Transit Fashion: Accessories Edition

by KeralaJane

In this edition of transit fashion, we’re talking about your must-have, can’t-live-without Life in Transit accessories. What do you require to get through your daily commute? We’re talking the thing that you will run back to the house for and risk missing the early bus because otherwise your trip will be hell. To answer this question, I did a quick poll of my fellow transit-takers-in-arms to see what they think. It’s not a peer-reviewed scientific study, but I think it is a pretty fair assessment of what the average commute holds dear to them. These aren’t ranked, but some things definitely came up more than others.  (Oh, and while not everyone said “fare” or “transit pass,” I am going to assume that everyone is a good person and not a freeloader and pays their fare.)

The mic'd model is essential

• Headphones/Music: Coming in as the hands-down most important accessory for your commute is headphones, and, it goes without saying, a music playing device to go with. People agree: the easiest way to get through your commute is retreating into that cozy little bubble that only noise piped directly into your eardrums can create. While I listen to practically everything, Noah G. in DC and Melissa E. in Portland both swear by NPR’s podcasts and the sultry tones of Ira Glass. I myself am an avid Skullcandy devotee, as they seem to stand up better to the wear and tear of daily use and actually stay in my ears.

• Caffeine: The other almost universally popular accessory for a commute, and this is specific to morning commutes, is coffee. Getting ready in the morning is hard enough without trying to gulp down enough steaming hot coffee before rushing out the door. “I have five travel mugs. I can’t be bothered to wash one every night, or remember to bring one home every evening. Clearly I have a problem, but I am a wreck without caffeine in the morning. I can’t help it” confesses fellow transiter Kelly M. in San Francisco. She is not alone: there are 100 million daily coffee drinkers in the US.* And, tomorrow (Sept. 29th) is National Coffee Day!

• Food: In addition to coffee, quite a few people mentioned breakfast in general. “I bring a bagel with me, or a cup of yogurt. I am not a morning person, so eating before I get out of the house is impossible...so, even though you’re not supposed to, I eat on the streetcar in the morning,” admits Kelsey B. in Portland, OR. Well, breakfast is the most important thing.

• Sunglasses: In addition to headphones, fellow LIT blogger @ktlynn83 MUST HAVE sunglasses “(in all weather conditions). Makes it easy to ignore or watch people.” Clearly the bubble effect is desirable, but also, c’mon, it is sunny out there! (especially on boats!) Kelsey H., a walker in Portland, agrees, especially since sunglasses are adept at hiding a tired face until you have time to wake up more.

Audrey Hepburn, avoiding crazies on the bus in style

• A BAG: Really, the type of bag you take on your commute says a lot about you and I will devote a whole post to this in the future, but my brief survey reveals that having the right bag is tres importante. I depend heavily on my GIANT purse to carry everything I need. I am of the cram-it-all-in-one tribe, so an accommodating purse, with lots of pockets for organization, is clutch. (Get it? I made a purse joke.) Sean takes the more manly route of the briefcase, a classic choice, with the occasional backpack, “when I know I’m gonna hit up the gym after work.” Ben D. in Portland, a commuter on wheels, can’t rely on your typical handheld manbag, so he relies on this Timbuk2 bag. Of course, you don’t have to cycle to appreciate the shoulder-strain relief of the classic backpack, but everyone can agree: roller bags are not sexy.

Timbuk2 bags are handmade in San Francisco, love by all.

• Reading material: “I grab an Express paper every day: it’s informative AND gives me something to do on the train” says Alex R. of Washington, DC. Kelsey B. on the other hand takes her Kindle (especially now that she doesn’t have a roommate that steals it all the time), and just picks up where she left off the night before, no bookmark required.

• A change of shoes: This is especially true if you are in a more formal corporate environment or have to gear up for inclement weather for your commute. Believe me, nothing ruins a morning like a rolled ankle or falling flat on your ass after slipping on ice: better to err on the side of good sense and change when you get to the office. During DC winters, I generally wore warm, weatherproof boots for my commute and carried flats in my bag (or just kept heels in my desk.) 

