Episode #22 A Brother, A Bus, and Beyond (featuring Steve Tanasse)

Show notes:

A bus remains the backbone of public transportation today as it’s been for the last 100 years in nearly every major city around the world. The story of the bus memorializes our evolution as a society and culture. It symbolizes industrialization, and etches moments and movements of our past from Freedom Riders to Rosa Parks’ refusal to ride in the back, into our collective psyche. 

The bus continues its roll as workhorse in urban environments. Ridership has remained steady, except during the pandemic, as cities continue to grow in population and face the associated issues of traffic and crowding. Taking the bus remains convenient, inexpensive, and a way to stay out of your own vehicle and avoid traffic. Buses also continue to require drivers, for now. Bus drivers represent some of the more constant relationships commuters encounter and experience on a daily basis.

Steve Tanasse, my oldest brother and a bus driver, tells stories of driving his routes for Seattle Metro and Community Transit in Everett WA. He shares his experiences of working with the public, and the process of losing  the work he loves, forced to retire early. We talk about life’s transitions, and bringing purpose to our work, and beyond the void that shows up when we no longer work, but still want to. 

I’m boarding a bus to welcome my brother, Steve Tanasse, to A Hat Tip For Hands!

Post Show Notes: Thanks for sharing an important piece of your life Steve! I really enjoyed talking with you!

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