So, as you might have read, I was still ill yesterday. Well, it’s gotten better. My cough is almost gone, but my headache and dizziness still lingers. I had to go to school yesterday, basically feeling awful, but school wasn’t the worst part. It was the bus ride home.
You see, I take the bus every day to school. A public transportation (CTA) bus, not a school bus. There is a different driver almost every day. And yesterday I got the idiot driver. And on top of that, it was the little bus. Now, in 2006, the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bought these new buses, and they’re pretty nice, but they’re smaller than the regular buses. I seriously have no idea why they bought these buses, but I hate them with a passion. They are too small, and there isn’t enough room for everyone to sit. Half of the time I get on this bus, I find myself standing.
The normal bus here in Chicago. This one is roomy, has enough seats, and enough space to stand if all the seats are taken.
The little bus, introduced in 2006. I HATE this thing. If there’s a lot of people on this bus, you’re screwed. If lots to people have to stand, they’re always too close to each other. I feel like i’m in a can of sardines in this thing. I hope they retire this bus.
But, yesterday I found a seat, between two old ladies who smelled of cigarettes. At least the window was open, but that was the least of my problems on this bus. I’m waiting for the bus to go, when I see a bunch of other kids waiting to get on. This bus is packed, and there are no more seats left. Everyone else is standing. So I’m thinking, “Great, we’re gonna be a sardine can again.” The first kid in line to put his money in doesn’t have a bus pass, and he’s using change instead. He drops a quarter, and it rolls off the bus. It takes him about two minutes to find it. I’m not joking. Then, the next girl in line DID have a bus pass, but there wasn’t enough money. So, she had to show her I.D. instead. Only problem, she can’t find it. She’s scrambling through her pockets and bag looking for it. Another minute wasted. Finally, we’re all on. There’s only one person standing in front of me, so a simple “excuse me” should be enough. Or so I thought. The next stop, MORE PEOPLE GET ON, AND NOONE GETS OFF!. Same at the stop after. I couldn’t believe it! Both exits are now blocked with people. There’s way too many people on this little bus. This bus was NOT made to carry this many people. This bus should be used for suburbs and small towns only (the bus was originally used in Wichita, KS. Go figure). We’re two stops away from where I get off. I get up, and start making my way to the front. I reach and pull the bell before my stop is reached. The bus stops at my stop, and an old lady gets off. Then, just as I’m about the step off, this dumbass they hired to drive the bus just closes the door. Me and another girl behind me both said “WAIT!” at the same time (and loud and close enough for him to hear us), but the douchebag just starts driving again. I was pissed. I was able to get off at the next stop with this girl, and it was an extra few blocks I had to walk to get to where I originally stop and make my way home. It was my worst experience on a bus, ever. Even worse than the time a lady sitting in front of me was coughing like crazy. Even worse than the time a homeless person smelling of urine was in the row across from me. At least the coughing lady got off at the hospital, and the homeless guy was thrown out by the driver.
-Tony
