There seems to be an inordinate amount of clankers at this time of the month. People I recognize as clankers in regard to being cash-paying riders (not pass holders) are making more noise than usual at the money chute. I think that it’s the end of the month and people are truly barely making ends meet, and have to tap into the change drawer or their piggy banks before end-of-the-month checks arrive. As I am paid monthly (yeah, I know, how DO I manage that?) I know what they are going through. If not for the pass I get at work through a payroll deduction, I too would be a clanker. Not that there’s anything wrong with that …

Hopped off the 53F on Grant Street and ran down to the Market Square Starbucks, then off to wait for the 61C on 5th Aveue. The 3050 series of buses in the PAT line are so plush. Worth the wait usually. There, an elderly woman struck up a conversation with me. Had the 77C come by yet. We both talked about learning our way around the transit system by just experimenting, and had a laugh or two about the 77C and its route. After she left, a mostly vacant 71D Hamilton pulled up and I decided to hop on that up to Oakland.

Nice to make new friends, or at least acquainteces every now and then.