My commute to work takes me from Roxbury to Dorchester. The shortest distance by bus called for taking the 45 from Dudley and Blue Hill to Grove Hall and then transfering to the 23. "Is there really a schedule for the 45?" That's what I asked others waiting for this bus. I would often check my watch, the "schedule" on the bus stop pole, my cell phone clock, and the "schedule" again. Why? 'Cause it just didn't seem to make sense. "It comes when it wants to". was the response to my question, along with nods and short smiles from any other people who heard the response.

I soon learned to take the 15 into Dudley (actually going in the direction opposite to my final destination) only because that turned out to be quicker than waiting around for "my bus". The return route was the same becuase after 8 PM, it was even more of a question "when" the bus would come around. It's as if they go up Blue Hill and they are swallowed up when the get to Franklin Park. I know that's not the case. It's clearly a matter of priorities and my neighborhood does not rank high for public transportation officials. I tried not to use my car, but eventually, there was little choice. Time is money, and the T just couldn't get the job done.