One day, Hai, an international student, asked me a question. "Teacher, did the bus driver get angry with me? He left before I even sat down." I smiled and answered, "That's just how it is." But Hai asked again, "Why is it just how it is?" and I couldn't answer either. ## The driver wasn't angry I've been used to riding standing up since I was little, so I never thought it was strange. Thinking about it again, buses run according to a set timetable and the gaps between the buses ahead and behind. The driver works in a system where they're constantly chased by the clock. On top of that, Korean buses have lots of handles and poles, so there's an atmosphere where standing is considered perfectly fine. The driver isn't being unfriendly. ## You can press the bell early Hayi was curious about the bell too. "Isn't it rude to press it so long before getting off?" Not at all. When you press the bell, a light comes on at the front so the driver knows the bus is stopping at this stop. If nobody presses it and no one is waiting at the stop, the bus just drives past. The stops are also fairly close together, so it's best to press it right when the announcement plays. ## Try It Right Away - As soon as you tap your card, grab the handle first. Finding a seat comes after that. - When you hear the name of your stop, press the bell right away. - In many places, you need to tap your card one more time when you get off. It may differ from city to city, so check the notices inside the bus. I hear Hai now stands holding the strap and looks out the window. Thanks to Hai, I got to see the bus again through the eyes of someone riding it for the first time.