2008 Woodie Awards
AC Transit can be convienent for some
But it can wreak havoc for other passengers who depend on the bus
Overstreet, Veronica
Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: Points Of View
- Page 1 of 1
Riding the bus to school is a necessity for many students, myself included.
There are several pros and cons that accompany the experience of riding the bus. Chabot College student Oscar Hernandez points out, "The buses aren't very timely, they're late all the time. I count on them being late rather than on time."
Another Chabot College student named Juan Flores disagrees. "The buses are on time most of the time, but sometimes they get overcrowded."
Besides overcrowding and lateness, it's a very convenient and environment-conscious way to travel.
Unfortunately, some passengers don't respect their drivers, or their fellow passengers. When an elderly or disabled person boards the bus, they are entitled to a front seat.
This is not only a rule, it's federal law. Even with signs posted stating this fact, some still ignore it.
The bus driver should not have to instruct people to give up their seat, but I see it happen.
If you hate to stand while riding the bus (I definitely do) then there's an easy solution. Sit in the back; that way you don't have to give up your seat unless you want to.
Too often I observe disgusting behavior taking place on the bus. Food and garbage is often left on the seats, causing a big mess, but the grossest thing are loogies being spat on the floor. Yes, loogies.
Penal code section 640 states that there is no smoking, drinking, or eating allowed on the bus, and that radios must be kept silent.
All AC Transit buses have signs informing passengers of this law, right next to the video cameras.
Although not heavily enforced, these infractions are punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 and by community service for a total time not to exceed 48 hours over a period not to exceed 30 days.
Expectorating (spitting loogies) upon a system facility or vehicle is one of the nine other infractions that fall under this penal code section, which is provided in full at http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/640.html.
The majority of AC Transit passengers are very courteous, but if everyone would do their part maybe less people would drive and more would ride.
There are several pros and cons that accompany the experience of riding the bus. Chabot College student Oscar Hernandez points out, "The buses aren't very timely, they're late all the time. I count on them being late rather than on time."
Another Chabot College student named Juan Flores disagrees. "The buses are on time most of the time, but sometimes they get overcrowded."
Besides overcrowding and lateness, it's a very convenient and environment-conscious way to travel.
Unfortunately, some passengers don't respect their drivers, or their fellow passengers. When an elderly or disabled person boards the bus, they are entitled to a front seat.
This is not only a rule, it's federal law. Even with signs posted stating this fact, some still ignore it.
The bus driver should not have to instruct people to give up their seat, but I see it happen.
If you hate to stand while riding the bus (I definitely do) then there's an easy solution. Sit in the back; that way you don't have to give up your seat unless you want to.
Too often I observe disgusting behavior taking place on the bus. Food and garbage is often left on the seats, causing a big mess, but the grossest thing are loogies being spat on the floor. Yes, loogies.
Penal code section 640 states that there is no smoking, drinking, or eating allowed on the bus, and that radios must be kept silent.
All AC Transit buses have signs informing passengers of this law, right next to the video cameras.
Although not heavily enforced, these infractions are punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 and by community service for a total time not to exceed 48 hours over a period not to exceed 30 days.
Expectorating (spitting loogies) upon a system facility or vehicle is one of the nine other infractions that fall under this penal code section, which is provided in full at http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/640.html.
The majority of AC Transit passengers are very courteous, but if everyone would do their part maybe less people would drive and more would ride.
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