The Unkindness of the First Bus

Every time I stand at the first bus stop of the day, I feel a sense of unreasonable unkindness. A bus is parked right in front of me. The driver is inside. Yet, the doors remain firmly shut, leaving me stranded in the outside air. In midsummer, the relentless sun scorches my skin; in midwinter, the biting cold stings my cheeks. If only they would open the doors a few minutes—no, even a minute—earlier, I would be saved, but the driver doesn't budge, refusing to let passengers in until the scheduled time. I simply cannot understand this strange sense of 'integrity'.
Of course, there are likely rules regarding operational management. Perhaps there are reasons like extra air conditioning costs if passengers board early, or maintenance and inspections that haven't been completed. However, from the passenger's perspective, such logic is irrelevant. The absurdity of being forced to wait outside when a 'comfortable space' is right in front of you—it is only natural to feel that this is unkind.
Especially at the first stop, many people arrive early precisely because the departure time is fixed. They line up early and wait quietly for the bus to arrive. But the lack of reward for this is immense. The bus is already there, the destination sign is lit, and the driver is fiddling with their smartphone or checking notes. Even so, the doors remain closed. It is as if there is a silent wall there, 'as if rejecting the passengers'.
Whether in the city or the countryside, this scene remains unchanged. No one complains; they just endure it. One could say it is typical of the Japanese, but I think a little more flexibility would be nice. For example, if it is sweltering outside, open the doors early so people can wait inside. If it is winter, turn on the heat and start boarding little by little. How many people would be saved by just that much consideration?
In fact, in many countries abroad, the doors of the first bus are kept open so that passengers can sit and wait. Flexible responses within the scope of safety and rules are the norm. I think Japanese bus companies could also adopt a more 'human-centric operation.' After all, adhering to discipline and losing one's compassion are by no means synonymous.
Nevertheless, here I am again today, waiting at that first bus stop. With my breath turning white in the cold air, I gaze blankly at the closed doors. The driver checks the time, and finally, the doors open. Along with that momentary sense of relief, I think: 'Couldn't society be just a little kinder to people?'

#BusStop #PublicTransport #DailyObservations #SmallFrustrations #JapaneseScenery #FirstBus #Compassion