Tips and concerns for the average bus rider

By Kuulei Kato

An Alternative

With the rise in gas prices, it is certain that some drivers will be looking for alternatives to paying the high price of driving.  Minus the burden of weekly fill ups at the gas station, finding and paying for parking as well as maintenance for a car, one of the alternatives that are becoming more and more appealing is riding the bus.  To new bus riders, veteran riders share their concerns and tips for best utilization of the bus services. 

Bus Riding Tips

For psychology major and five year bus rider veteran Ray Wang, nearly half of the time spent getting from one place to another on the bus is spent at the bus stop.  Though high traffic stops are equipped with a lit overhead shelter and sufficient seating for an upwards of 20 passengers, riders coming from more rural areas should not expect more than a bench explained Timothy Lum Yee.  A senior majoring in civil engineering and a four-year bus-riding veteran Lum Yee said, "you just gotta put up with it."  Another concern of riders is the weather.  Although we live in Hawaii where the
temperature outside rarely stray far from 80 degrees F, occasional rains are particularly common in Manoa.  Zoology major Amy Fukushima concurred with her admittance to always carrying an umbrella.  Being prepared for variations in the weather insures a dry and comfortable ride on the bus. 

Timing

With uncertain daily traffic conditions, senior Arlin Morales also warns against expecting the bus to always be there on time.  It may be little early or late she said.  To play it safe provide an extra hour of leeway because "It really sucks to watch it go by" stated Morales.

Everyone Benefits

Senior Arlin Morales agreed with the concerns for sufficient seating and shelter for the bus riders but overall determined "those are all minor things."  With less traffic on the streets everyone benefits she stated and with more money saved you benefit.  "The bus is $2 no matter where you're going" Morales said and for many that still beats the options of walking or taking a taxi. 

Related Links

TheBus - Routes & Timetables