THE WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND
Jennifer Knecht and Anna Mueller
11 February 2013
Qualitative Methods
Dr. Lee Vigilant
Knecht and Mueller
1
Introduction
The Metro Area Transit Bus System (MATBUS) provides bus service along twenty-one
routes serving Fargo and West Fargo, North Dakota, as well as Moorhead and Dilworth,
Minnesota. MATBUS is run jointly by the cities of Fargo and Moorhead. Senior citizens, K-12
students, and people with disabilities ride for half-price, while free rides are provided to disabled
veterans with identification and children under age 5. Students from Concordia, Minnesota StateMoorhead, M-State, and North Dakota State University also ride free with college identification.
Interest
Nearly everyone is familiar with the buses traveling through Fargo-Moorhead and often
assumptions, usually negative, are made about the type of person who utilizes the system.
Automobiles are a defining aspect of American culture and those who rely on public
transportation are often stigmatized for their “inability” to take part in what many consider a vital
component of middle-class life. Many people think the bus is only used by those who have no
choice, who are too poor or too “lazy” to afford their own vehicles. Bus passengers are
sometimes referred to as “senile old people,” “welfare bums,” “dirty,” “lazy,” and “moochers.”
Slightly less negative comments like “poor people” or “the disadvantaged” are sometimes used.
Few people expect anyone other than the most poor to use public transportation and none expect
a professional or business person to use it.
Student use of the bus is considered more acceptable, especially so in the case of
international students, because a lack of private vehicle is often considered a part of being young
and/or foreign, but it is also expected to be a temporary situation.
Knecht and Mueller
2
Methodology
Our research was conducted on February 5th, 2013. Observations were conducted
separately, with Jennifer riding on portions of Routes 1, 2, and 4 during the afternoon and
evening. Anna rode Routes 2, 8, and 11 during late afternoon and early evening. While we did
not interact with passengers, we did assume the role of a bus passenger and acted as participantobservers.
General observations
The makeup of MATBUS riders varies depending on the day of the week and time of
day. College students, particularly international students, are more frequent on evenings and
weekends, while women over 30 and elderly riders are more common during the day.
Based on their clothing and outerwear, most passengers appeared to be low-income and
were traveling with a specific errand or appointment in mind. One very clear exception to this
was the clothing of the college students, particularly the women, who were wearing newer and
more stylish clothes and outerwear. While the lower-income passengers were dressed in jeans,
snow boots, and heavy jackets, reflecting the extremely cold temperatures and the likelihood of
spending some time outdoors, either waiting for the bus or walking to their destination, the
students were dressed in lighter clothing, with ballet flats, dressy boots, or canvas sneakers on
their feet and only a sweatshirt (or two) or a light coat.
During all the rides, the lack of interaction was noticeable by the lengths people went to
in order to avoid interacting with their fellow passengers. Two of the “unwritten rules” of bus
riding that we observed were: “no talking except under certain circumstances” and “do not sit too
closely.”
Knecht and Mueller
3
There was no talking except among people travelling together, and passengers kept their
gazes confined to either handheld devices (usually a phone or iPod) or the windows. While
passengers sometimes made small talk while waiting for the buses, once they boarded, there was
no further conversation. The only times passengers spoke were to the drivers, to request transfer
tickets, ask if the bus was making a particular stop, or, when leaving the bus, to say “thank you”
or “have a nice day”; these interactions were also few and far between, and were very rarely
initiated by the passenger.
On all the rides we observed, passengers were careful to sit only in empty rows, and only
sat with strangers when there was no other option. Based on the brief observations we made,
there also appears to be a bit of calculation made by the passenger as to which other passenger
appears “safest” to join. As noted later in this paper, a younger woman on Bus 2 looked around a
bit before choosing the oldest woman on the bus who was not sitting in the elderly/handicapped
seating. As seen in this case, when interaction between passengers did occur, the entire exchange
was often done without speaking.
Route 2, from MSUM to GTC
Passengers line up to the right of the door and wait for deboarding passengers to exit.
Once signaled to board, they quickly swipe their cards, request transfer tickets, or enter cash.
Passengers sit by themselves in empty rows unless travelling with someone. When there are no
more empty rows, a younger woman sits with an older one.
At the very back on the bench, are four white students in their late teens or early 20’s.
