Fan favorite King County Metro announced today that they will begin offering a new service for area residents during the pandemic: cardio classes modeled after the popular urban pastime of sprinting after the bus.
“Surveys showed that one of the things our riders miss most during this pandemic is the regular adrenaline rush and fear they experience running down the street in business casual, trying to wave down the good ol’ green and yellow,” said Metro analyst Alex Cooper. “We’re happy to announce that for a $2.75 tap with your ORCA card, you can now chase your bus around for a full marathon, or quick 100m down the block. OneBusAway can help you find the best bus routes for you to wave desperately after, whether you are into hills or seeking more of a downtown pedestrian-dodging thrill.”
Despite initial concerns about the safety of promoting such an activity, roads officials have acknowledged that people sprinting through crosswalks or gesturing wildly in the middle of the street isn’t all that different than pre-pandemic traffic conditions. City of Seattle has even offered to pay for bike racks and flower planters for use as hurdles along the most popular routes.
“Where else can you find an exercise class that pays its instructors union wages, and costs under $5?” jogger and software developer Lara Barahimi said. “Plus, I feel more motivated and affirmed by a thumbs up or cheerful honk from my regular bus driver, Gerald, than I ever felt from my online spin instructor.”
If the program proves successful, Metro says it might consider adding a summer Water Taxi class, “Butterfly from Alki,” for West Seattle residents.
