Current prices for adults, as I write this, are $2 one way, $40 for a monthly pass.
I ride the bus often and buy a pass each month.
It is interesting observing both the "commute crowd" (those riding most weekdays to/from work or school) and the tourists/visitors.
The commute crowd (myself included) is actually made up of diverse groups and individuals. But certain patterns emerge…
As is natural, when someone boards, she/he will gravitate toward the empty seats. Except for the bench-type seats, where the passengers sit facing the sides of the bus, most seats come in twos, joined together, facing forward. Here's where tendencies vary: Some will sit near the window, thus allowing anyone else to sit next to them on the outside. However, many will sit on the outside, with the vacant seat on the inside - effectively blocking it with their bodies. There are even those who will place their backpacks or packages on the empty seat next to them, on either side. Talk about body language!
[For those who prefer the outside seat, yes, I know it makes for an easier exit, but it complicates things for those looking for easily accessible seats.]
This is all okay, as long as the bus is relatively empty. As vacant two-seaters become used up and no outside seats are available, however, those unfortunate enough to board at this point face the prospect of either "asking" those blocking the inner seats (or the outer ones with their packages) to allow them to sit, or remain standing and avoid confrontation.
[A few of those standing choose to do so right in front of the doorways - narrowing the passageway for those exiting.]
Everyone's different, but I suspect that a common reason for sitting on the outside rather than next to the window is to try to control who, or even if someone, will sit next to them. I notice that even among those who are lucky enough to be able to accept an (silently) "offered" outside seat, many will continue to sit on the outside - even after the person next to them has left.
It is due to such observations, and rational decision, that I normally position myself near the window, on the inside of an otherwise empty two-seater. Oh sure, I have the same tendencies as others, I too would like to control who sits close to me, pretty is better than not so, clean is better than not so, but it is also not my bus, not my call… I have paid for just one space on the bus, whether sitting or standing.
[Ladies, please don't wedge your handbags between us when you sit next to me. The physical pressure is very annoying.]
For those commuting, talk is often kept to a minimum, a daily routine, but there are exceptions. Tourists coming aboard, especially in groups, tend to "liven up" the place - often to the dismay of those who enjoy quiet contemplation.
Many of those headed for the airport bring their luggage on board, placing them on empty seats or blocking the aisles with them. In the old days, one of the rules for those with packages or luggage was something like "If you can't place it on your lap, then you either have to pay two fares or find another means of transportation" (I forget exactly). I would be all for a reintatement of some sort of on-your-lap rule for packages, whether for tourists or regulars.
Oh, and about offering your seat to the elderly, those sitting near the window feel "safe", those on the outside are more "at risk". Some offer cheerfully, willingly, others, because people are watching. Still, these offers aren't always made. When they are, often these go according to plan, the senior is offered a seat, and she/he gratefully accepts. But at other times, the person will adamantly refuse, even after insistent offers by a younger person, until the person offering finally gives up - with a feeling that they shouldn't have tried in the first place. What possessed me to offer my seat? How embarrassing! I'll know better next time.
For clarity and brevity above (well, okay, I was rambling), I have oversimplified, omitting details… Repeating, patterns are discernible, but individuals are also involved. I have been on an almost empty bus, and have someone walk up and sit down right next to me. I have seen many ask for a seat, and have the request complied with - either cheerfully or grudgingly. Unfortunately, I have also seen requests refused in no uncertain terms. Patterns, individuals, variation, mixture - I guess there's balance to be found in all of this…
You may wonder whether, after posting these comments, I would be self-conscious about riding the bus from now on, but I think not. First of all, although many have seen my name on the Internet, relatively few have met me. And although many regular riders of TheBus have seen my face, few know my name. So, if my luck holds out, no one will make the connection and I can continue my silent observations with almost complete anonymity…
Well, okay, here's a hint for those who ride TheBus: I'm the one sitting next to the window with the package on my lap
Raymond T. Kaya
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
www.reikialoha.com/raymond