Squashed between chickens in wicker baskets and a farmer with a goat, on a local Balinese bus, while more locals sit packed like sardines on its rooftop.
Wearing headphones to drown out the snoring of strangers and the sound of the whining engine on a night train in Vietnam.
Handing a bottle of water to a homeless man with soiled pants. The stench colliding with the 43 degree heat inside the faulty carriage of a New York subway.
Tapping on with my credit card for a one-hour train trip from London to Leamington Spa to visit a treasured friend of 30-years.
Being escorted by police officers safely onto a train and out of a crime zone in Chicago.
Reflecting on my viewing of the Shroud of Turin as I travel by fast train to Paris.
These are but a handful of many public transport stories from my travels to more than 65 countries.
My favourite story, however, is one that belongs to all Australians.
In 1854 the train from Port Melbourne to Flinders St Station connected new arrivals from Europe to a new life in Melbourne, Victoria. This, our first Victorian train line, was built on a vision to join fellow citizens in a free, prosperous, and responsible democracy.
For good food, fellowship, and the reaffirmation of this vision we give thanks.
Cheryl Lacey
Thank you to Cheryl Lacey for providing this reflection on 1 February 2023.
