by Kat Pastula
What is a typical bus stop? It is a busy place filled with the tension of waiting. Irritated people are lurking around the hut or pole ready to jump onto the bus in an instant. These bus-savvy goers are ready to fight to the death with those that interfere with the time it takes to get to the next destination.
But, this is not always the case. The bus stop on Partridge Street and Western is located between two colleges and have high schools nearby. This bus stop has a glass hut with a map, a large sidewalk, and the well-maintained lawn of UAlbany. The light post is a great comfort for those who have to travel on the outlier parts of the running hours: 5:30am to 11:00pm, normal day.
People who ride the bus usually travel in groups ranging from two to four. In this public place, people tend to bring their personal problems. In overhearing their gossip, I can infer what kinds of people attend this bus stop. Two old women were arguing about one of their daughter’s wedding dress. A group of young teenagers described how their silly friend did stupid things with drugs. This asian couple, who were mates, were going to the mall for fun.
Three guys, who I recognized went to Saint Rose, were headed to the mall and so I asked them why. Tim, John, and Mike were headed to the Crossgates Mall. John’s roommate had puked on his bed so the three were getting new bed sheets. Some random other kid piped in, “Yeah, I hate when that happens.” and then a chorus of college students laughed at the situation.
A few days later, I tagged down Tim and Mike. They were coming back from the mall with a new guitar. It was a good thing that they were coming instead of going otherwise I wouldn’t have much time to speak with them. Mike was wearing a black sweater with jeans, and Tim had a gray shirt with guitars on it. (It’s rather funny that he would wear that shirt when he purchased one) People like to stare at his guitar case as we walk by.
I asked them, “How often do you use the bus?” Their answer is once a week. This week is the small exception because a new game comes out on Tuesday. (Battlefield) Their destination is ultimately the mall. The two boys mentioned that they miss their cars but seem to accept that their best situation is to take the bus. The most convenient part of the bus is the free-pass for being a college student at Saint Rose. The main reason, I think, that these young adults use the bus is because of the free-college student admittance. If that were to change, cars would become their main transport then.
Determined to not stand while waiting for the bus, these two will sit on the ground to pass the time. Despite what I had thought about people being nice, the boys are convinced that the bus is not a nice place. If they notice that a particular woman is on the bus, they will not get on. Some time back, one of the guys tripped over the lady’s shoe and then she kicked him. Then she started arguing that they needed to find Jesus or else they’ll go to Hell. They say, “Avoid people like that at all cost.” I have yet to have an experience like that one. Tim said that people are unfriendly and like to push each other out of the way to get on the bus. There is no reason to race for a seat at the stop on Partridge and Western which makes this stop a nice bus stop.
Hearing horror stories upon more horror stories, I conclude that it is not good to make people wait. Taking the bus involves karma, be nice and others will be nice back. The only thing sacrificed is time. Talking to people is also a way of making friends. After interviewing the boys, I wound up playing Battlefield with them. This project founded new friendship with friendly people who just happen to be at a nice bus stop.
halokat 