• Some people, though, go technology free: Stephanie H. in San Francisco talks to people... because she doesn’t own a smartphone and apparently doesn’t know how to read. Or something. I don’t even know, that is just weird.

So there you have it. A not so scientific evaluation of what it takes to just get through the morning before you can even start your actual day. I know I’ve missed some things, so please, share with me, what do YOU depend on to make your commute tolerable?

Ch-Ch-Chaaaaanges!!

By the Wanz

The title says it all!

This is more of an announcement blog than a regular blog… post… commety… thing… (Jesus, how am I a write?!)

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!! The Life in Transit dynamic duo—Tanya & Jawanza—is expanding the creative family! Don’t think of the two of us as being “too lazy to tweet” (we’re both just busy with life stuff, work thangs, and of course, our respective hangovers), but seeking fresh creative blood! We’re wanting to expand the variety of writing that we’re doing, so we’re taking some big steps forward in doing so!

Creators & Executive Producers Bandito Betty and the Wanz have brought Associate Producers/Writers KJ (Kerala) and KT (Katie) to the Life In Transit world!! Give them a warm-ass welcome ladies and gentlemen!!

Bandito Betty will still be covering the strangeness that is Tacoma-Pierce County, capturing the bizarre, the funny, and the weird of the 253!! Pierce Transit—keep an eye out!! (Even though Pierce Transit kinda sucks…)

The Wanz will be overseeing MUNI in San Francisco and let me tell you… there’s a whole different league of weird shit that happens in SF. Plus, with the OWL-lines in play, late night strangeness will arrive.

KJ is hitting up the ferries and covering the general East Bay (yeah ferries and AC transit and anywhere else KJ can get around on public transit... oh yeah, there’s a “she’s gets around” joke that we’re going to overlook).

And the infamous KT, queen of Seattle public transit and Amtrak (yes, the crown hath been placeth upon thee) will be giving us the low-down on any King County and Sound Transit madness.

Plus we all endure shitty traffic… and we all know that sucks.

(Don’t worry, the format hasn’t really changed, we’ll return to “non-centered” paragraphing next post.)

And lastly, we have YOU, our relatively medium sized fan-base (noooot too small, but not freakishly large… there’s a that’s what she said joke just waiting to happen). The best way to contribute is to share your stories on twitter (just include us @LifeInTransitTJ), post on our facebook, and read and comment on our blogs. Help us grow, read our craziness, and support is in becoming… legendary… (Yes, yes, I have watched too much How I Met Your Mother lately.)

With KT & KJ joining the team, expect a lot more tweets, some fresh new blogs from all of us, and some awesome facebook… stuff… (what do we post on our facebook?!). And I’m not just talking about the “hungover/sometimes-still-a-little-tipsy-Wanz-rambling-away-about-his-random-late-night-adventures-as-his-life-is-in-transit” posts… I’m talking about the future of this blog as  WE know it…

(Seriously, How badly did I misuse 1^st and 3^rd person in this post? Was it really bad? I may blame the Coors and Mimsoas from earlier and HIMYM.)

Peace out readers! Thanks again!!

The Night Owl Expedition

By the Wanz

            Blog post—surprise!!!

            (That’s right, actually POSTING something on my blog counts as a surprise…)

            (Is that sad?)

            Today we are going to discuss the intense experience that we in San Francisco call “riding the drunk bus.” That’s right Tacoma, San Francisco has buses that run later than 11PM!!! What. A. Simple. Concept. Boo-to-the-ya.

            In San Francisco, we have what is called the “Owl”-lines. These lines run all around the city 24-7. They run about every half-an-hourish (i.e.: the usually time a Tacoma bus takes during the day), but they take you to where you need to go. If you buy a monthly pass, it’s like what… $64ish—whereas a taxi cab, HELLA expensive.

