So I just read the article in this month’s Observer in the “My Town” section.  It’s called “AATA Culture,” where the writer (a grad student) gives her take on the culture of AATA Buses.

Among her observations:

• “Even though the same people gather every day at the same bus stop, none of us acknowledges that fact.”
• “Once you board, the rule is never to sit next to a person in a two-person seat if you can find a seat alone.”
• [a paraphrase here] Don’t say anything to people who use cell phones loudly because they will glare at you.

Ok,  so that’s her experience of AATA culture.  I’ve see things somewhat differently.  Sure, there are elements of don’t-talk-to-me-when-I-am-on-the-bus culture, but there is also very much a community culture on the bus that both I and others have experienced.

A DTE Energy Employee who has ridden the bus in various places for about 30 years tells me about the friends she’s made on the Packard #5 bus,  They call themselves the “Route 5 Ladies” and they always chat with each other when they get on the bus.  In fact, when one of them is sick or doesn’t take the bus for awhile, the others will call and check on that person.  The Route 5 Ladies even have a favorite bus driver, who they say is going to drive them around the country when they all retire.  That’s AATA Culture, too.

I recall many times I’ve sat on the bus and someone gets on with a small child.  Many other passengers make funny faces at the cute kid and sometimes exchange kind words with the parent.   That’s AATA Culture, too.

I remember one day walking to a bus stop and seeing a local shop manager standing there.  We had a great conversation all the way into the downtown.  That’s AATA Culture, too.

I think a lot of it depends on what you want to get out of the bus ride.  Do we all just want to stand there ignoring each other, or do we want to reach out?

Sometimes I wish I was more like that guy who just says hello to people when they get on the bus.  Sure, he’s a little off, but he’s also opening himself up to new people and possibly new friends.

I say AATA Culture is what you make it.  Sure, there have been plenty of times that I’ve just gotten on the bus and zoned out.  But the times I’ve chatted with the driver, the times I’ve chatted with a fellow bus rider, those are the times that make me realize how much community, and culture, The Ride brings into my life.

And then there’s the guy on the bus who says “They’ll be shakin’ in Cincinnati.”  I love that guy!

As I had indicated before, Wheels in Motion Bikeshop is organizing the Worst Day of the Year Ride this year.  Well, they have been cool enough to create a blog for the event!

You can check out the blog here: worstdayridw2008.blogspot.com