Bus 53

This month, I'm walking home from work three times a week (as you've heard). But, when I'm not walking home, I take the bus. I don't have a car here in Italy so when I arrived, I had to learn the public transportation system. Fortunately, there is a bus stop right around the corner, and there is one bus that takes me directly to work. That bus is my bus, Bus 53. I love my bus. It stops half a block from our apartment and it takes me straight to work and then it continues on to the end of the line. I use this bus to get to/from work and also to go downtown to do things (like movies, shopping, etc.). Bus 53 is a little different than other buses because it is on a schedule (supposedly). Basically, that means that there are fewer buses running and they are supposed to arrive at each stop at a scheduled time, but they rarely do. A lot of people grumble about the 53 because it doesn't come as often as other buses, and some people give up on it and take another bus (like the 63 or 52). But not me...no, I remain loyal to my 53. I patiently wait for my favorite bus to arrive. Being a scheduled bus also means it has limited hours (it stops running at 9:00 PM which is annoying sometimes) and it doesn't run on holidays or Sundays (which is annoying because it could take me directly downtown to church, but it doesn't run on Sunday so its not helpful).

I like the public transportation in Rome. It has always been adequate for my needs. There is a very helpful website and I've been able to get everywhere I need to go. Once you learn the rules, riding the bus can be fun. The first rule (as I mentioned in a previous post) is that you have to have your bus ticket before getting on the bus. Once you board the bus, you have to validate your ticket by putting it in the yellow machine at the front or back of the bus. The machine prints an expiration date/time on your ticket. That means you are allowed to get on and off of as many buses and trams as you like until your ticket expires. They sell 75 minute tickets, 1-day tickets, 3-day tickets, monthly tickets, and even yearly tickets. (The yearly tickets are a little different because you have to go downtown to get them and they actually have your picture printed on them, like a driver's license...I know, because I had one!) Its important to have a ticket and to validate it because occasionally, there are "ticket checkers" that get on the bus and ask for your ticket. If you don't have one, they fine you (at least 50 euro). One more reason I like the 53 is that the ticket checker almost never get on. There aren't enough passengers to make it worth their time!

When you ride the bus, you have to follow certain etiquette rules. You always enter the bus from the front or back door and you exit the bus from the middle door. Some drivers are very particular about this and they won't even open the other doors for you. You're also expected to give up your seat for old people or disabled people (but that's common sense). Another rule: when you want to get off the bus, you have to request the stop. Each bus line has set stops (listed on the big yellow sign at each bus stop) but it won't actually stop unless there is someone that wants to get on or off. If you want to get off at the next stop, you have to push the button. During rush hour, the bus generally stops at all stops because there are a lot of people, but late at night, the bus will pass 10 or more stops before stopping...its great.

As excited as I am to get my car back in 4 months, I will miss riding the bus in Rome. I have enjoyed riding the 53 and every time I see it, I am happy. I was able to get a few pictures of my favorite bus while I was walking home on Wednesday, it was hard to resist jumping on.