I've heard of people who call public transit the "shame train."

The undeserved stigma is changing as our nation's unsustainable run with oil comes to an end. Some of the world's most successful cities are founded on functional public transit systems.

Somewhere between city and wilderness town, Juneau is lucky to have Capital Transit. I recently heard someone call the bus a "long white limo."

I like my long white limo. It gets me where I want to go, or pretty close. It doesn't always get me there on time, but that's a solveable problem when you know the tricks.

suzy lafferty / juneau empire   Kyle Holladay and James Locher, on the left, head downtown to skateboard through sunset. Rosemary Bookham and Rosemary Kendall, on the right, from Perth, Australia, finish their day of sightseeing via Juneau's public bus system.

If you disembark at Alaskan & Proud, there are several possibilities for spending that quarter-hour: shopping at the Salvation Army, at A&P or the drug store with crazy cool stuff from Asia.

You can buy a coffee at Pump 'n' Brew or Heritage, a beer at the bowling alley or Seong's. You can chill in the warm atmosphere of the Federal Building's post office lobby or buy a six pack for later at Kenny's.

Valley resident Joe Baxter has wanted to ride the bus on several occasions but didn't know which bus went where, how much a ride cost, or the difference between the express and the local.

suzy lafferty / juneau empire   "I really rely on the city bus," Marcella Mazon says as she waits for the bus to take her to the Mendenhall Valley at the stop by Fred Meyer on Saturday. "I wish they would go on the half hour. It's hard when we got to wait one hour after we miss one bus."

"I think the bus system needs more marketing," he said. He's probably right. Getting around on the bus does take practice.

Capital Transit superintendent John Kern said they use little funding on marketing due to the system's high use.

"It is amazing the ridership we have in a community this size," Kern said. "Crowded buses are a problem. We give over 100,000 rides a month."

Every rider though, enjoys some of the advantages of a corporate bigwig: Imagine traveling under the command of a professional driver in a nearly indestructible commute assault vehicle.

A Capital Transit bus would crush a Hummer like a cruise ship on a skiff. According to the American Public Transportation Association, automobile passengers in 2004 were 18 times more likely to die in transit than bus riders.

Due in varying degrees to my horrific driving skills, socio-environmental reasons, health and budget, I have been voluntarily carless since 2004.

That was almost a year after the war in Iraq began. As I read about what was going on over there, I came to believe that the conflict began over oil. I used to blame Dubya and crew, but then I realized they just do my dirty work.

When I drive or fly, I am the one that demands oil. I decided to lessen my oil consumption by riding public transportation.

If it weren't for Capital Transit, this would not have been possible.

One of my best bus trips was on the Douglas bus route in 2005, as my band traveled downtown for a show. The passengers were in good spirits that Friday night even though it was dark and snotty.

Curious about our instruments, especially the stand-up bass, which resembles a body bag while in its case, they talked us into playing. We jammed over the bridge through the howling wind and rain all the way into downtown.

When I quit driving three years ago, I needed to make few lifestyle adjustments. With my partner Brooke as a guide, I learned that I needed a bus-accessible job and a home near the line. Over time I learned to schedule flights so we could use the express whenever possible to get to the airport.

A month ago I broke down and bought a diesel car with two friends. We plan to share it and convert to veggie oil. We will use the car only when the bus is not an option.

The lack of an express on the weekend, plus reduced service on holidays and evenings has made the car a necessary evil.

Kern says the municipality is currently reviewing their transit development plan and will hire a consultant and offer public meetings and surveys in the near future.

I'd suggest limited weekend express and ferry terminal service, and an improved transit center downtown. Still a concept, the city is considering an improved, mixed-use transit and parking facility across from the Merchant's Wharf, Kern said.

The superintendent is also proud to report that a recent increase in federal funding will ease transit's cost on the community.

Of course there are times when the bus doesn't quite work, or one can't afford the extra time the bus commute requires. For times like those, consider a budget for taxis.

Getting on the bus can be like walking into Cheers. I'm on a first-name basis with a handful of the drivers and I often see friends. If I am not in the mood to socialize, it is a great opportunity to read, enjoy a cup of coffee or veg out. It's super-low stress, and it's virtually impossible to crash into another motorized vehicle.

Compare a $36 monthly bus pass with monthly gas and insurance costs, vehicle depreciation, parking and moving violations, maintenance, stress, and the value of the time one spends dealing with all of the above.

The disadvantages of the bus can include loud music on a Discman or iPod, questionable communication skills between passengers, inconsiderate cell phone use, or live bluegrass music!

The bus does not run on Sunday evenings and some holidays. And if one lives in Thane, out the road, or North Douglas (which has limited bus service) consider the ol' park and ride.

To deal with the disadvantages, carry a few survival items: ear plugs, iPod (consider Bose noise quieting earphones), a headlamp for reading on the commute home during winter, and your favorite reading material.

The bus is a mobile community center. Meet new people, hear local gossip, or just flap jaws with one of Capital Transit's fine drivers.