'The Vintage' is our first collaborator. She's an experienced public commuter and knows a thing or two about awkward eye contact. Her story tells of the limitations set by her phone and how the environment is an important factor.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself – what do you do?
I do commerce [at university] -- all about business and money. I am a full-time student with a part-time job.

 

And where are we right now?
We are on the regular bus –

 

–  What do you mean by “regular”?
I mean that it’s the bus I catch every day – for two years now.

 

So that would make you quite familiar with this space. What are your thoughts about it – in terms of its size, other passengers, etc.?
It’s so disgusting...always very crowded and smelly.

 

We’re currently sitting at the very back of the bus. Is this a regular spot for you?
No. Usually I get on very late [in the journey] and everybody comes on before me. Usually I have to sit at the very front, like in the seats for people with a disability. Today I am sitting in the back row because I got on earlier than usual.

 

I understand the trip is quite long. Do you like to keep yourself occupied?
Sometimes I use my phone…if I can get reception. Maybe I’ll play a game, but usually I just stare out the window.

 

Tell us a bit about your mobile phone. What functions does it have that would keep you busy on the bus?
It is a very old phone. Nokia. I can’t do very much at all. If I want to play a game, I can play ‘Snake’. But if I want to text or call, usually it can’t happen because the reception is very low – too much bush.

 

So if you’re spending most of your time staring out the window, what things might influence you to use your phone?
When I usually sit in the seats for people with disabilities, I have to sit facing opposite other people. The eye contact is not nice, so to play with a phone is a good idea.

 

 What can you see now, as we observe the other people on this bus?
I see tired people. All [of them are] tired people. Nobody is talking. People are using their phones to listen to music and text. Others sleep.

 

Do you think this is a reflection of how your daily bus ride is?
Yeah…young people are always texting. Older people use their phones to make calls – when they have reception.