Taking the bus and/or train is always an interesting experience. For one thing, it’s the best place to eavesdrop!

Tonight, for instance, I took the express bus just as everyone was getting off work. The 20X passes the Sandia and Lawrence Livermore Nat’l Labs, and by the time we were out of Livermore and on the freeway, a considerable amount of people had gotten on. And suddenly I hear this directly behind me:

“Yeah, hi, this is —- —– from Lawrence Livermore. I’m on the 20X bus - you can probly hear the motor in the background - and I was wondering if I could express my appreciation for —- ——-; he’s provided some great service for the 20X, he’s always on time, but unfortunately he transferred to another bus line about two weeks ago. Is there any way we could get him back or put in a good word to his boss for his performance?”

Normally I’d mind my own business - I know, since when does a nosy student reporter mind her own business? - but the guy was talking loud enough for everyone sitting in the front of the bus to hear. ‘Sides which, I don’t think I’ve ever heard any bus passenger say anything nice about the driver during the four-plus years I’ve used public transportation.

I would say taking the train was just as interesting tonight, but all I heard on the train on my way back to my apartment were kids crying. Nothing new about that…