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| - The Orbit is an undeniably valuable service for commuters to ASU like myself. I'm saving almost $1000 a year by not buying a parking pass, and I don't have to spend $100 on the student bus pass, either. That said, some things do hamper my enjoyment of the buses.
Scheduling is somewhat inconsistent. They're supposed to come every 15 minutes, but sometimes I've had to wait much longer than that (probably close to an hour) when trying to come home on Mars during the busy 5 or 6 pm rush. At that time of day, sometimes when the bus does come after a long wait it says "Bus Full" and doesn't even stop. I'd be willing to pay a few cents as a fare if it would guarantee more consistency in the scheduling and more buses during busy times.
The ride is not particularly comfortable. The bus is rickety and shakes and makes noise going over bumps. The seats are squished together and you're likely to be rubbing thighs with your neighbor. The center aisle is also very narrow and lacking in handholds, and for some reason people refuse to stand in it; instead they cluster at the front of the bus and create an impasse when you try to exit.
The etiquette on the buses is also somewhat lacking. Most drivers are plenty friendly (if appearing a bit weary) , but one cantankerous driver yelled at us that we needed to be at the stop 5 minutes early after I jogged to catch the bus as it was about to leave. How can I be there 5 minutes early when there is no schedule arrival time!?!? The other riders are a mixed bag; some polite folks who are just commuting, some grungy kids who seem to be riding for fun, some super ghetto people who are often loud or rude, and the ever reliable homeless dudes who can stink up the ENTIRE bus. They should add a rule about deoderant and sleeveless shirts to the one about shoes...
It is a free service, so take my whinging with a grain of salt. Overall its a viable option for getting around for fun/commuting; I would be willing to pay a small fare if it improved the experience, though.
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