Tales from a Chinatown bus rider, part I

I witnessed the digital divide at its worst yesterday. It hadn't been the first time.

It happened on the Chinatown buses, the transportation of choice for students and poor folks. Me.

Anyone can take the Chinatown buses. But it's those with a computer who are the priveleged riders.

People can buy a roundtrip ticket to NYC from DC for a whopping $35, online or in person. I have always bought online, because I don't have the luxury of waiting for buses in case seats are sold out. Besides, I'm a planner. It would be highly uncharacteristic if I waited and bought a ticket in person.

Yesterday was my fourth time taking the bus to see Ben for the weekend. It's a 4 and a 1/2 hour ride, usually painful in some way. Every trip has been distinct. If you have any standards whatsoever, this bus isn't for you. I still think it's worth it.

When the bus arrives, usually late, those who have waited in their own opinion for far way too long tend to congregate closely around the bus' door. They barely leave a path for those still on the bus to get off.

Yesterday, the small congregation turned into a mob. Many had waited two hours for the bus, some had waited longer, because it had been -- surprise -- stuck in traffic between turnpikes. They were hot, tired and hungry.

Then, a man from Chinatown buses said only those with online tickets could board. People who had bought tickets in person had to wait.

This announcment has angered groups before. But this time was different. The mob was angry, and they weren't budging. They didn't care about the people who were waving their online tickets in the air. They weren't getting through.

I had put my luggage on the bus, skeptical but hopeful that I would make it on the bus. But as I tried to push through the group, it quickly became clear I would get nowhere. I had waited already for two-and-a-half hours. I figured I could wait longer. After I removed my bag, I tried to push through the group one last time.

Progress. A few big guys in the front were willing to help the small girl in the back squeeze through. Squeeze I did. I gently pushed people to the side as I moved my way toward the front. As I pushed forward, those around me continued to push. WHen I made it to the first steps, I dropped my laptop bag and the ticket handler grabbed my hand to pull me on.

I was one of the last with on an online ticket to make it. A straggler or two followed and a small group of people without online tickets got to sit at the back of the bus (more will be written about this in part II).

When the bus pulled away, more than a dozen people were left behind, waiting for the next bus. It wasn't the first time I felt bad about my good fortune. Because I had the Internet, I was able to get on the bus. Those without access were left behind.

In 2006, the digital divide has narrowed. But the gap has yet to close.