Riding the Bus-True to My...

…nature, we took the bus the wrong direction on the first day of school and then managed to get off two stops too early. We were 25 minutes late despite the fact that we left an hour early. The bus did stop at the school, it just took the long, long route about town. In my defense, I was unable to check the route online and map it for myself. I had to follow VMW’s directions, which were fine had I not misunderstood one key piece of information, about which side of the road to start on.

We were actually saved by a teacher who recognized us getting off at the wrong stop, and then walked with us to school. I didn’t realize until we were almost at the school that it was the wrong stop. I just thought-this is so much further then I remembered when I took the bus from downtown and walked. (Which was successful when I mapped it in my own way. Not defensive am I?) I got off at Glenfirth Road (which her school is on), but the stop we needed was County Hospital. Ahhh!

Well the second day went much better, although I determined I am walking between 4 and 5 miles a day, between bus stops and destinations. It took me 4 ½ hours of travel time getting to and from school (which is only about a 3 mile walk, if there was a path to walk it.) I carry X while he fights me. The road we walk along (on a sidewalk) is a four lane divided highway and moves at 50 plus miles per hour. So, X can’t walk (he runs away) and my stroller doesn’t fit on the bus. I miss my car!

Ok, so day three I was able to spend only 3 ½ hours traveling. I don't think it will be any less then 3 hours. VMW bought me a little umbrella stroller. Thank goodness. I will get the hang of it, but this is great incentive to buy a car and learn to drive here! I am ready. I am so disappointed in the public transportation, walking and biking options. I traveled all over Europe in college much more easily.

Just some facts. I find it interesting for me to evaluate my own progress navigating the system.

Cost (in Dollars)
S and I have to pay and X is free.
Day one-$3.60 per ride, per person. That means it costs us $21.60 per day to take S to school.
Day two-four-I was able to buy an all day pass on the bus. The means $12 per day to take S to school.
Day four-different information from a different source. I am able to buy a week pass on the bus and don’t have to go to the main station. It equates to $4.80 per day. I am getting better.

Time to and from school.
Day one-5 ½ hours-ouch.
Day two-4 ½ hours-ok.
Day three- 3 ½ hours-better.
Day four- 3 1/2 (this is as good as it will be)