible things in and out of buses, and never got much more than an odd look from the driver, thinking "one of those," and angry stares from passengers because I was holding up two seats. I take my cats to the vet on the bus. They, (the cats), of course, know the ultimate desti-nation and protest loudly, yowling the full hour that it takes to get there, frustrating other passen-gers. I've learned that no matter what I do, my cats won't shut up. I’ve even taken different routes to try to fool the felines, to no avail. Amidst all that, I have met great people, riders and operators alike, some I can now call my friends. There you have it...from a public transportation...seasoned... rider!!!!
buses & trains are safe
Commuters’ Survival Kits
When commuting for so many hours, one has to be prepared for every circumstance or incident that may happen. It’s not like you can just turn around and go home if you’re stuck on a train that broke down. Sometimes, delays, mechanical issues, accidents, and other problems can force you to sit, waiting for several hours, with nowhere to go. Even if you are on a bus, you may not have a choice to get off, take care of some business, and be on the next bus if it only runs every hour, or worse, stopped all together midday. Therefore, being prepared is the key! What should you carry with you? We got you covered! We examine a few options for the essential items you may want to consider having on hand, if commuting long distance or long hours. Feel free to adjust your commuter’s bag accordingly.
The Woman
* Big purse, or big handbag, or roller-bag, and/or tote bag,…
* Wallet
* keys,
* Bus pass/train pass,
* Cellphone,
* Cellphone charger (optional),
* Headphones (optional),
* Makeup (optional),
* Mirror,
* Chapstick, or lip balm,
* Lotion,
* Tissues,
* Sunglasses,
* Book, and/or magazine, and/or newspaper, and/or tablet, and/or Kindle (optional),
* Bacterial wipes, or hand sanitizer,
* Aspirin, or Tylenol, or Ibuprofen,
10 - Ceres Magazine - Winter 2016