Thoughts on Route 31
“College kids have more things to worry about then getting a ride. That’s why I’m here.” These are the humble words of Mike Chewakin, NDSU bus driver of five years. “I’ve seen that tree grow three feet.” Mike says with a vibrant laugh and a twinkle in his eye.
Every Monday through Thursday Mike drives the same Route 31 On Campus Circulator 38 times each day. He leaves his Fargo home at 6 a.m. and doesn’t return until after 5 p.m. Despite these long hours and no lunch break, Mike has a positive attitude toward his job. He says that he’s here for a purpose- to give us students a ride.
In return, our job is to get good grades and graduate. “Nowadays you have to have a college education, you just have to…or you’re at the bottom of the barrel.” Mike stresses that he is so impressed with NDSU students, whom he calls “his kids.”. Bus riders are polite and well-mannered. Mike can’t remember hearing any vulgar language while driving the bus. He hears “thank you” at least a hundred times a day.
However, Mike is so much more than just a bus driver. He is husband to his best friend Mary, the proud father of his 28-year-old successful son, a Minot State University Business College graduate, a Navy Vietnam War veteran, a hard-worker, a loving owner to his 7-year-old dog Buddy, and a breath of fresh air in my day.
As a hospitality major, three of my classes are at the Candlewood Suites on 19th Avenue North. I ride the bus with Mike almost every day. Sure he’s got his bad days like everyone else, but his smile and sense of humor brighten my day. He calls me “little blue” after my car, which is an old blue Ford Escort. Mike always seems to know when I’m supposed to be riding, where my car is parked, and whether or not I’m late. “Mike is the whole reason it’s fun to come to school…that man somehow knows when you’re late,” Daryl Gartner, a fellow bus rider and hospitality student said. So let’s help out Mike in his job by being aware of the following things:
If you ride the bus frequently, have some chats with Mike. Tell him your name, bring up politics, he loves to talk with “his kids.”
Watch for the bus. Mike will yield to walking students; after all, he doesn’t want a lawsuit. But be watchful and considerate. Don’t get run over please!
You don’t need to show your student ID. This bus only goes on campus.
Wait for people to get off the bus before you get on. Mike usually signals you to come in.
Once on the bus, if there is no sitting room and you must stand, move toward the back. You hold up a lot of traffic when you stand in the middle of the bus looking lost.
Say “thank you” or “have a good day”. Be considerate.
For the love of sanity, don’t park in the bus spot by Minard.
You don’t need to pull the stop requested cord for Minard. Mike stops there for a few minutes, four times each hour.
This bus runs from 7:25 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.
Route 32 goes to the University Village, Minard, and Dakota Drive. Route 31 goes to the Candlewood Suites, the Tech Park, the Dome Shelter, Minard, and the Wellness Center.
And if you see Mike, tell him that Little Blue says “hi.”
Amy is a senior studying hospitality and tourism management.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum