The Bus Story

When you’re looking for an exciting ride, take the bus.

Those who have cars don’t often get to experience the culture that is a part of the UTA Transit System. Inside those dark windows there are everyday people who have absolutely no similarity with one another, which only adds to the entertainment.

The bus has all sorts of people riding it. They’re readers, gamers, listeners and they all have their own agenda, including the driver.

“I almost hit that guy! Ope, on his cell phone,” said the driver as he barely stopped before barreling into a car.

“My money’s on you winning,” said a passenger.

“Well I tried, and I missed.”

Along with assuming all bus drivers have a sense of humor, others on the bus must be having the same feelings. “I feel like every time I look up, I make eye contact with someone,” was a woman’s understanding of the experience, being by herself for the ride.

Those coming on and off usually are not together; bus riders are most often on a solo trip. This is all unless they’re homeless. According to the Salt Lake City Globe there was over 4000 homeless people every night in 2007, and apparently they board the bus in packs.

“Yeah I hope Obama does what he promised he would,” was the voice of one of the three that congregated in the back of the bus. They didn’t keep the conversation to themselves however, other passengers chimed in to give their take.

There is nothing to look at outside, so listening to the passengers are a great source for entertainment.
Entertainment can come from all angles. A Hispanic family came on the bus and a UTA employee escorted them on. She told the driver to make sure they get to a certain stop. The driver did just that and the family, including a small child and a stroller, was able to get home safe and sound.

The seats are uncomfortable, some of the passengers can smell and the phrase most often muttered is “There goes my stop.” However, the Provo bus system is a bit friendlier than expected and safer as well. Dirty, cloudy windows seem to hide what’s really inside.