Rediscovering the Joy of Public Transportation with My Kids

Growing up, the bus wasn’t just a way to get from point A to point B—it was our lifeline. My mom, who has a cognitive disability, couldn’t drive, so Pierce Transit became the backbone of our everyday life. We rode the bus everywhere: to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, family visits—if we needed to get somewhere, the bus was how we got there.

For me, riding the bus with my mom wasn’t just about transportation. It was where we connected. Those rides were filled with conversations, laughs, and sometimes just moments of quiet togetherness. It became a routine that shaped my childhood in ways I didn’t even realize until I became a mom myself.

Fast forward to today, and here I am with my own kids, back on the bus—but this time, it’s a choice. I never imagined that one day, I’d be reliving those memories of public transportation with my children, showing them how fun, easy, and meaningful it can be to use other ways to get around the city.

Yesterday, I took my kids on a bus adventure through the city. As soon as we hopped on, a flood of childhood memories came rushing back. The same familiar hum of the bus engine, the same feeling of movement as the city passed by outside the window. It was almost like stepping back in time, but this time, I had my little ones by my side.

What was once a necessity for me as a child has now become something I cherish as a mother. For my kids, riding the bus is new and exciting. They love the novelty of sitting in those big seats, watching the world go by, and pressing the button when it’s time to get off. It’s become a little adventure for them, and for me, it’s a nostalgic return to the past.

But beyond the nostalgia, I’ve realized just how much I appreciate the simplicity of not having to drive everywhere. With Pierce Transit, I don’t have to stress about traffic or finding parking—I can just sit back and enjoy the ride. It’s a break from the usual hustle of life, a way to slow down and take in the moments that matter. And honestly, who doesn’t need that every once in a while?

Why You Should Consider Taking the Bus

If you’re like me, always running from one thing to the next, it’s easy to overlook public transportation. But if you haven’t considered it yet, here are three reasons why you should give the bus a try:

1. Stress-Free Travel: There’s something so freeing about leaving the car at home. No more sitting in traffic, no more circling for parking spots. Instead, you can relax, let someone else do the driving, and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re commuting to work or planning a fun day out, the bus takes the hassle out of travel.

2. Free for Kids: Did you know that kids 18 and under ride free with Pierce Transit? This makes it an affordable option for family outings. I love that I can plan a day with my kids without worrying about the extra cost of transportation. It’s such an easy way to get out, explore the city, and make memories together.

3. Better for the Environment: Taking the bus helps reduce your carbon footprint. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic and lower emissions, making it a more sustainable choice for our planet. So, not only is it convenient and affordable, but it’s also a simple way to do your part for the environment.

For me, the bus has always been part of my story. It’s how my mom and I navigated life when I was young, and now it’s becoming part of my kids’ story too. Yesterday’s ride wasn’t just a trip down memory lane—it was a reminder that public transportation is still as valuable today as it was back then.

Pierce Transit makes it so easy to use the bus, and I’m grateful that my kids are growing up with that same sense of adventure I had as a child. They may not realize it yet, but these small moments—riding the bus, seeing new parts of the city, sharing laughs along the way—are the ones that will stick with them.

I encourage you to give public transportation a chance, especially if you’ve never thought of it as more than a way to get from place to place. For me, it’s been so much more than that. It’s been a way to connect with my kids, to slow down, and to create new memories while honoring the old ones. 

Next time you’re planning a day out or just want to take a break from driving, hop on the bus. It might just become your new favorite way to get around—and if you’ve got kids, remember they ride free!

The bus has always been part of my story. Maybe it’s time for it to be part of yours too.