When you spend 26 days on a bus, you begin to day dream and think about what would make this 8 hour bus ride better? What is it missing that I wish it had?
Larger question, why does this 2009 model bus have a monitor set up of a 1990 airplane with 5 or 6 screens hanging from the ceilings?!
It’s 2010! This is a brand new bus! Tell me why they couldn’t do what the airlines do and give everyone their own personal screen with audio controls in the arm rests?
Better yet, why don’t buses and trains follow the airplane industry in that innovation? You know how much easier it would have been to entertain a group of teenagers on a bus for 8 hours if they could compete in trivia or poker or family feud on the small screen in their seat? Nevermind entertain, how about keep in their seats??
Simple idea here people, buses/trains need more entertainment options. I’ve seen the Bolt Bus with the WiFi and I know that Amtrak has WiFi as well, but why not make this environment more communal?
Great you’ve created an environment where people can share a seat but still be totally zoned out into their own world while they tap on their laptops and surf the net on their iTouches. I used to hear stories about taking the bus around town from relatives. How people would share stories, catch up with each other, actually have a conversation! Nowadays you can get on a bus with ear buds in, and never say a word to anyone on the bus. That is sad. City buses, Mega Buses, Bolt Buses, Amtrak cars should become a small carpool for the length of the ride because that’s what it is.
Create a small fun environment with those who want to play a game against other people on the bus/train. Better yet, have the screens of open seats flash “OPEN SEAT!” so that it isn’t awkward when you walk around like Forrest Gump on the first day of school (remember, “Seats taken.”)
It’s time for the technology that allows us to be so anti-social in our immediate environment, yet so social globally, to encourage conversation with those within a 10 foot radius of you.
That’s my idea for the day – who says it couldn’t happen?
Rock on,
Joe
