No one knows if the proposed high-speed and light-rail transit projects will ever come rolling down the tracks here in Wisconsin. Word is it would provide a lot of good jobs, a nice bonus for construction workers.
But passengers might also reap some benefits: not rewards measured in tangibles — money or achievements — but moments shared with strangers that take us by surprise and turn ordinary events into magical moments that bring smiles to the soul.
I’ve experienced these brief encounters with strangers before, but was recently reminded again of this phenomenon that brings a smile to the soul.
On a Friday evening commute aboard a Milwaukee County Transit System bus, I heard “Welcome Aboard” upon entering. And as I settled in for the 45-minute ride I noticed that most people did a double take — as I did — as they were greeted by the bus driver. (A clue that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary ride home.)