For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term "RIPTA," let me explain. The acronym stands for Rhode Island Public Transportation Association. However, for anyone who is familiar with the term, it means way more than that. Coming from a suburb outside of Chicago, I was not very familiar with riding buses. I learned very quickly how wonderful they are when I got to college. Here are the things that I have learned while riding the RIPTA that pertain to not just Rhode Islanders, but to anyone who rides public transportation.
1. Patience is a virtue.
Sometimes when I stand out in front of the trolley stop, waiting to get to work, I start to sweat a little and worry that I am going to be late. Just as I am about to call an Uber, RIPTA arrives as jolly as ever. Experiencing this has taught me something about life. We get too caught up in living minute to minute. If we have more patience with things that we can not control, our lives would be so much easier. You have achieved true patience in this world if you can stand at a bus stop and not break a sweat when the trolley is five minutes late.
2. Always say “hello” and “thank you.”
Although we learned this in kindergarten, this is here as a friendly reminder. If you do this, then you will see how happy the trolley drivers get when you say “hello” to them. They see hundreds of people per day who are glued to their cell phones or who are talking to their friends. While the drivers are working, it is still nice to say “hello,” because chances are good that they have not talked to a lot of people all day and all that they are looking for is a simple “hello.” Be grateful for their services as well, it is always nice to get praise for doing a good job.
3. Look around you.
Rhode Island is a beautiful state and we do not appreciate it enough. Take in the sights and find beauty in the ordinary. It is simple and we all need to slow down our day a little. We move too fast and we do not stop and smell the flowers enough.
4. Don’t judge the people on the trolley.
You do not know what kind of day they have had and you do not know where they are headed. All that you know is that they are trying to get from point A to point B. Smile at them and just go back to enjoying the sights. We have all been the frazzled trolley rider before and the looks that we received were not fun. If you do not have a good look to give, do not give it. Don't be like Judge Judy.
5. The best rides on the trolley are with your best friends.
I take the trolley to work every single day, but nothing tops those days when I am with my friends and we are going out shopping or going to dinner. It gives you a chance to talk to them and it gives you more time to be with them. Take advantage of this time and do not waste it on your phone.
All in all, I am grateful for experiencing the RIPTA every day. It has opened my eyes up to a whole new world filled with tourists, bus drivers, and the beautiful sites of Newport.
