Our love/hate relationship with the CATA bus

Here at Michigan State, when the frigid winter months come around, “standing room only” becomes a part of our daily vocabulary – hallways are packed, sitting areas full, and do not even try looking for an open table in the cafs. But there is one particular system at MSU that thrives on standing room only: The CATA busses.

Gone are the almost empty means of transportation that students get used to in the warm, sun-filled months, and in its place are jam packed cars filled with body heat, annoyed sighs and wide eyed commuters just trying to get to class. Here are a few things to expect on a winter CATA ride. Please keep all extremities in the bus at all time. It is about to be a wild ride.

The driver sees that person in the cross walk…right?

Yes, the driver sees that person. No, they do not really care. They spend all day driving around a campus riddled with people who walk out in to the street when they should, but most times, when they shouldn’t. The bus drivers know this and have a sixth sense that tells them, every time, that they will not hit the person walking across. It is terrifying to witness, but do not worry. The student walking across will leave unscathed due to a last second break or by going knees to chest across the cross walk.

Don’t worry, you didn’t need all ten toes.

With a bus that is filled to capacity, all of the coveted seats are taken which means the majority will have to stand. This is an unfortunate situation for all because now injuries are sure to take place. As passengers shuffle to the back of the bus to make space for the new riders, all feet are susceptible to being stepped on. Standing or sitting, your feet are bound to be hurt. The pain wont last long, but the memory will.

No, there is actually no more room to move down.

On this bus ride you will experience disgruntled students who are just trying to get to class and exasperated drivers who are tired of dealing with said students. This situation is only made worse when the bus is almost filled to capacity, but one more person tries to squeeze on. Suddenly, your uncomfortable, but bearable ride has turned into chaos. Students are pushing and stumbling, the driver is yelling and that one more person is trying to look calm like this all wasn’t caused by them. You suddenly find yourself stressed out.

“What do you mean I can move?” “Oh my God, this bus is a million degrees, one more body is not helping.” “I’m slamming into people. People are slamming into me.” Finally, “HELP! Get me off this bus!”

First of all, I am sorry you are experiencing this. Secondly, your thoughts are totally warranted. Finally, do not worry! Yes, it sucks, but you will find that the room for that final person does seem to exist despite protest. Smile and act like all is well even if you’re dying inside.

His back pack gave me a facial.

As mentioned previously, when the bus is packed, people are going to collide. Always be ready for the accidental shove that sends you stumbling forward, the rapid brake that sends you flying into someone like a hockey player flying into the glass or my personal favorite, the back pack to the face; this is most common when you are sitting down and the person standing needs to make room for someone getting off the bus or they just simply forget you are there and start to relax. All of a sudden their body isn’t as tense, they shift their weight and BAM you have now eaten a stranger’s backpack; my favorite flavor is North Face. It takes you a little bit to recover from this attack if you are not prepared, so remember, always stay alert and ready for everything.

Brace yourself.

Some bus rides are smoother than others. Some drivers spend more time breaking so by the time they are coming to a full stop the bus is eased into it. Others take their time turning so it is a nice smooth rounding. Most times, we are not that lucky. Because of this, it is important to always brace yourself. To do this, grab on to the nearest object, preferably not another person or you will both go down, and do not let go. Spread your legs shoulder length apart, move your body with the motion of the bus and hold your breath (sometimes closing your eyes helps too). Once the bus is back in motion or on a straight away, regroup- you can relax a little until the next turn or stop. If you survived without taking a tumble or sailing forward, congratulations! If the bus got the best of you, it is okay. Next time you will be more prepared.

Do not expect a seat.

It is crowded, not everyone is going to get a seat. If you are lucky, you might score one by chance or because someone decided to take mercy on you and give theirs to you – this is extremely generous. Make sure you give that person many thank you’s and maybe even your first born. More than likely, someone else will steal the seat you were aiming for. If this happens, lift your chin up and move on. Think of all the upper body strength you are gaining by gripping on to the poles for dear life! By the end of the winter season, you’re going to be ripped

Wait your turn to get off and on.

This is not preschool. This is college. Everyone will get on the bus and every one will get off – you do not need to be the first one on or off. Practice patience and you will find that you will get exactly where you need to go whether you are first or last.

The early bird gets the worm.

Even though you shouldn’t push to get on first, arriving early never hurt anybody. Look up the schedule and plan to get there at least 15 minutes early. The buses are notorious for being late due to the increased number of passengers and bad weather. You do not want to run around Wells Hall trying to make it to your math test on time. Save yourself some trouble and a bad grade and make the time to get to the bus stop a little earlier than you have to.

The CATA may drive you crazy, but you do have to admit it does save you from frigid walks and frozen bodies. Make it easier on every one and yourself and just enjoy the ride. Once you get off at your stop, pause, take a deep breath and start mentally preparing for the next crazy CATA ride you will be sure to take that day – it may be crazy but it can sure be entertaining!