One is male, while three are female. All three women are wearing leggings, knee-high boots, and
“pea coat” style jackets. The man is wearing skinny jeans, DC-brand sneakers, and a sweatshirt
instead of a coat. They are talking about a television show (the name of which I did not catch)
Knecht and Mueller
4
that they watched the previous evening, which they thought was “stupid.” One kept repeating, “I
can’t believe they did that.”
Sitting in front of them, on the left side-facing bench, is a white woman about 25 or 30
years of age, sitting with a young girl about 5 years old. They are sitting with several shopping
bags from Walmart near their feet. On the opposite bench is a white couple in their late 20’s,
with no bags except for the woman’s purse. In front of them are two men in shabby, unkempt
clothing and very worn sneakers. One is white, the other black, but both appear to be in their late
40’s or early 50s. Both have very full tote bags on their laps. Across from them is a white
college-age woman, wearing a quilted, knee-length coat and knee boots, with a messenger bag
on her lap.
In the front of the bus, a white man around 60 years old sits in a mobility chair on the
right-side area reserved for elderly and disabled riders, while an elderly woman with a cane is
seated on the bench in the left-side reserved space. An older woman, about 50, sits behind the
man in the mobility chair, with two reusable tote bags of groceries at her feet. When there were
no more empty rows available, the younger woman motioned with one hand to the empty seat.
After the older woman nodded and shifted the bag at her feet closer to the outer wall, the
younger woman then sat only partially in the seat, carefully avoiding any kind of physical
contact. She even angled her body toward the aisle and pressed her bag tightly to her lap. For the
rest of the ride, both women made no eye contact.
Other than the students, most passengers appear to be lower-income. Most of the clothing
and outerwear is older, less fashionable, and the type worn more for comfort than style. Other
than those travelling together -- the group of students, the couple, and the mother and child -passengers do not speak and avoid eye contact. All but the homeless-looking men keep their
Knecht and Mueller
5
gazes on their handheld devices, either phones or iPods.
Most of the passengers are wearing winter jackets with scarves. Two men are wearing
baseball caps while one is wearing a knit hat and another has his sweatshirt hood pulled up. Most
of the women are bare-headed, with the exception of one older woman and the woman with the
child.
The driver announces each stop just prior to arriving, but does not stop unless someone is
waiting or a passenger has requested a stop. The woman and child leave the bus at the apartments
just east of Hornbacher’s, while the couple departed at Hornbacher’s. Everyone else remains on
the bus until it reaches the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) in downtown Fargo.
At the GTC, all the passengers leave the bus. The passenger in the mobility chair waits
for the driver’s assistance in removing the restraining straps holding the chair. As the passengers
leave, the men often stop to allow women to exit in front of them, and the elderly woman at the
front is allowed to exit first. As they leave, each of the passengers says “Have a nice day” or
“thanks” to the driver. The bus arrived late, so the passengers hurry to make their transfers.
Route 4, from GTC to Dilworth Walmart
Because Route 2 was running late, most passengers have already boarded and Route 4 is
ready to leave. One woman asks if this bus goes to Cashwise. At his affirmative, she swipes a
card and moves to the back of the bus and sits on the left side in the last row, before the rear
benches. She is wearing a “business-casual” outfit with 2” heels. Seated across from her is a
second woman, white, about 50 years old, is wearing scrub pants, nursing shoes, and a pink
North Face jacket. She is reading a romance novel (Julia Quinn).
At the front of the bus are three men, all wearing jeans, Carhartt jackets, and scuffed
work boots. Two are sitting across from each other in the reserved seating area, while the third is
Knecht and Mueller
6
behind them in the seating row on the left. The third man is wearing a bright red knit cap and
reading the Fargo Forum. Across from Man #3 is a black man in his late 20’s, wearing baggy
jeans and a hoodie.
As with Route 2, passengers avoid sitting together, avoid eye contact and mostly keep
their attention on their handheld devices. The only speaking is done by the driver, who
announces the stops.
At U.S. Bank another man boards. Approximately 60 years old, he is wearing sweat pants
and sneakers with a hoodie and carrying a canvas backpack. At Clay County Family Services,
the second woman leaves, while two more women board. Both are white, in their early 20s, and
are heavily made-up. Both also have strikingly dyed hair, one a bright purple and the other an
orangey-red. They take seats in separate rows, one in front of the other, and talk to each other in
low, angry voices. Man #4 and Man #5 leave at Churches United. Man #1 and Man #2 leave at
Target, while Man #3 disembarks at Walmart. Again, as on Route 2, each passenger thanks the
driver as they leave.
