Setbacks and Small victories

I rarely-if ever- used public transportation in the US because a) I always had a vehicle (not a good reason, I know) and b) the places where I lived were small towns were public transport was limited and not conducive to performing everyday tasks (getting to class, etc.). As I have become more earth conscious, I’m learning to embrace alternative forms of transportation. Also, living in a place where I don’t have a vehicle is a motivating factor.

I thought Australia’s transportation system was going to be super easy to navigate. And it is if you know that you have to waive the bus down if you’re not catching it at a main stop (the mall, etc.). I didn’t know this and the bus definitely passed my by without even slowing down. I was aiming to get to campus super early so the time setback wasn’t a big deal. And I suppose it was sort of funny later on. So, lesson learned: wave frantically at bus to ensure that it stops.

Next lesson. I’m still getting used to Australian money. They have $1 and $2 coins. The $2 coin is smaller than the $1. The 20 and 50 cent coins are bigger and a different metal than the $1 and $2 coins. I realized that I was the only person getting on the bus, digging through my purse for the proper coins to pay my bus fare, and feeling like a jerk for holding up the line. After a little research, (the translink website is really great) I realized that everyone else had a “go card.” Basically, you prepay and load money on the card. Then, as you get on and off the bus you just scan the card and it automatically calculates your fare and subtracts it from your account. Super easy. I’m sure that in real cities in the US, they have the same sort of set-up. But like I said, I’m not educated when it comes to bus systems.

I managed to find a place to buy a concession (student) “go card” and I incorporated the journey to fetch the card into one of my runs because it was sort of on the way. But I couldn’t load money onto it online because I have an overseas credit card. Of course. So I just used some cash to get started. And off I went feeling super proud of myself for figuring all of this out. I was sort of annoyed that they’re changing the “go card” discount. Currently, you get ½ price rates after 6 trips in one week. Next week they’re changing it to after 10 trips in one week. The way my schedule is, I will be making 6 trips/wk.

Today I took the bus to school (this involves switching buses at the mall and a 60-75 minute time commitment) and when I went to get off, the scanner wouldn’t read my card. Or any card. The bus driver said the system was useless and he couldn’t fix it. The driver of the other bus I was on just pressed a few buttons and made it work. I suggested this to the second bus driver and he was not impressed or motivated to help me any more. I’m pretty sure there’s a fee for not scanning your card when you get off the bus which is way more than my fare would have cost.

Two steps forward and one step back I guess.

*Note: The sign says "hail driver" and has a pic of a guy doing just that, but the stop where I got missed by the bus was an unofficial stop and so it didn't have a sign.