Conveyances
Riding on Muni
Taking public transportation involves a paradox, everyone riding together while conducting personal trajectories alone. Most people have a destination, though they look like they are waiting to see if that place actually exists. It's an expression permeated by the unknown, quietly surrendering to being human and wondering if it is heaven or hell around the corner. So much is said without uttering a word when maintaining the unspoken rules of personal space on public transportation.
Sometimes people talk to each other. Perfect Strangers conversing In several different languages. Revealing their humanity. Risking vulnerability. Changing the course of the day and in the larger scheme of things, their own lives along the way. The hours spent in transit become a metaphor for your personal journey through life.
Anyone witnessing this can see the beauty in everyone that boards the bus and what they bring, reflecting on what’s known and what’s unknown until it’s time to go.
In 2015, I was a daily commuter on public transportation in the SF bay area.
As a fellow rider I found myself in awe of the humanity, the life, loss, revelation and mystery on board everyday - through a democratic lens on culture and the body politic crowding personhood.
This is a visual diary of the experience.
This project has a multi media aspect developing.
“If we are all equal, a bus with 200 passengers should have 200 times more road space than the Mercedes with one passenger. A public park should exist instead of a private golf course.”
- Enrique Penalosa
