Finding Joy on Public Transit

As someone who doesn’t own a car and shakes like a leaf at the thought of parallel parking, I rely on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains to get me everywhere I need to go. My love for public transit is no secret. I have a favorite bus line here in Chicago–the 147, because of the beautiful lake views–and own several CTA merch items like prints, socks, and many, many mugs.

*Just a few of the current rotation of mugs!*

I get it—public transit isn’t always easy to love. The delays, crowded trains, and maintenance issues can make it feel more like a chore than a chance to connect. But that’s exactly why finding those moments of joy matters. It’s not about ignoring the challenges but choosing to see what makes the experience uniquely human.

What if we tried to look at public transit as more than just a way to get from point A to point B, and instead embrace the commute and find little moments of joy? Here are some of my favorite things about public transportation:

The Beauty in the Details

Have you ever taken the Brown Line downtown? If not, you’re missing out on one of the city's best views. Chicago has some of the coolest architecture in the United States (the first skyscraper was built here!), not to mention the Chicago River flows through downtown. The views from the elevated trains are unrivaled, and we’ve captured so many wonderful photos over the years.

I love catching glimpses of the city skyline through the windows or noticing how sunlight filters through the bus at golden hour. The small things–like the quirky train ads or the snippets of overheard conversations–make the ride feel like a part of the day worth savoring.

Moments of Connection

There’s something uniquely human about public transit—it’s one of the few spaces where people from all walks of life share the same experience. Studies have shown that frequent public transit users often report lower levels of loneliness and higher levels of social connectedness.

I’ve had so many moments of connection myself: getting restaurant recommendations, sharing laughs with strangers, and even helping a new bus driver find his way back to the right route—a personal highlight. These moments make me appreciate the simple, everyday ways we can connect.

The Commute as Therapy

Public transit is also a rare moment to just be. It’s time to read a book, listen to music or a podcast, or watch the city unfold outside the window. The ride becomes a way to recharge, to take a breath before diving into the next part of the day. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s my time, and that makes it special. When you’re behind the wheel, your focus is on the road. On public transit, you have the luxury to look around. I’ve discovered new restaurants, murals, and parks that I probably wouldn’t have noticed otherwise!

With someone else handling the driving, you’re free to unwind and reclaim those precious minutes for yourself.

Find your Joy

Sure, the system isn’t perfect—I’ve had my share of ghost buses and delays, too—but when I remind myself to look for the good, I usually find it. That mindset shift makes all the difference. Instead of seeing the commute as something to endure, it becomes an opportunity to explore, connect, and appreciate the little things.

So next time you’re waiting for a train or stuck on a slow-moving bus, take a moment to look around. Who knows—you might find a little joy in the ride.