The World of Public Transportation

People in the Missouri do not take public transportation, unless it's taking the train from KC to St Louis or for a trip to Chicago.  But it is not a daily form of transportation.  When I moved to the Northeast, I decided that I would not be bringing a car because it would be expensive and overall inconvenient.  As a result, everyday is an adventure as I try to get around the city using SEPTA (Southeaster Pennsylvania Transportation Authority).  I'm getting the hang of the system, but sometimes I'll take the bus somewhere and then not be able to figure out what bus from what stop at what time I'm supposed to get back, so I'll just walk home.  Fortunately, most places I go are less than 2 miles from my apartment, and every time I manage to get home on public transportation it's a cause for celebration.

Here is one of my recent adventures with public transportation: My apartment has a shuttle that goes to UPenn, which happens to be right next to my hospital, that I am able to take in the morning to work.  I had been taking the shuttle without fail, until one morning (when it was sprinkling, of course) I went downstairs and the concierge informed me that the 6:40am shuttle would not be coming that day.  One of the downsides of the bus, trolley, or subway is that they only run north-south or east-west (or vice-versa), so I have to take 2 buses to get to the hospital.  I text my co-resident to tell her I'll be late and walk to the bus stop for bus #1.  I stand next to the sign, and the bus is going pretty fast so I give a little wave to let him know that I am standing here for the bus.  And the bus just goes right on by.  Fortunately, at the next intersection the bus gets stopped at a red light, so I run up to it and get on. When I get on the bus driver says, "I wasn't sure what that wave meant."  Alright.  I get off and wait for bus #2.  I finally get on another bus, which is standing room only.  I grab onto one of the handles, but I feel like a drunken sailor standing on this bus as it whips around turns and screeches to a halt at every stop.  It takes all of my upper body strength not to end up in the laps of the people sitting by me.  I finally make it to work about 15 minutes late.  It may be crazy somedays, but only spending $53 on transportation each month is pretty great.