The Bus: Inspiration For Art?

Six essays inspired by the Las Vegas bus system, from poetry to political stands.

1 minute read

February 4, 2004, 10:00 AM PST

By David Gest


Las Vegas writers use the Citizens Area Transit bus system as their muse. Some samples: "Here with the average Joes/The women without men/The Mexican laborers/The communists and a homeless fellow/I snap photos of downtown Vegas... Acted, though, really, fear is useless/On the bus. Fear doesn't matter/When you lack a gated house/And a giant SUV to protect...My intuition tells me that this is a man who has fallen through the cracks and would have a completely different life if he had some of the opportunities I've had...The smell of bodies packed close together, combined with the sound of angry babies crying, is enough to make a Luddite miss driving a car...What is that smell?...the battle against planned obsolescence continues..."

Thanks to David Gest

Friday, January 30, 2004 in Las Vegas City Life

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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