UHI Campus -> Falcon Square. 17th October midday (Number three service).

 I follow an older man onto the white and light blue Stagecoach bus. ‘Town Centre’ I say and swipe my bus pass for a few seconds while the driver processes the journey. There are about 20-25 people of all ages sitting in silence, facing the front. We set off and the bus stops at Tesco Inshes and lots of people pile off. I move to a different seat for more personal space. I like the seats that are the first ones on the raised elevation part, around the midpoint of the vehicle. They allow the person seated to view most of the bus interior without any person getting in the way. I often sit in these seats if they are free. I look about the interior of the bus. Several people are scrolling on their smartphone, quietly, without much purpose or urgency. Several more are staring out the window as the bus follows its route. There is very little talking. If there is talking, it’s between parties of people who got on together. I know from experience it’s an electric bus. I didn’t see the manufacturer’s badge when I got on at the front so I’m not sure which company engineered this vehicle. As the bus moves forward the sound is different to the normal motor sound of a car I grew up with. The main sound seems to come from one of the wheels circling round on one of the sides. Not sure if the manufacturer did that by design or if there is some problem, something catching perhaps. There is a loudspeaker with a lady speaking in an unnatural voice at intervals, there is no accent or dialect in the words, the stresses are perfect. It’s obviously programmed to speak, perhaps in connection with GPS system at the a certain area. Now onto Raigmore. At the double barriers by Raigmore estate we have to stop and await another Number Three coming through the barriers. ‘Your late!’ the male bus driver greets his male colleague. They have a brief conversation about how some services have been cancelled. The tone is complaining. Now we approach and go through the barriers. Three more people get on at Mackintosh road in Raigmore estate. Now past KFC and to the roundabout at the top of Milburn road. Now past the Chieftain where I play chess on Wednesdays. As we pass Morrisons people start to prepare to disembark. M&S is the busiest bus stop with almost everyone getting off and lots of people waiting to get on. I thank the bus driver as I get off.

Academy street -> New Craigs. 14th October 8:15am (Number three service).

It’s overcast and very slightly dark. I get on the Number Three. There are less than ten people seated. The female bus driver gets out for a smoking/vaping break. Then we are moving down Academy street towards Shore street roundabout. I hate this roundabout. Even as a passenger its stressful to go through. The cars are moving fast, in all directions, with worn road markings. Now on to Grant street in Merkinch. Various shops in this small high street, a chip shop, a kebab shop, a laundrette, a boxing club, a bike shop and at least one community cafe. Then towards the Ferry passed the Clachnacuddin stadium. Past a regular gym and a Muay Thai gym. By the nature reserve and small pier we turn around and head back the way we came but this time turning right at the Clachnacuddin stadium and past Aonach Mor ward and towards the Co-op. The houses around this area are uniform, mostly semi detached but some high rise. They are mostly all the same colour, grey with identical white windows. I think the exterior of the houses seems to be made of plaster. The lawns, if there are any, are either very bare or are untidy with possessions awkwardly sitting on them. There are few hedges and if there are they are very low in height. The parked cars sit awkwardly on the bus’s route. Going past I always worry the bus will collide into them. Now onto the Co-Op. Now up the hill towards Kinmylies. Then up the hill to the hospital.