The Perplexities of Mass Transit

Here's a synopsis of my first week in BC. I got to learn the intricacies of Vancouver's mass transportation system the hard way. I figured my aunt would know the bus routes and would be able to explain to me which one's i would need to take once i got to Richmond. I was in for a big surprise. Apparently, she rarely leaves Richmond. However, she did point out that i could take the 480 bus straight to UBC. If only it were as simple as that. I found out very quickly that 480 bus only runs from monday to friday and not on weekends. Which means that when i have my weekend diagnostics tests i need to find some other way of getting there... which my aunt has no idea of how to actually get there. On top of that, the 480 bus makes it last stop at the UBC around 9:40 pm and my class goes straight to 10:00 pm, and sometimes a little late. I also have to find an alternate way of getting back. After a few fiasco and a very long and unintentional trip to downtown vancouver, on my first solo experience with the bus system, i think i got everything figured out.

Tues and Thurs: I take the bus 480: UBC around 4:00-4:15 pm and i'll arrive at the UBC roughly around 5:00 pm (its usually sit around and finish up some last minutes questions). The instructor arrives early and 5:30 and goes over questions from last classes homework. This part is not required but he's there if you want to review the homework, so, i like to take full advantage of it. Class continues to 10:00 pm.

I catch the 99 B-Line bus headed for Broadway Station and get off @ West Broadway and Granville. Then transfer and catch 98 B Line bus headed for Richmond Center and i get off @ No 3 rd and Westminister Hwy. Then I walk down the block to my aunt's place on Buswell St.

Weekends: On weekends its different. I take the 98 B Line: Burrard Station @ rought 8:30 am and get off at 41st and Granville. Then I transfer to Bus 41: UBC or Bus 43 UBC, whichever comes first. I arrive at UBC @ roughly 9:25 am and my diagnostic tests start at 10:00 am.

After the test, which usually goes till 1:30, I catch Bus 41: Joecyln and get off at 41st and Granville which i then transfer to 98 B-Line Richmond Center.

Oh yeah, not all bus drivers are nice... most are, but the ones that are dicks...well, are REALLY dicks. Oh, and one last thing, not all bus drivers know where their going... how do u think i ended up in downtown?!

Anyways, I finally feel comfortable with the transit system. Just yesterday I found the MEC store by myself using the bus system and today i headed downtown (on purpose) and even used the sky train... stay tuned for more updates