By Benjamin Vasquez
(Opinion)
Getting transport to campus can sometimes be as challenging as the class you are
taking. Fortunately, the buses that travel to Norwalk Community College are an option.
However, they are not without lessons to be learned.
Before I go on, I should probably make this point clear. Cost isn’t an issue when
considering the bus. NCC provides a free student pass for both the WHEELS buses and CTTransit buses in Norwalk, as well as certain trains.
I’m lucky enough to live near a bus stop that has a route going directly to NCC.
However, I suspect many of you don’t have this luxury. But that doesn't mean you need to walk miles to the nearest one. Aside from the marked bus stops, many buses also have unmarked stops where people can be picked up from. I would recommend getting to the nearest one to you and catching a bus to the depot. From there, you simply get on one of the buses that go to NCC.
One of the things that my uncle told me about public transport is that “Buses are either
on time or late. There is no in-between”. That is something I’ve never found untrue. When it
comes to catching a bus, they will almost always be at least a few minutes late. For that reason, choosing a bus that is scheduled to arrive just as your class starts is a mistake.
My recommendation would be to choose a bus that would arrive at least twenty minutes before your class starts. Plenty of time in case the bus is late, and time to get to your class.
However, one thing you have no control over is the people on the bus with you. Most of
the time, there won’t be any problems.
However, I do have some negative experiences, such as people having smoked before entering the bus, people having noisy conversations, and music where every other word is profanity. I could tell you to possibly bring a mask, headphones, or the guts to tell that person off. There is also the fact that there have been times when the bus I was on was nearly completely paced. And there isn’t anything you can do about that except try and find somewhere comfortable to sit or stand.
But ultimately if you aren’t comfortable being in this kind of environment whenever you have class, twice in one day mostly, then this may be one of the main reasons you would decide against the bus.
If you want even more information you can visit this page for a full view of NCC transport
options. But even if you don't I hope the information I have provided will help you make a decision about taking buses and how to pick which bus to take and what you can expect once you do get on.
U-Pass CT Riding buses and trains in Connecticut is free for most students at participating schools. All you need is your U-Pass CT card and student ID.
Here is where you can find information.
Benjamin Vasquez is a reporter for The Voice.
Edited by Voice Co-Editor Joanna Giano