OUR VIEW: Claustrophobia for air quality’s sake

Riding the bus makes us feel like the envied hipsters that live in big cities. We also feel the same satisfaction a granola must feel after emptying his or her compost bin. For some-odd reason, it’s liberating; and best of all, it’s free.

During the month of February, CVTD and the Aggie Shuttle systems will heavily promote taking the bus around town instead of clogging the air with vehicular toxins. We’ve breathed in the winter Logan scenery, and it’s beautiful, aside from the thick layer of fungus looming above us. Most call this the inversion, and the contrast of this cloud of sludge is intense when compared to our beautiful valley. We want it gone and will do what we’re told to eliminate its presence.

We are so lucky to live in a city where free transportation is offered, but when we sat down and tried to imagine the majority of Cache Valley taking the bus to school and work, it was comical. I’m sure those promoting travel by bus don’t assume everyone will listen to their plea. But from what we’ve seen, the buses get stacked throughout the day already — especially those traveling near USU territory.

To those of you who habitually ride the bus to campus from your apartment or from the Romney Stadium parking lot to the TSC roundabout, you know you’ve involuntary had to smell your neighbor’s armpit in order to fit on the bus. How many more sardines can pack into that clown car?

We’ve been amazed to see the number of students who pile on buses. We’re sure the problem with lack of ridership is the lonely route to Nibley and back. But hey, we are complaining about the promotion. There is nothing wrong with more opportunities to win prizes.

Come February, we will be waiting on the sidewalks to watch the buses pass by, hoping the doors don’t bust open going up Aggie Bull-evard. We hope as many people take this opportunity as possible, but also hope those with claustrophobia take precautionary measures when they brave public transportation.