The Black Hole

The  seat  opposite  “shotgun,”  behind  the  operator’s  seat,  is unofficially called, “the black hole.” Folks who sit here become invisible. They cannot see to the front of the bus because their view is blocked. And there is no pull string to activate the chime or stop request. Acoustics are very poor because of the wall behind our driver’s seat, and if the blowers are on, it is next to impossible to hear them speak.

There is a large distance in most coaches past the first two hand holds or poles that connect from the ceiling to the seat. If the first four seats on either side are full, especially with passengers with bags, or a walker, a baby, or odd carry-on, it is time to make sure the interior mirror is set to view the no man’s land.

Add to this the various nationalities and accents from the melting pot which is San Francisco, and you have a perfect recipe for failure in passing up their request. So, when I have a working mirror which I can point to the black hole, all the better. I can also turn off the blower, or wait until I am stopped to ask them again where they are going, or what stop they need. I have found out the hard way that it is what I can do to fill their need, rather than go in to twenty questions about what I do. This was the solution to fill the black hole.

We’ve also added a roll bar of sorts to the flip up seats mid coach, so we now have a handhold for those sitting in the flip-up seats by the rear door. This is a godsend for those with groceries and carrying bags. Our new coaches even have a leg rest for someone in a leg brace or on crutches!

And so goes the Muniverse! And staying in the Zen!

Visit: http://www.daoofdoug.com for more about the Muniverse!