So You Wanna Ride the Fancy Bus, Huh? A Beginner's Guide to NYC's SBS
Ever felt like a sardine in a can on a regular NYC bus? Yeah, me too. That's where the Select Bus Service (SBS) swoops in, like a shiny knight on a not-so-white horse (they're kinda orange). But before you hop on and wonder why everyone's glaring because you haven't paid, let's break down this whole SBS thing, shall we?
What in the Hot Dog Stand Does SBS Mean?
This ain't some secret code for the best pizza places (although, that would be a cool bus perk). SBS stands for Select Bus Service. Basically, it's a fancy way of saying it's a bus on steroids.
So, What Makes it So "Select?"
- Fewer Stops, More Whoosh! SBS buses skip some of the regular bus stops, meaning you get to your destination a smidge faster. Think of it as the express lane for buses, but without the guilt of cutting in line.
- Farewell, Farewell Fare Chaos! You pay your fare before you board the bus, using a MetroCard or those nifty little machines at the bus stop. No more fumbling for change while holding up the line (you're welcome, impatient New Yorkers behind me).
- Dedicated Lanes? We Got Dedicated Lanes! SBS buses get their own special lanes, separate from regular traffic. This means they (hopefully) avoid getting stuck in the same gridlock as everyone else. Think of it as the bus version of the HOV lane, but instead of needing a car full of people, you just need a sense of adventure (and maybe some breath mints for your fellow riders).
But Is There a Catch? (Besides Possibly Bad Breath?)
Of course, there's always a catch. Here's the not-so-shiny side of SBS:
- Not All That Frequent: SBS buses don't come around quite as often as your regular bus route. So, you might find yourself waiting a tad longer, which can be a real test of your patience (and your ability to resist the urge to buy a giant pretzel from that street vendor).
- Gotta Be Prepared: Since you pay before boarding, make sure you have your MetroCard or the correct change ready. Fumbling for fare while everyone waits is a surefire way to become the least popular person on the bus (besides that guy with the questionable cologne).
Is SBS Right for You?
If you're looking for the absolute fastest way to get somewhere by bus, and you can handle a little pre-boarding planning, then SBS might be your jam. But if you're all about spontaneity and have the patience of a saint waiting for the bus, then maybe stick to the regular route.
The Final Word (Except for Maybe a Dad Joke)
So, there you have it! A crash course in NYC's SBS. Now you can ride those fancy orange buses with confidence (and maybe a little chuckle at this whole ordeal). Remember, even though it's called "Select," everyone is welcome...as long as you have the fare and maybe a mint or two.
Bonus Dad Joke: What do you call an SBS bus that breaks down? A Select Bus Service interruption? (I'll see myself out).
