Comments on: Kevin on the CDTA

By: Will King

Will King — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:34:03 +0000

I take the 1 (Central Ave, downtown Albany to Colonie Center) nearly every day on my way home.

I have encountered on my travels on the #1 bus this old black man, I assume homeless by the look of him, but ya never know, who gets on wearing a karate kid type bandana on his head, jheri curl hair, and leopard print baggy MC Hammer pants.

The topper?

He REEKS of urine. Not like a little wafting smell either, full on hardcore urine.

When he gets on the bus the other regulars literally say, out loud, “oh my God, not this guy”.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:46:37 +0000

My best CDTA story was coming home from work on the 12, on a very full bus, including one very inebriated guy. Turned out he was also sleepy and proceeded to pass out while standing up, which wouldn’t have been a bad thing had the bus not been moving. He comes to prone on the floor, bleeding from the head, and ready to punch out whomever just laid him out. Since he was injured, we were forced to wait for another bus. Of course, he decided to leave to scene causing us to beg the driver to continue on without him. She didn’t.

By: Kevin Marshall

Kevin Marshall — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:12:43 +0000

Kari – Honestly? I grew up in Troy and have taken the bus more times than I can count as a kid and teenager. I very rarely encountered anything even remotely bad. I’ve overheard stuff, sure, but it’s nothing that I haven’t heard before. Cuz I’m from the STREETS, KID

Amanda – Thank you! And I also heart Leigh. Her and her man are great people.

By: Ski

Ski — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:46:43 +0000

I worked at the Capital that summer when gas prices were at an all time high. Between that, and the fact that my position didn’t come with a parking spot, taking the bus just made sense. Since I put off getting my lisence until I was in my 20s, I never minded taking the bus. But I *loved* it when I had the option.

CDTA RT 13 rarely has its ‘weirdos.’ It was packed full of professionals, young and old, or people doing their grocery shopping at Delaware or Slingerlands Chopper. There was one nice lady who was blind, and she was training this black lab puppy to be a seeing eye dog. Every week, we’d watch in terror as the hyperactive puppy would anxiously try and lead her into traffic. Luckily, each day, pup got a bit smarter.

I wish I still had a job on a bus route. Say what you will about the blue monsters, but the bike rack on the front is awesome.

Removing myself from awkward situations? Too many stories to tell. I’m a magnet.

By: Amanda Talar

Amanda Talar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:42:31 +0000

I’m in love with the picture you posted of “Falcor”. I cannnnot stop laughing. Great post.

I also heart Leigh.

By: Kari

Kari — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:37:31 +0000

Leigh & I decided that we were going to try out the CDTA system after many readings of her encounters on the bus. Yesterday’s made me want to protect her (woman complaining about someone choking her, then saying “if anyone overheard me, I’ll kill them.”) Nice huh?

I do plan on riding the new 57 line when it goes active from a block from my house to work when it’s warmer. It will save me some gas, and cost about as much as my parking permit. Unfortunately I’ll have to keep my permit, as I may have to drive to/from work on certain days when I have appointments, etc.

I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, as I’ve had public transportation experience in the past (college & living on Long Island), and it’s not always pretty, but I make the best of it. Yay for my iPod!