Shokufeh is... home

We've been struck

So, as I mentioned, we're having a bus strike here. The drivers of TheBus have decided they need some more money. From what I read, after five years on the job, drivers get about $45,000 a year, more than police officers and teachers, and a lot of other people. I think public backing for their demands is lacking.

Yesterday, I went outside and was surprised at how quiet it seemed here in the business district. I never realized how much noise is created by the buses and the people waiting to ride them. It was almost eery. But nice.

Today was not so nice. Maybe it's because I got to work a little earlier. Maybe it's because people decided their form of transportation yesterday - whether it was walking or carpooling - sucked. When Sam dropped me off, I felt almost like I was back in Manhattan - cars were bumper to bumper.

For me, the bus is more of a convenience than a necessity. I buy a bus pass every month, even though I usually end up paying a little more than if I was paying at each ride. I like being able to be carried home, if my legs don't feel up to the task. I like the freedom of being able to go to other parts of town, even if Sam hasn't made it home from work with the car. I like not having to worry about where to park a car downtown.

But for a lot of people, choices are more limited. They don't have someone to drop them off. They don't live within walking distance of work. Unfortunately, I don't see things being resolved any time soon. There really weren't a lot of negotiations prior to the strike, and at this point, both sides are sticking to their guns. With quality of life for the island stuck in the crossfire.

Posted by Shokufeh at August 27, 2003 08:53 AM