The Wolfline is NC State’s convenient bus system, capable of moving upwards of 45 passengers per bus. The rides are smooth, the people are interesting, and the trip is free, so you really can’t go wrong with this service! Despite all of these positive notes, there are some common courtesies you should keep in mind to maximize your enjoyment of the service. I’ll break these down into 3 categories for your convenience: Poise, Interaction, and Hey-Don’t-You-Even.
POISE.
As with anything else in life, the way a person carries themselves is very important. For example, dressing one’s best can be the difference between a great presentation and a boring one. Savoir faire can be the difference between landing an awesome job and stealing pennies from wishing fountains. As with many other times in life, poise while riding the Wolfline is necessary to ensure comfortable travel for all. Maintaining an upright seating position is paramount. The seats are comfortably sectioned so as to eliminate unwarranted elbow rubbing, so it’s best to follow suit and snuggle into the space you’re alotted, and NOT into the space of fellow riders.
In other words, it is best to not follow the example on the right…
Sometimes patrons must stand while riding the bus due to various situations, such as instances when all seats are being occupied. When standing, it is important to maintain grasp on either an overhead bar or a vertical bar, so as to minimize the possibility of falling. Also, the gray loops attached to the overhead bars aren’t made for holding while standing. They slide, so they serve more as an anchor to yank yourself out of the seat. Forgetting this can lead to embarrassing spills and easily avoidable injuries!
INTERACTION.
Negative interaction is something that poses the second biggest obstacle to enjoyable transportation. Minding the space and needs of other passengers is something that displays true mastery of automotive etiquette.
For example, a patron who talks loudly on the phone with his mother about a supposed date that she has set up for him, squealing phrases such as “HOW CUTE IS SHE?”, is likely to hinder the enjoyment of passengers who would have rather spend the ride in relaxation. The best approach to cell phone usage on the bus is rather simple: text messaging. If calling is still more of an enticing option for whatever reason, keeping the volume down to a low, controlled tone is a must. A similar principle applies when talking to people, especially strangers, on the bus. It’s important to approach with consideration for others around you, keeping conversation light and enjoyable.
Another important aspect of interaction is limiting unsolicited space-invasion. If you feel yourself drifting to sleep, make sure that your trajectory places you into your allotted seating space, and not into the shoulder of a stranger.
HEY-DON’T-YOU-EVEN.
There are a few absolute no-noes when it comes to riding the Wolfline.
1) NO EATING OR DRINKING. I’ve seen many people get in trouble for forgetting this rule. I’m sure that the bus drivers wouldn’t appreciate having to clean up spilled drinks from under the bus seats. Not only that, the ride can, at times, be bumpy, so eating on the bus could spell disaster for a spotless wardrobe. Imagine being that patron who gets on with a full-course breakfast, then leaves wearing it.
2) NO BLASTING MUSIC. This, unfortunately, isn’t the 80′s, so playing anything outside of headphones in public has become somewhat frowned upon. The same goes for the bus.
3) NO SMOKING.
CONCLUSION.
Overall, the Wolfline is a fun service that you’ll come to love as a student here at State. As long as you keep in mind these few notes, you’ll be 100% ready to roll.
PS. All of the examples used here were derived from real-life experiences on the Wolfline.