Eggshell Green

Share and share alike

There’s been a bit of flack about the new bus lanes in Wellington city. They’ve cost lots of money, ripped up a popular pedestrian mall, and cars are still allowed to share most of the new road after all that.

However when it comes down to the risk to pedestrians (three have been struck while crossing the new lanes), why can’t people just use common sense? If you cross a road, you look both ways. You cross at the crossing. You don’t weave in and out of buses to save a couple of minutes or a few metres of walking. The number of people who just casually walk out in front of buses and traffic in general is disturbing (as well as damn annoying and frightening when you’re driving).

Having said that, I also think bus drivers need to share the road better as well. Having been a public transport user for years, there’s a lot to complain about. Despite the slow speed limit in the city, in my experience, bus drivers do speed, and often. They go through yellow and even red lights, often accelerating to do so. They don’t give way at pedestrian crossings. Of course I’m not saying all bus drivers do these, but certainly some do.

I can’t really comment if these new bus lanes have improved public transport and congestion as I have not had to use them, but as it stands, the mall is now a normal road. It should be treated as such, and buses and pedestrians need to act responsibly as they should on all roads everywhere.

And to all drivers everywhere: don’t be a dick and block pedestrian crossings – that does not help anyone and makes you look like a stupid driver (and I may take a photo and share it with the world).

Tags: buses, public transport, Wellington

Public Bus Personalities

The Neutral

Carries no disadvantageous characteristics and does not have adverse affects on others.

The Holder Upper Type I

Always unorganised when paying for their fare, and holds others up in the process. Usually blocks the entrance while they fumble.

The Holder Upper Type II

Slow moving and often has other priorities, such as getting coffee, ahead of getting to the bus stop in time. Causes others to roll their eyes or give secret evils when the bus makes an extra stop (or an extra long stop) to wait for them.

The Glue Foot

This type refuses to move down the aisle when the bus is filling up and stands firm in oblivion.

The Glue Butt

This type won’t get off their seat to let others out. Favours the “swivel” move but dislikes being whacked in the face with a bag when the other person struggles to pass.

The Raven

… all my soul within me burning, Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before. The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.

The Raven type habitually taps with their finger or foot and slowly drives others insane.

The Cliff Hanger

A loner who prefers the outside edge of the seat. Does not like company but provides others with a sense of satisifaction when the Cliff Hanger must share the seat.

The Too Cool To Sit Next to You

This type insists on standing even if there are spare seats. Will immediately sit down if they have a whole seat to themselves. Is capable of providing others the same level of satisfaction as a Cliff Hanger when another person sits next to them.

The Toucher

Often has a newspaper, or other accessory that they like to rest on the head,  lap, arm or shoulder of others.

The Spreader

This type will spread themselves out, usually to discourage others to sit next to them. Some Spreaders are yet to realise they are this type, and only go as far as spreading their coat out on the seat causing awkwardness when someone sits on it.

The Tin Ears

Often heard before seen. Characteristic loud tinny beats coming from around the ear regions are an obvious mating call to other Tin Ears. Easily repels non-Tin Ears.

The Megaphone

Seems to have poor hearing and must raise their voice during communication. Commonly seen with a cellphone. Unfortunately, this type often has nothing interesting to listen to.

The Squisher

This is usually the largest of the types. Has a high level of optimism when trying to share seats with others.

The Hobbitses

The smallest of the types. Has trouble holding onto overhead railing, and drivers can’t see them exiting, but can easily squeeze past others. Often taken advantage of by Touchers and Squishers.

Tags: public transport