            But with any late-night transportations (or just transportation in general), you should keep in mind some important rules… so you don’t like, ya know… get mugged… get knifed… potentially DIE…  Thus, there’s a need to just keep yourself safe! So, here is some wisdomy-goodness for take MUNI and BART late at night.

1.              Make sure you know how to get home – I mean, have a general idea. There are maps and what not, but just have a general idea about how you can get home. Like some idea of north… east… south… west…

2.              And make sure you know your transfer spot and make sure you DON’T MISS IT!! – Or else you’re SOL. There’s no YOLO moment there.

3.              Don’t be too drunk on the busride – I mean, it’s great that you’re not driving. I’m proud. I’m actually applauding. BUT, guess what: a cab may be a safe bet too. Because on a bus ride you have to pay attention to your surroundings. If you’re too drunk, then just hop off the bus and cab it hoooome. It’s worth the money.

4.              Be prepared to navigate your way through the dark – There are a few handy-dandy recommendations for prepping for this!

a.     Use the GPS on your phone

b.     Listen to automated bus announcements

c.     Stare longingly out the window and try to see the street signs in hopes that your stop hasn’t passed you by

In the end, just make sure you get off when you’re supposed to, because, if you don’t, then you might like… miss your stop… forever.

5.              Be careful of if you fall asleep on the bus – Because when you fall asleep on the bus… you could wake up at the end of the line. Possibly without your wallet. And a place to pee.

6.              Don’t judgeth others, you don’t know where the hell they’ve been – Seriously, you don’t. Hell, where were YOU tonight? Yeah, stop and think about that. Oh shit, some reflection-time with yourself, maybe that’s where your judgment should be focused. Aside from that, don’t judge others. YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

7.              Travel with companions – You don’t have to, but sometimes it’s helpful to have some traveling companions!! Sometimes friends can help you make good life choice. And get home. And make sure you don’t wander.

8.              Beware of the Crazies, Drunks, and Attackerish  - Seriously, be careful. Depending on where you live, where you’re coming from, and who happens to be on board the bus, BE AWARE of your people surroundings. Drunks coiuld vom on you, Crazies could drool on you, and then Attackers could shank you. Just be weary.

9.              It’s ok to make an acquaintance on the bus… just don’t expect commitment – Seriously, if you’re on an Owl-line right now, on the weekend, you’re probably drunk… your judgment may be impaired. In fact, some passing acquaintanceships are meant to simply be that, passing.

10.           Don’t accept gifts from strangers – This life lesson is for all the dumbasses out there. I’ve heard tale of a guy who did the right thing when a guy offered him cocaine on the BART and he declined. Where he fucked up was when he decided to have some of his Gin he was carrying in his waterbottle. Major fail. In fact, a life session that’s important for all late night commuters.  Don’t be a dumbass. DON’T DO IT!

And there are your late night life lessons on the SF “drunk buses”—they get you to where you’re going, and you’ll be safe as long as you follow these helpful tips. (However, if anything does happen to you, even while following said tips, I am in no way liable… don’t sue me.)

Have your own late night bus expedition? Prove it and leave us a comment! J Share your experience on our blog or our twitter account at http://twitter.com/LifeInTransitTJ or on our facebook at http://www.facebook.coom/lifeintransittj or send us an email at LifeInTransitTJ@gmail.com and we may post your message / picture!!

Dear Taxicab Drivers of America

By the Wanz

(Well, at least the cab drivers of Tacoma, Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, and the rest of the Bay Area.)

            Hey there, it’s me again, Wanz, your loyal passenger. I know sometimes I turn down your services for the bus or walking or my friend, but I do want to let you know that I appreciate you, whole-heartedly.

