Today, Elizabeth, Jenna, and I decided to go to a nearby lake-beach: Île de Loisirs de Créteil. In order to get there, we would have to take RER B and A, as well as a bus. I did not really know what to expect the bus to be like, since I had low expectations because of America’s transit systems, while also having somewhat high expectations because of how reliable Paris transportation usually is. When we got off of RER A, some of the signage was confusing, but the bus ended up not being that far away and there were a couple of nearby maps to help us out. Once we got there, I immediately noticed that this was a more suburban area, and it reminded me of my home in Midlothian because of all the car lanes and retail areas. However, what makes Loisirs de Créteil different from Midlothian is that the bus has its own designated lane in the middle, while cars run on either side of it. It is such a simple concept, but it works extremely well. With this layout, the bus didn’t have to interfere with that much traffic (except for stop lights, other buses, etc.) and it also helps prevent more car accidents from happening. Also, I do realize that the lake is only about 7.5 miles outside of Paris, so it makes sense why public transport is still fairly accessible. However, Richmond, Virginia has a bus system but it only works within the city bounds, with very few working buses outside of that (and those exceptions are not immediately outside of the city either, but in neighboring counties).
There are also designated areas for people to sit and wait for the bus, as well as a screen that shows the estimated time that the buses will arrive. This screen was pretty inaccurate and changed quite a bit, but that is understandable since it is easier for the bus to get delayed than something like the RER or metro. Also, the wait times inbetween are longer than something like the RER but, again, that is understandable. And while the ride was not exactly pleasant due to how busy it was, I appreciated that they had so many handrails and places to lean on/sit because the bus can get packed very quickly. I would say that the TVM bus has a lot more areas to grip onto than the tram, even though they both are pretty similar. While the bus is not exactly something to jump for joy about, I would much rather ride a bus in France than in most places of the United States.
Yes the bus was not my favorite part of the trip. I will say having a lane designated solely for the bus is a brilliant move. Even though the ride was unpleasant with it being so crowded and holding on the rails for dear life, having a separate lane designated for the bus made the ride faster in that we dd not have to stop for cars changing lanes and it felt safer. America could incorporate this design of transportation. It is about utilizing the space which France does well. There are even walking paths on either side of the roads.
And then the next day we got to ride the RER, a metro, a DIFFERENT metro, a train, and a shuttle! You get lots of time on public transit. I agree though, I actively avoid riding the bus at home in the States, and I know a lot of UMW students do as well. Public transit is much more integrated here.
I used to ride the DASH bus around Alexandria with my lower-income baby sitter and her daughter when I was little, and there is absolutely stigma in the US around using public transporation (especially the bus) and not having a car. The FRED bus also feels the same, or at least it did when I used it a couple times in fall 2019. I appreciate so much that NOT having a car is the norm here in Paris, since it removes most of the stigma around taking public transport.