Route 4, from Dilworth Walmart to GTC
Passengers made small talk as they waited for the bus to arrive. Most of their
conversation was about the weather or the frequent lateness of the bus. Waiting for the bus was
a white man between 50 and 60 years of age, wearing jeans, a flannel work shirt, work boots, and
a Carhartt jacket with a hood. He is carrying a backpack with a tear on the left side and two
Walmart shopping bags. A second man, also white and about ten years younger, wears shabby,
frayed knit hat and a stained and ripped jacket and is carrying several Walmart bags. A third
younger man, black and in his late 20’s or early 30’s, is wearing two pairs of jeans, both hanging
below his butt, one pair of which is cinched with a bright pink belt fastened over his right butt
Knecht and Mueller
7
cheek. He is also (thankfully) wearing plaid boxers, along with a pair of newer-looking work
boots and a sweatshirt instead of a jacket.
The only woman is between 40 and 50 years old, with a short spiky hair style, dyed hot
pink with a scarf tied like a headband. She is wearing red leggings and flats, as well as a hiplength wool jacket with a belt-cinch.
When the bus arrives, the passengers stopped talking and boarded quickly, with the three
men allowing the woman to step on first. As previously observed, passengers sit in the available
empty rows and avoid eye contact. Man #2 plays with a handheld device while everyone else
looks out the windows.
Man #4 boards at Cashwise. He is in his 20’s, wearing baggy jeans, sneakers, and a
zippered sweatshirt, with a bright green cast on his left arm. He is listening to Metallica through
his earbuds, and one assumes hearing damage was being done as this observer could hear well
enough to identify both the band and the song. He is on the bus for less than five minutes,
leaving at the apartments near the Dilworth American Legion.
The female passenger disembarks at Moorhead Manor. Man #1 leaves at the courthouse.
A woman boards at the same time. She is carrying a messenger bag and wearing professional
clothing, a pair of dressy pants and heels with a knee-length wool jacket, but her hair and
makeup are noticeably less stylish and don’t match the clothing. She has the appearance of
someone who has just started a new job that requires more stylish clothing than she normally
would wear. She leaves the bus at Park View Terrace.
At the GTC
Once again, as previously observed, passengers speak only to the driver and, most often,
only when leaving the bus, to wish him a good evening or say thank you. There is a 15-minute
Knecht and Mueller
8
wait for other routes to arrive, so passengers enter the GTC and take seats in the area near the
doors, which are marked as “Gate 2” and “Gate 3.” There are approximately 5 rows of ten seats,
and passengers are careful to separate themselves from others, usually putting at least one or,
preferably, two seats between them. Man #2 sits in the back row and peruses a copy of the
Forum left in the seat next to him.
Route 1, from GTC to 8th St South & 4th Ave
There is only one other passenger on the bus. A woman in her 30’s wearing jeans, scuffed
hiking-type boots with wool socks, and a knit hat takes a seat in the first row. Her coat is a parkastyle one with a hood trimmed in faux fur and is stained and worn-looking. She has two reusable
bags filled with groceries next to her on the outside seat and a purse she holds in her lap. She
spends the ride looking out the window, and leaves shortly afterward at the Moorhead Library.
Route 11, from 25th Ave & Broadway to GTC
As the time for the bus approached, several people showed up. There was a middle age
woman and a young man; neither looked overly wealthy, but they were both well groomed. Time
waiting for the bus was spent on cell phones; the younger on a newer phone and the older woman
on a phone that was a few years old. The young man stayed several yards away from the bus
shelter, checking his phone several times. The older woman stood to the side of the bus shelter,
only checking on her phone only when a ringtone went off.
Once on the bus, there were several more travelers on the bus; there were several men in
their 20s-30s, an elderly woman, and several young women. Each sat secluded from one another.
Everyone found their seat, and with that there was at least one seat between each of them. The
next person to under the bus was a teenage boy at North High School, who kissed his girlfriend
goodbye before entering the bus. He proceeded to listen to music while sitting away from other
Knecht and Mueller
9
patrons on the bus. Several blocks later two men in their late 20’s/early 30’s entered the bus. The
were both very well groomed, and looked to be off to a service job. As the bus stopped at
Sanford Medical Center, several people entered the bus. A family, with a grandmother, mother
and two children got on the bus. The children ran all the way to the back, before being called
back to the front by their mother. A young woman, travelling alone, also entered the bus.
