In heavily trafficked cities like New York, lady bus drivers face challenges when nature calls. Lisa Turner, a bus driver for 24 years, explained that most bus depots have a ladies’ room at the end of the line where drivers can stop if needed. In urgent situations, drivers can call the office and inform passengers that they need to take a personal break. Turner emphasized the importance of honesty in these situations, offering passengers transfers or alternate bus options if needed. Despite the challenges, Turner shared her experiences of managing her bathroom breaks while working overnight shifts on the B47 route.
Turner’s journey to becoming a bus driver began in Queens, Jamaica, where she worked as a cleaner before being promoted to bus operator by Transit. Despite her initial fears and struggles during training, Turner persevered and learned the ropes in just seven days. She shared that the minimum shift for bus drivers is typically eight hours, with some runs paying up to 12 hours. Turner reflected on the changes in her behavior as she grew older, mentioning that she is now too old to engage in confrontations with other drivers on the road, which she might have done when she was younger.
The author recalls a terrifying earthquake experience that coincided with a rehearsal for the Oscars, during which the sound and tremor of a real earthquake shocked the audience. The earthquake occurred as a large dinosaur prop from “Jurassic Park” was being brought onstage, causing chandeliers to crash, walls to shake, and people to run in fear. The aftershock of the earthquake continued to rattle the author’s surroundings, including a swaying chandelier in their hotel. Despite missing the film “Jurassic Park,” the author mentions a new film called “Challengers” that caters to young tennis fans.
Discussing the issue of juvenile delinquency and gun violence in America, the author highlights the dissonance in today’s society, beginning at an early age even before college. The mention of third graders potentially attending reform schools on scholarships due to the prevalence of juvenile delinquency underscores the gravity of the situation. The author suggests that the current state of juvenile delinquency, coupled with easy access to firearms, poses a threat to the safety and well-being of communities across America, not just in New York City. The alarming reality of armed juvenile delinquents serves as a wake-up call for society to address these issues and work towards creating safer environments for all.
In a city like New York, where public transportation plays a vital role in daily life, the experiences of bus drivers like Lisa Turner shed light on the challenges and responsibilities they face while on the job. From managing bathroom breaks to dealing with difficult passengers, bus drivers navigate various situations to ensure the safety and comfort of their riders. Turner’s journey from a cleaner to a bus operator exemplifies the hard work and dedication required to excel in a demanding profession. As society grapples with issues like juvenile delinquency and gun violence, it is crucial to recognize the efforts of individuals like Turner who play a crucial role in keeping cities running smoothly. Through their stories, we gain insight into the realities of life on the bus and the resilience required to navigate the complexities of urban transportation.
