Bus Bench’s post on religion and public transit provoked some thoughts of mine.

As a noob to the Buddhist way (not even quite sure which type of Buddhism I will follow), I have often found myself wondering what would Buddha do as I get repeatedly cut off by inconsiderate or dangerous drivers? Bus Bench asks what would Jesus drive?

If Buddha or Jesus lived in Vegas, I think they would certainly take the bus. (I frankly will take the bus in any other city except Vegas. It frightens me.)

Ms. Molyneux says:

“The big key in sustainability that is missing is the reach out to the community component. When you take public transit you have a potential for an even larger sustainable community, at least in Los Angeles…What if the Buddha just talked to his disciples? What if the Jesus only talked to his disciples? What if Buddha and Jesus never talked to anyone except for the people who could pay them or went to college with them or hung out in the same social circles as them?”

A growing problem with the sustainable crowd is that sustainability is becoming a sign of affluence. Raley’s has its own organic section, in a far off corner of the store where milk costs three times as much. If I’m in the regular, poorer parts of the store (and poor is really relative here), I have to walk all the way to the other side of the store for Silk Soy Milk. I didn’t realize that soy milk was so hoity-toity.

But as you can see – these sustainable folks are saying “we’re different from you” and even “we’re better than you.” They make clear divisions between themselves and the community at large.

An electric car wouldn’t bring someone closer to the community – it would only give you more status in an already limited definition of their community.

So who are we as commuters?

Las Vegans may now look forward to Los Angelenos coming to Vegas in greater numbers and at faster speeds. Meanwhile, we’re building a bus rapid transit line and not light rail. Hmm.

The three ideas can be summed up in two: real trains and trains that carry cars.

Trains that carry cars. So we’re taking them off the highway between Vegas and LA, but still putting more cars on the streets in Vegas?

I’m personally still waiting for a train between Reno and Vegas. Like the old days.

Transit Rules of Conduct

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) strives to provide a safe, comfortable commute for all transit customers and all RTC transit passengers are asked to adhere to the RTC customer code below.

As a rider on the RTC transit system, I will:

• Wear a shirt and shoes at all times;
• Have exact change ready as the driver cannot make change;
• Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus and have all drinks and food contained in spill-proof containers;
• Use electronic devices, such as a radio or walkman only with headphones as long as the sound is not audible to others;
• Not distract the driver and stay behind the yellow line while the bus is in motion;
• Yield the seats in front of the vehicle for senior and disabled customers;
• Not bring on board pets or animals with the exception of service animals which are trained to assist individuals with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
• Stay clear of doorways and stairwells;
• Refrain from fighting, using vulgar or offensive language, pushing, shouting or participating in rough behavior;
• Remove children from strollers and fold down strollers;
• Not smoke on the bus;
• Not bring on board the bus certain restricted items including used gasoline cans, car batteries, skateboards, scooters and skates (unless placed in a bag or container with wheels covered), tires or any object too large to fit between passenger seats;
• Not bring on the bus any cart that cannot be folded or put between the seats; and
• Keep aisle clear of grocery bags or other packages.

NEVADA STATE LAWS ON BUS CONDUCT:
Under Nevada Revised Statute 200.471, a person who commits an assault upon a transit operator with a deadly weapon or presents the ability to use a deadly weapon is subject to imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less than one (1) year and a maximum term of not more than six (6) years, or a fine of not more than $5,000, or both fine and imprisonment.

Under Nevada Revised Statute 200.481, a person who commits a battery upon a transit operator is subject to imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less than two (2) years and a maximum term of not more than ten (10) years, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both fine and imprisonment.

We appreciate your cooperation to help make everyone’s RTC riding experience a pleasant one.

“There is life out of the car.”
Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mar 2009.