For the remainder of the trip, everyone kept to themselves, only talking to people if they
were travelling with them. Many of the younger riders were listening to music and/or making use
of technology in the form of a phone or other handheld device. As the bus driver asked for
transfers needed, each passenger needing transfers yelled out the number they needed. This was
the only time people communicated with each other, and most of it was nonverbal
communication, with nods of the head and subtle smiles.
Once the bus reached the GTC, all those who needed to deboard to finish their trip or
transfer to their next bus did, with very little eye contact made between the travellers, unless the
both tried to exit at the same time. Only two people responded, or spoke to the bus driver as they
exited the bus.
Route 2, from GTC to MSUM
As the bus arrived, all those who would be riding started to form a line. Everyone in the
line stayed far enough apart that they would not be touching. The people that departed the bus
were largely college students, all dressed in very ‘hip’ clothing, many with their phones out,
doing various different things.
There were very few people on the bus for this route; there was one young man just
returning from the doctor and one young woman. All riders of the bus stayed well gapped out, all
towards the rear of the bus. Between the GTC and MSUM, there was only one other person who
Knecht and Mueller
10
got on the bus, a man in his mid 40’s from the grocery store, Hornbacher’s. He was the only one
remaining on the bus as all the remaining riders departed at MSUM. There was a line of
young college students waiting to board the bus, many appeared to be friends and were having
animated conversations.
Route 8, from MSUM to GTC
Waiting for this bus proved to be a little different than others, simply because there was
no bus shelter to wrangle everyone in. All of the potential riders stayed within the fifteen feet of
the spot, and only a few people spoke with one another. One young woman, walking to the stop
walked all the way to the front, cutting in front of at least five people behind her. She did not
seem to realize what she was doing, even though there was really no ‘official’ line. She was
called back to the end by her friend, where she remained.
As the bus pulled up, there were many people that departed. All of them were young
people, a high probability that they were college students. Several had shopping bags from local
stores and many of them were in friendly groups, talking with each other. Once all of us had
boarded the bus, there were still the standard gaps between riders, as with all other rides.
This bus held much more diversity, in both age and race, than any of the other bus rides.
There were several elderly people as well as several older than average students. Their behavior
still held true with everyone else’s, with very little, if any, communication between riders.
Anytime communication was introduced, there was nervousness on the end of the receiver and
the communication was never reciprocated.
Route 11, from GTC to 25th Ave & Broadway
Knecht and Mueller
11
The latest time of night of observations led to the most interesting experience. There were
five men and one woman on the bus; with the most elderly people on this route. All the riders
were in their late 20s and older.
There were two men sitting in the back that appeared to know each other, and still with
that they felt the need to make sure there was at least one seat in between them; their
conversation remained stilted and very short through the whole trip. There was only one person
that was picked up after the bus left the GTC.
Nearing the hospital, the bus came to a stop to let on a new rider. An African man got on
the bus, and while paying the bus driver asked him to become a bit more visible to the driver.
This agitated the rider to the point of yelling at the driver that he was as visible as he could be
without standing in the street. The bus driver told him that standing in the street was not what he
meant, and the rider took his seat. The rider remained agitated the whole rest of the ride,
randomly complaining to whoever felt like listening.
After exiting the bus, wherein everyone on the bus got off at the same spot, the
aforementioned man started a conversation with one of the elderly men, talking down about the
bus driver and stating how stupid he thought it was that he asked him to be more visible. He
continued to speak until out of hearing range.
Limitations
Due to pressing schedules, we were only able to observe during a single day, and only a
very small number of routes. More time and a far more broad number of observations would be
needed for a full understanding the people who ride the MATBUS and the social interactions as
practiced by those riders.
Knecht and Mueller
12
As portions of both rides observed only involved one college campus, the results could
also vary once other colleges around the area were taken into account; MSUM is a liberal arts
college, while Concordia, located in Moorhead, MN is a religiously based school, more
commonly associated with a financially richer student body. There are also several technical
colleges as well as North Dakota State University (NDSU). NDSU is a large university located in
Fargo, ND that has a student body based in research and has a very large sports program.
Conclusion
With the Fargo/Moorhead community continuing to grow, both in size and diversity, it’s
an interesting cross section of the community that is seen on public transportation. Their reasons
may be their own (financial, time, environment, etc), but their attitudes involved all seem to be
very similar. Whether young or old, student or business (wo)man, rich or poor, there seems to be
a set of social norms that are followed. Sociologically exploring these is important because we
were able to see how a section of the community interacts with each other, how important it is to
follow the norms set out within the culture, and how one might be socially punished for not
following the role placed upon them.
