We keep the heat off in the bus so no one falls asleep!
Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Overhead
One of the differences our corridor streets have that most cities have lost, are the sets of wires over the center of the lanes. Only nine US cities still have overhead from the 50’s. Newer trams recently built may be increasing this number. In SF, we have numerous utility poles alongside the sidewalk that have …
The Noodle
Pulling out without conflict–an age old dilemma!
In God– In Gold We Trust
Quick—What’s the oldest profession? Nope—not Prostitution. It’s Mining! Sure, after the mine is established, the workers may need the second oldest profession, but we as a Realm, a World, a social-memory complex–have always trusted Gold. Does Russia trust China? Does Iran trust Saudi Arabia? Does Turkey trust Turkmenistan? Who knows–but I wouldn’t put up any …
Sit Back and Watch the Show
When I get into trouble, it becomes difficult to know what action to take, especially if I am in a rush. Paradoxically, it is when I am in a compromise, that my choice needs to be decisive and clear. If I am not in a good space, I am apt to be in “an accident.” …
Rollover
The most confounding problem with rule enforcement is at a flat terminal where inspectors can write us up for non-use of the wheel block. Usually, when we need a break after an intense trip, we don’t bother with the extra time to place a wheel block because we are short on time to go to …
The Five Greens of Happiness
O grasshopper, the five greens of happiness are a wonder to behold when leaving Embarcadero Building Three at Davis and Sacramento on the 1 California! I was blessed with a leaving time of 4:58 p.m. and I could make it to Kearny at the foot of Chinatown before the masses descended from the downtown towers …
Morning Rush
We all know we try to cut it as close as we can and get away without wasting any time. This image of efficiency is to take the bus without any waiting time. But just like a Mad magazine comic strip, if we are all making the same determinations at the same time, we invariably …
Where to Stand
Most of the time intending passengers are not standing where I want to place the front doors. Folks don’t seem to understand what it takes for a forty-foot or sixty-foot vehicle to come to the curb, and then have enough room to pull away leaving a four foot clearance from any object or vehicle parked …
Stopping and Starting
One of the most challenging aspects which takes its toll on the body is trying to maintain a smooth start and stop, particularly on a hill. All coaches are not equal. In order to maintain an even stop on a hill, some coaches require 40 to 60 percent more force on the pedal, and then, …
The Dao of Doug: A Bus Driver's Perspective 