Here’s the thing with buses…they suck. There are few things more annoying than having to rely on a bus to get from east to west or vice versa. It sucks so bad that on most occasions, you would rather walk than have to deal with taking the bus.
I used to have to take the 86th street crosstown bus everyday. There was no accurate way of planning how long your journey would take.
The exact same ride across town could take ten minutes one day and forty-five minutes the next. Needless to say, the day you don’t have anywhere to be would be the day that it would take ten minutes, while the day you’re in a rush you can pretty much guarantee it’ll take 45.
Why does this happen? I’m glad you asked.
Firstly, bus schedules.
Bus schedules hold about as much weight as a paper towel holds water. I don’t know why the MTA continues to allow trees to be destroyed to print those things because the buses pretty much show up when they want and not according any alleged schedule.
Secondly, the genius that planned the 86th street route decided that it would be a good idea to put the bus stops at the corners instead of in the middle of the block.
What this means is that you’re basically guaranteed to miss three green lights as people keep running up to the bus as soon as the light changes. This is nothing short of torture.
Of course, this is only torture when you’re the one in the bus, because when you’re the one on the outside running to catch it at the light, well then it’s just a godsend, isn’t it?
Then after you get on and the same thing happens for someone at the very next light you’re silently cursing under your breath. Perspective, amazing how that works…
Thirdly, Murphy’s Law.
You can almost bet on it that if you’re rushing to get somewhere and taking the bus, someone in a wheelchair is going to be boarding that same bus. It probably takes about an extra five minutes to get that person on the bus, and another five if they happen to be getting off before you, which will inevitably be the difference between whether you’re on time or late.
I remember this one time I was running late for an appointment and as I boarded the bus I was praying for a quick crossing. Well, clearly God has a sense of humor because on that particular occasion, not one, but two people in wheelchairs got on the bus along the way.
Now just to clarify, lest I start getting hate mail, this is in no way meant to be insensitive to people in wheelchairs; I’m just using it as an example of how Murphy’s Law works. Glad we got that disclaimer out of the way.
So what’s the resolution here? Basically, if you don’t have time to waste, and actually need to plan your journey, you had better seriously consider other options.
Walk, or take the long way round to catch a train. Better yet, move.
Find a place closer to 14th or 42nd street since they are the only ones that are privileged enough to have a crosstown train.
Whatever you do, when it comes to the crosstown bus, one simple rule should apply: avoid at all costs.
Featured Image by Jason Kuffer on Flickr
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
hiking
May 31, 2015 at 4:05 pm
Thank you, I ave just been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
How to make eyelashes longer
May 31, 2015 at 3:31 pm
Im thankful for the blog.Much thanks again. Cool.
Jadwal Puasa Ramadhan 2015
May 31, 2015 at 9:37 am
I truly appreciate this blog post.Thanks Again. Cool.
kegunaan minyak bulus
May 31, 2015 at 9:20 am
Regards for this tremendous post, I am glad I detected this internet site on yahoo.
Clash Of Clans
May 29, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
My web site: Clash Of Clans
prosurx topical cream
May 29, 2015 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article. Want more.
Informationen
May 29, 2015 at 3:06 pm
Nice site. On your blogs very interest and i will tell a friends.
Coupons
May 29, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Well I truly enjoyed studying it. This subject procured by you is very helpful for good planning.
Jeff Pederson SEO
May 29, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Very good blog.Much thanks again. Awesome.
How to Patent your Product Ideas
May 28, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
pure virility trial
May 28, 2015 at 3:45 pm
Really appreciate you sharing this blog.Much thanks again. Want more.
flights
May 28, 2015 at 3:32 pm
Yeah bookmaking this wasn at a high risk decision great post!.
http://garagedoorrepairsandiegoca.co/
May 28, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Interesting article. Were did you got all the information from?
Work Injury
May 28, 2015 at 4:43 am
This is just what I ave been sharp on behalf of all day. Achieve not bring to a halt updating your blog.
car rental
May 27, 2015 at 9:06 am
This definitely answered my problem, thank you! jordans cheap
Watch Movies Online
May 18, 2015 at 9:51 am
This particular blog is really entertaining additionally amusing. I have picked up helluva useful tips out of this amazing blog. I ad love to return every once in a while. Cheers!
toddler learning video
May 18, 2015 at 8:11 am
Thank you for your post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
best detox tea australia
May 18, 2015 at 7:58 am
together considerably far more and a lot more typical and it may very well be primarily an extension of on the internet courting
online free
May 18, 2015 at 7:46 am
to carry this out efficiently, appropriately and safely.
Adult movies subscription
May 18, 2015 at 7:34 am
I think this is a real great article.Really thank you! Cool.
Animal Attacked
May 15, 2015 at 2:58 pm
Muchos Gracias for your blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
make money with google adsense in Nigeria
May 15, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Wow, incredible blog format! How long have you been blogging for? The whole glance of your web site is fantastic, let well as the content!
what is content writing
May 15, 2015 at 2:25 pm
Nice blog here! Also your website rather a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link in your host? I want my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
financial planning
May 15, 2015 at 2:06 pm
I see something truly special in this internet site.
Taable Note
May 15, 2015 at 1:55 pm
This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!
diono rainier
May 15, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Major thanks for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
fiverr.com/eebest8
May 8, 2015 at 10:53 am
I really enjoy the blog.Thanks Again. Fantastic.