Knecht and Mueller
13
Jennifer Knecht
Field Notes
Starting point: Bus #2, MSUM 14th St stop, going to GTC, 3:30-ish pm:
Passengers line up to the right of the door and wait for deboarding passengers to exit. Once
signaled to board, they quickly scan cards or transfer tickets or enter cash. Same as on Bus 2,
passengers take seats in empty rows unless travelling with someone.
When there are no more empty rows, a young woman sits with an older one, facing slightly
outward toward aisle. Both request and acknowledgement done w/out talking: 1st motions to
empty seat and waits, 2nd nods and moves bag at her feet slightly, toward wall. 1st sits on edge
of seat, facing slightly outward, toward aisle, keeps attention on handheld device.
– four students in back benches, talking about a television show they watched (missed
name), late teens/early 20’s, one male, three female, women wearing leggings, knee-high
boots, and “pea coat” style wool jackets, male wearing skinny jeans, DC sneakers,
sweatshirt instead of jacket.
– woman 25-30, white, with a girl about 5yo, and several shopping bags from Walmart.
– senior woman with cane in elderly/disabled reserved seating; student in middle row
– man in mobility chair in other reserved seating
– two men sitting together, late 40s/early 50s (?) one black, one white, unkempt, shabby
clothing, extremely worn sneakers, both carrying small tote bags, very full
– couple, male and female, late 20s, white, no bags except woman’s purse.
Most people wearing winter jackets with scarves, two men wearing baseball caps, other men
bare-headed or with hoodies up. One wearing knit cap. Women either bare-headed or wearing
knit caps. All passengers but two homeless-looking men looking at/touching hand-held devices
(texting?). Two students, one woman, and one man have earbuds in, are looking out windows.
Other than students, most passengers appear to be lower-income. Clothing/outerwear not
“fashionable” seems worn; more comfort than style. Other than those travelling together,
passengers avoid eye contact w/ one another. Most passengers are white. Passengers sit one per
row/ bench, with only those travelling together sitting together.
Driver announces each stop just prior to arriving but doesn’t stop unless someone is waiting or
requested a stop.
Woman with child gets off at apartments east of Hornbacher’s. Couple gets off at Hornbacher’s.
Knecht and Mueller
14
At GTC, 3:47 pm
Passengers deboard; passenger in mobility chair waits for driver’s assistance while able-bodied
exit. Men allow women in front of them, all allow elderly passenger to leave first. Passengers all
say thanks, or have a nice day, or similar to driver. Bus arrived late, so most passengers hurry to
make transfers.
Bus #4, GTC to Walmart, 3:48 pm:
– Woman #1, Spanish-sounding accent, asks driver if this bus goes to Cashwise, wearing
business casual pants with knee boots and knee-length quilted coat, 40’s
– Woman #2, about 50, wearing scrubs and nursing shoes (black), reading romance novel
(Julia Quinn), wearing a North Face jacket, black with black gloves sticking out of
pocket.
– Man #1 - white, 30’s, wearing jeans, Carhartt jackets, scuffed and worn work boots
– Man #2 and #3 look/dressed similar, #3 wearing knit cap
– Man #3 reading the Forum
– Man #4 – black, late 20’s, wearing baggy jeans and hoodie.
Most using devices. Man #4 has earbuds in, is looking out window. Woman #2 and Man #1 and
#3 wear wedding rings. Most on bus appear to be lower/working class. No students.
As on Bus #2, no one sits with anyone else, avoid eye contact, no talking. Driver announces
stops.
At US Bank, Man #5 boards. White, 60’s, wearing sweats and hoodie with backpack.
At Clay County Family Services/Courthouse, Woman #2 leaves, Women #3 and #4 board. Both
white, early 20’s, heavily made up, strikingly dyed hair – one purple, one an orangey red. They
take seats in separate rows, one in front of the other, and talk in low, angry voices.
Man #4 and #5 leave at Churches United. Man #1 and #2 leave at Target. Man #3 (and me) gets
off at Walmart.
As on Bus #2, each passenger says thanks or have a nice day to driver as they leave.
Bus #4, Walmart to GTC, 5:09 pm:
– Man #1, white, 50-60, wearing jeans with flannel work shirt (can see collar) and work
boots, Carhartt jacket with hood, black backpack with tear on left side and two Walmart
shopping bags
Knecht and Mueller
15
– Man #2, white, 40-50, wearing shabby clothes, torn jeans, jacket is worn and stained,
frayed knit hat, sneakers, carrying 3-5 Walmart shopping bags.
