The 5 People You’ll See on the BT

Let’s just say it right up front, riding the bus blows hard. Real hard. This mode of transportation has never really had a very positive connotation. Most of us were forced to ride the bus from elementary school throughout most of high school. From the beginning, the experience was right out stressful. ‘Who am I going to sit next to?’ ‘Where should I sit?’ ‘Is the front dweeb status or is the back–I can’t remember!”
Around sophomore year of high school, things start to look up. Friends start getting licenses, and before you know it even you are rolling up in style in mom’s station wagon. Somehow you’ve survived the bumpy drives, the smelly smells and that awkward bus buddy. Until…you get to Virginia Tech, where after freshmen year, almost everyone has to live off-campus. But how will you ever get to class? If you don’t have mad money to drop on parking permits and gas, or a nice friend to carpool with; then you better start making bus ride playlists.
To prepare your little heart (eyes, ears and nose) here are descriptions of the five people you are most likely to see on the Blacksburg Transit buses. Be not afraid young bus-hopper, you’ll probably make it to your destination and with some good anecdotes to tell your classmates.
 
1. The Last Minute Studier: This poor kid can be spotted immediately. The beads of sweat are rolling off their worried red face; you can hear their murmurs of “I’m not ready, I just can’t do this!” or “Positive thoughts, Positive thoughts!” Flashcards are everywhere and notes are flying around the seats. If you’re standing close, you can see the tears starting to well up in this poor little creature’s eyes. The best thing you can do is to just look away from this soon to be train-wreck, or if you’re kind enough say a little prayer for them.
 
2. Mr. Beatz:
Rocking his head like he’s about to drop a sick mix,
but the only thing he’s got going are his new Kobe kicks.
Loud enough to be annoying but too soft to sing along,
I wish someone would just tell him that he is all wrong.
He’s got beats on his head,
That are all black and red.
Dr. Dre might be proud,
But boy that track is too loud.
So before I lose my hearing,
Please just get off at Derring.
 
3. Susie Talks-A-Lot: First of all, I don’t think your best friend Jennifer wants me, a complete stranger, to know that her boyfriend Steve just knocked her up. Secondly, your voice is about to shatter these delicate glass windows. Thirdly, you’re about to land yourself a spot next to Sharon Osbourne on ‘The Talk’ (and that’s definitely NOT a compliment). The bus is the last place where you’d want to discuss personal matters on or off the phone. Ever heard the phrase “News travels fast,” watch yourself honey because with every passenger on their iPhone, that little piece of juicy gossip will get to Burruss before you do.
 

4. Smelly Sam: WHOA WHOA WEE WHOA…WHAT…IS…THAT?! Did we just run over a skunk, or drive past a trash dump? Nope, no my poor friend, that is the smell of an unwashed individual. You would think by the 21^st century everyone would own a toothbrush and know how to use it and FREQUENTLY for that matter. Good hygiene cannot be stressed enough. No one is going to want to talk, let alone sit next to you and your cloud of morning breath. So don’t be a dope and please get some Scope.
 
5. Wrinkles: “Gam-Gam, I didn’t know you go here!” For many passengers, it can be a little peculiar when we see an older person hopping on the bus. But remember Hokies; we aren’t the only habitants of this lovely town. The BT system is extremely efficient and affordable, and therefore we see people of all ages taking advantage of it. Also, for us youngsters, please remember to be respectful and courteous to the older folks, and offer up your seat. Let’s try to keep the notion of chivalry alive.