            That being said, I wanted to touch base with you to give you some constructive feedback. Yes, yes, you saw right through me, I’m giving a positive-feedback-positive sandwich… I learned it during supervisor training, and honestly, it’s fucking effective. Being the vocal, web-based person that I am, I wanted to write you a letter that just broke down some wants and desires I have for you. Now I know you have some feedback of your own (but unfortunately, yall don’t connect and have a semi-successful blog that criticizes your passengers… or do you? Do you? Am I in it? Can I be in it? J) but today, it’s about my feedback for you as my driver… consider this my “Top 5 Requests of my Cab Drivers.”

            Firstly, I’m going to provide this brief critique. Honestly, if I am making a very strange request (locationally speaking) I get it if you don’t know where you’re going. However, when I ask you for a pretty basic location… one would hope that you know where you’re going. If not, I understand, but it’s always a little unnerving when I find myself having to instruct you, my driver. I mean… that’s what GPSes were invented for… directions… you even getting out a map wouldn’t be super reassuring, but it’s more reassuring than you going “Uh, ok…” starting to drive and then me having to point out “you are definitely going the wrong direction.”

            Second of all, I am going to admit, this is primarily me being an asshole, but some days I’m in a chatty mood, some days I’m not. Unfortunately, it’s up to you to gauge that. Some days, I’m ok with you asking away about my backstory, and some days I’m chill with listening to your rambly life story, but other days, my general body-language should be screaming “No! NO! I don’t want to talk!! NAY!!!!” and on those days, you just need to accept me for being who I am, and let me be. You feel me?

            Third of all, if you’ve read my other post about taxicabs, you already know that I’m not a fan of drunk taxicab drivers. Nothing against you personally… well, actually yes, a lot against you personally. If I had wanted to get into a car being driven by a drunk driver, I would’ve asked my friend Pat to drive me. He’s been drinking all day. And guess what, I’m in this cab right now because I’m relying on you to be my sober driver. Too much to ask? If it is, then… well, I’m just not getting your ride. Sorry.

            Fourth of all, and this may be making me the asshole again, a title that I’m willing to both accept and embrace, but let me know if you don’t take credit cards. I come from San Francisco, and for the most part, I’m usually carrying cash in anticipation of cabbing home, however, if you have the little VISA/Mastercard logo and several blocks into the ride you’re like “Oooooh….. about plastic……. Yeeeeaaaah….. [insert awkwarder pause]….. I don’t take that.” Then I call bullshit on you good Sir/Madame. (Though now that I’m thinking about it, I’ve only had male drivers… what’s that about guys and gals? Societal norms need to change! Starting on a cabby-level!) Anyways, don’t make me a bigger asshole than I already am, and just be upfront about it so I don’t eject myself from your car, screaming “Eeeeaaaaggggglllleeeee” and then having to tuck and roll. (Eagle was a Scrubs reference… I officially will tip my fro to anyone who go that.)

            Lastly, speed and directions… I pretty much need you to be breaking laws for me if I’m hailing you midday, because that means I’m late. (If it’s a latenight cabby moment, I’m just drunk and need to get home.) So, drive as fucking fast as you can without being pulled over or killing anyone. Being a witness to driveby murder isn’t really in my life itinerary. And directionally speaking, please just go the fastest route as possible. Nothing miffs me more than noticing that you’re taking a long route just to milk the money I’m already spending on you.

EVEN though I already said last, this is just kinda PS note, that just because I’m black, doesn’t mean you should ignore. I’ll pay you. Just stop when I’m waving my arms, attempting to hail you. I swear, I’ll pay… I swear…

            Sincerely,

            Wanz of Life in Transit

P.S. Do you feel like I’ve misjudged you? Have you received other letters from other passengers? Do you have words to say? If so, you should let me know!! Prove it.

P.S.S. To prove it, you should share your experience on our blog or our twitter account at http://twitter.com/LifeInTransitTJ or on our facebook at http://www.facebook.coom/lifeintransittj or send us an email at LifeInTransitTJ@gmail.com and we may post your message / picture!!

P.P.S.S. BYE AGAIN!