Dear AC Transit,
Where would I be without you? Perhaps stranded outside RSF, walking one mile to get to Trader Joe's, or spending my lunch money on an Uber.
You’ve seen me get lost, in a rush, sad, and full of life. There have been times when you’ve left me stranded and alone, but you always return for me 15 minutes later. I know I can always count on you, even if you get delayed five minutes.
I don’t give you the credit you deserve. Sometimes all I say is a simple, thank you when I step off the bus. Truth is, you deserve so much more. You get me from point A to point B without asking for anything in return, and you’re always ready to take me to the next place.
I’ve made a lot of good memories on your different bus routes. The first time I stepped on an AC Transit bus, I was with a group of people whom I didn’t know would become some of my greatest friends. You witnessed me get lost while exploring Berkeley alone for the first time. Who knew taking the 51B: Berkeley Marina meant I would end up in front of the Marina and not the Amtrak? Okay. That was definitely bad navigation on my part.
Without the 36, I wouldn’t have been able to watch Blue Beetle with my friends in my first year. That was definitely a core memory. Window shopping around Bay St and Ikea would not be possible. Without you, my first date to Chick-fil-A would not have happened because we couldn’t afford an Uber. I’m sure you noticed how nervous I was sitting beside my date. It went great, and we now go to Chick-fil-A on the 36, any chance we get.
Whenever my friend and I planned a trip to San Francisco, but didn’t want to pay for the BART, the F would give us a ride. The extra 20 minutes you took just gave us more time to catch each other up on the latest tea in our lives. You allowed us to experience a double-decker bus for the first time, and we were both so amazed that we continued riding the J bus until we got a shot at the best seat on top. It was definitely worth the wait.
When I didn’t want to walk to the Stadium to give a tour, you gave me a ride to the top just in time for me to clock in 15 minutes early. You helped me avoid a sweat and shin splints.
Although you have seen me happy, you have also seen me in tears, struggling to get through the remainder of the bus ride. Instead of embarrassing me, you have offered the comfort of your window seats so I can stare into the abyss and feel all the feelings.
My college experience would not have been the same without you. Before we crossed paths, I wasn’t sure how I would get around, or if I could even call Berkeley home, but you’ve shown me everything there is to see. Thanks to your excellent service, Berkeley feels like home.
Thank you for every trip, every delay, every memory, both good and bad. Without you, I would be the girl I was initially, lost with no direction and no way home.
Best,
Esme Zavala