MTA - Bus Style

I've shared with you a few experiences about the subway, but a lot of commuting takes place on the bus as well. This morning was a bit muggy, so I didn't feel like walking the 3/4 mile from the subway station to the office. (My co-workers appreciate that as well.)

The quickest bus for me to take is the M60. If you've ever flown into or out NYC through LaGuardia Airport, you may have taken the M60. Cheaper than a taxi, though not quite as adventuresome. I usually skip it, though, and take the M104. the M104 takes a little longer but is never as crowded.

This morning, as I came out of the subway station at 125th and St. Nicholas, there was the M60. I was just able to squeeze on. The annoying thing is that there were empty seats in the back. People just bunch up and won't move back. Some drivers won't move the bus until they do - with absolute reluctance and a bunch of complaints.

I can't believe this is what Rosa Parks had in mind.

I'm built like a football player, albeit an out-of-shape football player. I just start moving back, saying, "Excuse me, excuse me..." I get some glares and a few mutters, but once I get about halfway back, it's easy to walk. Even if there aren't any seats towards the back, it's easier to hold onto the pole.

There is one rule of etiquette that is much better observed on buses instead of subways, though. The unwritten rule for both is to let exiting commuters get off first before boarding. That's a joke on the subway, but it's pretty much followed on the bus. If for no other reason, the driver will tell people, "Let 'em off, let 'em off!"

MTA = "Empty A"?

When I relocated to NYC, I gave my car to my mom.  She thought I had lost my mind until she came up for a visit.  Some people here, including my wife's parents, can't imagine living without their car.  To me, while there are times I wish I had the car when I've got to run a lot of errands, it's just not worth the hassle.    First, there's the parking issue.  If you can find a space on the street, at least two days a week, you've got to move the car while the street cleaner goes by.  Then there's the insurance.  If auto insurance rates in NYC aren't the highest in the nation, they've got to be close.  Fuel is expensive here.  And on and on.

     That leaves the MTA, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the subways and buses of NYC and immediate surrounding area.  Like a lot of others, I complain about the MTA, especially now since they're about to jack up the fares - AGAIN - and cut service.  It's even more annoying because so many MTA employees are often seen just sitting around.

     I shouldn't complain, though.  The cost of a monthly MTA unlimited pass is now $81, about to go up to $103.  That's still cheaper than a car payment, and if you have a Metrocard and some patience, you really can get anywhere in NYC.

     But riding the subway can be an adventure.  I know that a number of my blog posts will relate to something I've seen or heard on the subway.

     About a month ago, my wife and daughter (almost 19 months old at that time) and I were going down to Herald Square.  I think it was at the 81st St stop on the B-C line that several teenage girls got on and sat opposite us.  Several were wearing softball uniforms from Louis Brandeis HS.  Two of them started making out.  I don't mean simple kissing.  I'm talking about tongue slashing, saliva swapping, hands groping making out.  The only thing that kept this from being out and out sex was that they were still wearing their clothes.  I became pissed!

     It's not that I have anything against lesbians.  I don't.  I think being gay or lesbian or bisexual is as natural as heterosexuality.  I support same-sex marriage.  My wife and I have marched in Pride Parades in two states.  But I draw the line at anyone making out like that in public - especially in front of children.   My wife knew I was getting mad and kept urging me to just let it go.  So I said in a loud voice, "Look, I don't care if they are lesbians, they shouldn't be having sex in front of everyone!"  That did the trick.  I don't think the couple heard me, but one of their friends did and told them to cut it out.  My wife later told me I was lucky I didn't get attacked with one of the softball bats.

    Seriously, is it too much to expect people to wait until they're someplace private before getting it on?