So if you haven't read my first blog about public transportation that is okay, it just gave a little background info. Now I want to talk about the kinds of people the rely on the public transportation system here in San Diego.
An all day pass costs five dollars. A monthly pass costs forty-five dollars, and a semester pass costs anywhere from a hundred and thirteen dollars to a hundred and fifty dollars. From what I have observed, most the people who take the bus cannot afford monthly or semester passes. It is even sadder when I see that people don't even have the five dollars for a day pass and pay two dollars and fifty cents for one ride and later have to scrounge around for more coins in there purse/bag.
I have seen a wide spectrum of people while riding the bus and I am always interested to know their background. There was these two women who took the same route as me and they worked at Jack in the Box (I saw their uniforms), and everyday they would pay five dollars. I calculated it and they spend more money over time because they cannot afford to pay forty-five dollars upfront for a month pass. They seemed to be pretty consistent though, always went to work, had on make-up and always had on a clean uniform. Still, it saddened me because I knew that they had to end up paying more than they should've per month.
The saddest for me though, was the mentally disabled that rode the bus. They were usually adults, or even elderly. They didn't seem to have anybody taking care of them because they sometimes smelled, and never looked very clean. The one thing about them though was that they were always happy! I never saw a sad look on their faces, they loved the bus. They would talk to the bus driver, or watch intently out the window. On occasion I would find them staring at me and they would bashfully look away, and sometimes giggle. I always smiled though because they just seemed to be so happy to be on a bus. Yes! On a bus!
Experiencing moments like those and many others, I came to have a much more vast appreciation for public transportation. I realized how many people would be stuck at home or limited to many resources that could affect their jobs, school, and lives. I really wish that people could all understand this experience like I do.
When my parents first told me that I was moving to San Diego for college I was so excited! Then I found out I had to take the bus and I threw a tantrum. Not like on the floor pounding the ground or anything, but you get my drift. Months later with a car, I find myself on occasion contemplating taking the bus or trolley to school just for the heck of it. It is unlike anything I have or will have experienced, and I am glad I did.
Sorry, this was much longer than I intended, but I hope you enjoyed!
