Having lived in Juneau a year or two, I have had many opportunities to use our public transit system. Yes, the bus can be inconvenient at times, but in foul weather it is a true blessing.
There are several other reasons to give it a try. The first of these is people watching. You will see a slice of Juneau’s citizenry which may be outside your normal bubble. This is especially true in the early morning when workers scurry to their appointed jobs, school kids scramble on board for classes and moms are just starting out their day on a shopping foray. And they are all dressed in that distinctive Juneau way — ready to do battle with our fickle maritime weather.
One memorable morning I watched as a Filipino family piled on board in heavy rain gear — mom. dad, grandma, grandpa and their teenage kids all speaking their native tongue. How cool and unusual is that for several generations of a family?
So Juneau’s rich diversity is on display for you to see and enjoy. And if you are paying close attention there is something else that is striking: almost every person arriving at their destination says “thank you” to the driver as they exit the bus. Their politeness is sincere and unusual in our hustle and bustle society. This simple message signals human decency in an age of anger, fear, mistrust and divisiveness.
Finally, the bus will get you where you want to go at a fraction of the cost of your motor vehicle. If the online schedule is hard to read grab a copy located just behind the driver’s seat. This schedule can be your guide to a mini adventure that provides subtle insights into the place we choose to call home.
• Greg Capito is a Juneau resident. Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire. Have something to say? Here’s how to submit a My Turn or letter.