Calgary transit is so terrible. This is a fact known by all Calgarians and denied by all ignorant Calgarians that drive. Having taken it for most of my life all over Calgary, I am relishing in the efficiency of Switzerland's transit system. Here are some things that I just can't get enough of.
- The bus always arrives. If it's more than 5 minutes late, you're probably not in Switzerland.
- The bus is never "too full" for you to get on.
It will also certainly never drive past you in -30°C weather for this reason either.
- Popular connections with trains or main destinations are actually lined up with urban bus lines.
- It is easier for me to cross the entire country of Switzerland than for me to cross the entire city of Calgary using public transportation.
- You can find route maps at bus stops
- Screens at bus stations and train stations tell me when the next bus/train is. It will also tell me when it's late.
- Schedules at bus stops let me know bus times for the whole week.
- Finding a garbage can on the train or bus is no issue.
- You can drink on public transportation - well technically you can drink anywhere. No cop is going to pour your alcohol onto the ground because drinking in public here is legal.
- If it's a 20 minute drive away - it'll never be a 2 hour transit ride away
- Skiing? Hiking? Sledding? Don't fuss around with the car, just take the train directly there.
I suppose if you are from Europe, Japan or somewhere like New York (or even Montreal) you probably think I just listed the basic services expected of all public transportation systems but I assure you - you don't know how lucky you are.
