Thursday, September 23, 2010

Commuter Camraderie

 I have lived in The Hills for most of my life. I have been through its up's and its down's, espcially in relation to our public transport situation.  My breath is not being held and am not expecting some miracle. A train line? What's that?

Most Sydney-siders would know who we are ... we are those that ride the canary yellow bus.  When in the city, you cant help but see them running up and down York & George streets.  

One of the great things I love (if i can call it love) about how we commuters have an unspoken bond in relation to how we are all hard done by, how the bus is always late, the great probability that you will have to stand the whole way!  

I feel that I am forever looking around the bus or checking out the bus que for someone that I know.  I have had many a late night coming back to the Hills and everyone is chatty, discussing their night & jumping into other peoples conversations, laughing at the snoozer and in unison, steering clear of the vomiter.

We gather at bus stops and discuss if the bus has gone, how its always late, will you even get a seat. The dread we share that we're not on the "x". ("x" buses are express buses that go to the city via lane cove tunnel GREATLY reducing the duration of the commute) and even worse, that the bus behind us is an "x".

Our Hillsbus drivers also recognise that its not so peachy commuting in for about an hour (on a good day).
In the past I've had those drivers who are extra friendly and chat to people as they get on and off. There is one on Saturday nights that really pumps up the music as we migrate to the city for the night. Even more fun is Christmas time. The extra joviality of the drivers, the completely OTT decorations with flashing lights, tinsel, ornaments and of course the Santa suit uniform. 

 If the train line was extended to our part of town, it would solve our transport woes, but our camaraderie and opportunites to bond would diminish. The train line is way overdue, its up to individuals including me to keep the camaraderie buoyant.
  

Picture taken from:
http://www.cdcbus.com.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/images/Hillsbus%5B2%5D.JPG

No comments: