The benefits of the bus

I rode Metro downtown to work today, my first time ever. I've always thought I'd feel constrained by taking the bus but instead I felt liberated.

I didn't have to worry about traffic or fret about running late because I was forced to run early. And there was something really nice about starting my day with other people. I didn't realize how lonely that commute had become until I had seatmates explaining the bus routes and offering tips on dealing with bad weather and missed buses.

The people were the best part of the experience. I wonder if bus riders are a unique breed -- unpretentious, down-to-earth, at least some environmentally minded.

I decided to try bus-riding for a week to challenge high school students to take the school bus rather than drive to school. My ride was so pleasant -- and so eminently sensible -- that I can see myself riding all the time.

I applaud those of you who have spent years being committed to mass transit. I know the system isn't perfect, but I wish I had tried it years earlier.