Zen in the Art of Travel Behavior:
Using Visual Ethnography to Understand the Transit Experience

When the Bruin Bus campus shuttle does not suffice, I usually wait on this wooden bench against the stone wall. There are usually a string of Big Blue Buses. I appreciate the reliability and availability.

Signs (such as the ones above) make me reflect on the role of public transit in addressing social responsibility and equity issues.

The bus drivers highly discourage riders to place their feet on the seats. But I think that seat designs are really interesting, so I wanted to be a part of it.

I noticed that the Big Blue Bus recently revamped their marketing materials. Using bright colors and bold font, these brochures are surely aesthetically pleasing.

The best thing about being one of the only riders is that no one has to be standing, and I can occupy the seats (reserved for the elderly and disabled).

One of my favorite things I like about riding the bus is viewing the scenery through a frame. It's like photography.

A short, cheap and efficient trip, courtesy of Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus. Unfortunately, summertime does not offer the co-pay system and I had to pay the full fare. Throughout the academic year, it is only 25 cents (now, 35 cents).

...in the city? The nation? I forget the significance of this intersection. Nevertheless, Wilshire has been an important artery for commercial, recreational, work-related travel. It's wide streets make me nervous--sometimes, I don't cross the street on time and cars are pretty aggressive.

I actually like taking the bus number "8" all the way to Santa Monica. It's my favorite Big Blue Bus route since it stops in front of the Santa Monica Courthouse. Too bad I wasn't riding it, nor did I need to take it.

I like the juxtaposition: dark interior and bright exterior. It makes for an interesting view. Something like this is really just about subtle details, which makes my bus rides all the more worthwhile.

There are so many things going on in this photo. I like the different layers and objects, providing depth and distance.