– Man #3, black, late 20s/early 30’s, wearing two pairs of jeans, both hanging below his
butt, one pair cinced with a bright pink belt fastened over right butt cheek. With plaid
boxers. Newer-looking workboots (no scuffs, bright color), sweatshirt with hood instead
of a coat. No bags.
– Woman #1, 40-50, short spiky “punk” style hair, dyed pink with handkerchief
headband tied around her ears. Wearing red leggings and flats. Jacket is a hip-length wool
cinched with a belt. (Looks like a character wannabe from Grease)
Man #2 plays with handheld device. Others look out windows. As with previous rides,
passengers sit one per row. No eye contact, no talking.
Man #4 boards at Cashwise, 20’s, bright green cast on left arm, listening to Metallica through
earbuds (and probably damaging his hearing because it’s loud enough for me to know what band
he’s listening to). Wearing sneakers and baggy jeans with zippered sweatshirt. Gets off at
apartments near Dilworth American Legion.
Woman #1 leaves at Moorhead Manor. Man #1 leaves at FS/Courthouse.
Woman #2 boards. Professional clothing (dress pants, heels) but hair/makeup don’t match (look
more lower-class) Carrying messenger bag. Possibly someone just starting a new job?
Woman #2 gets off at Park View Terrace.
At GTC, 5:30 pm:
Passengers leave, again thanking driver or wishing him a good evening. 15 minute wait for other
routes to arrive. Passengers enter GTC, sit with at least one seat between them and another
passenger.
Man #3 walks around to front of GTC, isn’t seen again.
Man #2 sits in back row, picks up section of Forum left in next seat.
Route 2, GTC to 4th Ave South (Moorhead), 5:45 pm
Only one other passenger. Woman, 30’s, with two full r/u totes of groceries and purse. Wears
jeans, scuffed hiking-type boots with wool socks, and knit hat. Parka-style coat with hood (faux
Knecht and Mueller
16
fur trim), stained, worn. Sits in 1st row, bags on outside seat. Leaves at Moorhead Library. Tells
driver to have a good night.
Knecht and Mueller
17
Anna Mueller
Soc 352
Field Notes
Mini Ethnography
Bus #11
North Fargo
Broadway & 25th Ave > GTC > MSUM
3:45pm
Rider one; American Indian woman; over 30; dressed well
Rider two; Hispanic male; 20s; dressed well; stayed away from bus shelter while waiting for bus
Rider three; elderly woman; dressed well; smiled
Rider four; male; 20s; winter gear and sunglasses
Rider five; teenage boy; ‘hip’ dress; headphones
Rider six & seven; white men in 20’s/30’s, backpacks, well groomed
Rider eight; young Muslim woman coming from hospital
Rider nine, ten, eleven, twelve; American Indian family, grandmother, mother, two children
Everyone not traveling together left at least one seat between them and the next person. No one
was speaking to each other, unless there was a common experience shared, like transferring to
the same bus at a later point. Many riders were listening to music; most of the people listening
were men.
As we arrived at the GTC and we all departed the bus, there was politeness in letting people off
the bus, and there was no pushing or shoving.
GTC
As people exited their respective buses, waiting for transfers, they kept to themselves, just as
they did on the bus. Whether they were outside or inside, there was still the separation of
unfamiliarity. People were spaced out, either standing or sitting. People were spending their wait
time reading, listening to music, or spending time on their phone or other digital device.
Bus #2
As the bus entered the GTC, many people started lining up to enter the bus. As the bus doors
opened, many young, college students exited the bus. There were only a few people on the bus
once it left the GTC, two young women and a young man who just left the hospital. All the riders
of the bus departed at the MSUM stop, and several students got on the bus.
Knecht and Mueller
18
Bus #8
MSUM > GTC > North Fargo
8:45
While waiting for the bus, all the riders were college students. Most were of average age with
two older than average students also waiting for the bus. With no seating area, everyone stood
near the bus stop. As riders exited the bus, they were all younger, college students. Many of them
had shopping bags from stores located in West Acres.
As we entered the bus, many students sat together, speaking with each other while others stayed
strict to the one – two spots between them.
Bus #11
Even with a familiarity between male friends, there was a space between them.
There was a young African American man, who had a verbal scuffle with the bus driver.