The most recent rally by RIPTA riders drew a great deal of support from those who actually ride the buses and depend on Rhode Island's mass transit system. It is a lifestyle that many find not only critical to their jobs, education and independence, but fun, relaxing and an interesting slice of life as well.

Aaron Phaneuf gives a nice take on life on the bus in the following article first published in Newport This Week (readers will recall that we shared the first part of Aaron's story in our June 15 e-blast "The #14 Express rides on . . .).

A few weeks ago, I began writing about the 14 express bus, (#14) to Providence. I rode the #14 nearly every weekday. Rising at 6 a.m., I would walk, ride a bike, or hitch a ride with my wife to the Gateway Center in downtown Newport.

The bus leaves at 7:10 a.m., makes one stop in Saunderstown (just over the Jamestown Bridge); then deposits passengers at various outposts around the capital city. In the late afternoon I would catch the #14 home, returning most evenings to Newport by 6:10 p.m. The #14 also makes additional trips to and from Providence throughout the day.

My articles focused on the #14 express which makes just one trip in the morning and again one in the afternoon. In my previous article, life on the bus was documented by focusing on the people who use public transportation in their daily life. This installment highlights a few tips and tricks for those interested in putting the car keys away and hopping on the bus.

Click here to the full article, which includes Aaron's top four tips for taking the bus.