Started the day as usual on the 53F and jumped off at Grant St., even in this cold, and ran/walked to Market Square for a Stabucks. Hot and tasty as it was, it did little to thaw me out. I was running a little late and hoped to make it to 5th Ave. to catch the 61C into Oakland. If I hit it just right, I get one of the pluch bendy buses that run that way from town in the mornings. These are the 3150 series of buses I think. The seats are more comfortable than a Greyhound bus and even have the individual lights and air vents for each rider. I consider them the limousines of the PAT fleet. Will certainly miss them when the strike happens.

On the way out of Oakland, I had hoped to grab a 61F on Forbes Ave. but realized I’d miss it. Instead, I got adventurous, or cocky, and hoped a 61C into town on Fifth Ave. One of the smaller buses though. None off the limos run in the afternoon I noticed. My goal was to get to the stop at 622 Second Ave. and get a seat on the 53F. If I wait for that to get into Oakland, the seats are gone, and I figured I had time.

Wrong again. I was about 5 minutes late and did not feel like waiting for the next one (about 25 minutes out). I noticed a 56E Greenfield and remembered they went through The Waterfront. I found my way onto the bus and was able to make it to The Waterfront early enough to enjoy another Starbucks before getting a ride home from there.

Not sure this record will hold for long. I can see different scenarios that would have me on 5 or more some days. Monthly passes rock. They do give a sense of freedom I did not have driving in and out of town before. I am not looking forward to the madness we’ll all face (bus riders and auto commuters on the congested roadways) come December …