I have heard public transit is the safest and most reliable method of transportation when bad weather hits. A bus driver told me that a study on using a bus in bad weather showed that a bus is the safest method of transportation when it rains, sleets, or snows.
So, I used the bus after a big snow blast that hit the area with single digit temperatures staying below freezing for several days.
It was 9 degrees outside. I was bundled up with layers. Few were on the streets. Snow was plowed off the street unto the curb. Here comes the bus. The bus pulled up a foot or two from the snowy curb. I had to step on this pile of snow to get on. It was a little challenging as my one foot pushed down into the snow when I stepped on the bus. I lost my balance slightly(well, I had a carry bag on my shoulder. It slipped a little and that threw my balance off). The handrails are right there on the door which I hold on to when I board and that steadied me. (One note: The drivers are very conscientious about finding the best spot to pick you up and let you off in such conditions. In this case, the snow plow had just gone through and there was not a very good spot to be found.)
A lot of snow boots were on and off the bus, so the floor was wet from melted snow. I thought it might be slippery, but the new rubber-type floor material gripped my shoes even though very wet from the melted snow. The floor(which had to be some high tech, non-slip composition) actually seemed to provide better traction being wet, and probably safer than any flooring in one’s home.
Once on the bus it proved to be a great way to get around. The bus drivers are very skilled to drive well in inclement weather. The bus is heated so I unbuttoned my coat for the ride. I was immediately in a warm, temperature controlled environment... a comforting and secure place.
What I appreciated was the peace of mind and comfort while getting around, knowing I didn’t have to be the skilled driver in snow, keeping my car safe from accidents, keeping me safer than in a car,
The terminal is heated as well so I could wait for the bus to return in a warm environment. When getting off, the walk was a little brisky. One positive is the walk keeps you warm. So it’s not as bad as the waiting part.
All in all, to face cold for 5 or 10 minutes… that was the hardest part and that first step… after that it was great. To be warm, without the stress of driving on slick streets, and knowing I was with safe transportation made up the difference.
When it’s snowing and really cold, be sure to dress extra warm with layers, extra socks, thermal gloves, and thorough head covering including ears and nose, and carry as little as possible with you Then when on the bus you can relax, enjoy the snow scenery and leave the getting around part in the hands of a skilled, experienced driver.
What I learned is the rewards of faith require courage to take that first step. Rewards of faith only come after that step.
So, I used the bus after a big snow blast that hit the area with single digit temperatures staying below freezing for several days.
It was 9 degrees outside. I was bundled up with layers. Few were on the streets. Snow was plowed off the street unto the curb. Here comes the bus. The bus pulled up a foot or two from the snowy curb. I had to step on this pile of snow to get on. It was a little challenging as my one foot pushed down into the snow when I stepped on the bus. I lost my balance slightly(well, I had a carry bag on my shoulder. It slipped a little and that threw my balance off). The handrails are right there on the door which I hold on to when I board and that steadied me. (One note: The drivers are very conscientious about finding the best spot to pick you up and let you off in such conditions. In this case, the snow plow had just gone through and there was not a very good spot to be found.)
A lot of snow boots were on and off the bus, so the floor was wet from melted snow. I thought it might be slippery, but the new rubber-type floor material gripped my shoes even though very wet from the melted snow. The floor(which had to be some high tech, non-slip composition) actually seemed to provide better traction being wet, and probably safer than any flooring in one’s home.
Once on the bus it proved to be a great way to get around. The bus drivers are very skilled to drive well in inclement weather. The bus is heated so I unbuttoned my coat for the ride. I was immediately in a warm, temperature controlled environment... a comforting and secure place.
What I appreciated was the peace of mind and comfort while getting around, knowing I didn’t have to be the skilled driver in snow, keeping my car safe from accidents, keeping me safer than in a car,
The terminal is heated as well so I could wait for the bus to return in a warm environment. When getting off, the walk was a little brisky. One positive is the walk keeps you warm. So it’s not as bad as the waiting part.
All in all, to face cold for 5 or 10 minutes… that was the hardest part and that first step… after that it was great. To be warm, without the stress of driving on slick streets, and knowing I was with safe transportation made up the difference.
When it’s snowing and really cold, be sure to dress extra warm with layers, extra socks, thermal gloves, and thorough head covering including ears and nose, and carry as little as possible with you Then when on the bus you can relax, enjoy the snow scenery and leave the getting around part in the hands of a skilled, experienced driver.
What I learned is the rewards of faith require courage to take that first step. Rewards of faith only come after that step.
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