The Pros and Cons of Riding a Public Bus

I mostly drive my car but sometimes do ride the bus. On the positive side, the bus is good for the environment. Instead of 20 people driving their cars they instead are all on the bus. This takes vehicles off the street thus relieving traffic congestion. Fuel is also saved in this regard.
The bus is good also in that it removes personal liability from the riders. For example, if you get in an accident while driving your own car you can get in trouble in a number of ways. However, if you are riding the bus and there is an accident you are not liable. You can also read a book on the bus and engage in other constructive activities which are not easy or safe to perform while driving your car. Of course, for those who have no car or license to drive, the bus is a great thing.
Despite the pros of riding the bus I’m still not crazy about it. The bus tends to be pretty slow. It is large and can’t move as quickly as my car. It also periodically stops thus slowing down your commute. The bus does not always conform to its schedule; sometimes it is early and sometimes late.
Sometimes when I stand up on the bus and grab a hold of a pole to give me balance the pole feels greasy and oily. I think to myself about all the people who have grabbed the same pole and of all the possible germs. Some surfaces areas on the bus just don’t feel clean.
I have less freedom on the bus. In my car I’m in my own space; I can tune my own radio, stop where I want and more. You have no control of who else is on the bus. I was on a bus recently and a guy kept sneezing. It was annoying plus I felt like he might make me sick. Also on the bus are people who are mentally ill, drunk or on drugs, loud and inappropriate, who smell bad, etc.
So, there are definitely pros and cons of riding a public bus. I still mostly drive my car and like that better. I definitely understand however all the good the bus has to offer and really appreciate that it is available.
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