Last year, I took the most exhilarating mode of transportation to DU: the RTD public bus.

Every morning and again every afternoon, I find myself looking forward to the bus ride with immense anticipation, though I rarely see many other DU students fortunate enough to have discovered the thrill of the bus system yet.

Riding the bus to DU has been one of the greatest experiences of my collegiate career, and I highly advise that you try it as well.

First of all, the public bus is a perfect environment for boosting the immune system.

Especially during the winter and spring months, the sounds of hacking, wheezing, coughing and sneezing overwhelm the loud drone of the engine and heater.

Just imagine all of the colds and viruses your immune system could work to fight against and create antibodies for, just in the span of a 15-minute ride to school.

I’ve yet to become ill with a cold or the flu as a result of my public transportation experience.

Another one of the greatest opportunities that riding the bus to school offers is the possibility of meeting some of Denver’s most interesting characters.

I’m now a “regular” on the 9:05 a.m. bus-the driver knows me and often shares fascinating conversations with me on my way to school.

I’ve been told at least three times by die-hard evangelists that Jesus is returning to Earth soon, so I should confess my sins and welcome Him into my heart.

Once, I was approached by a very friendly but equally drunk man who simply wanted to talk and possibly flirt innocently with someone.

Another time a passenger was giving away free used books and videos to anyone interested on the bus.

During my ride to class a few weeks ago, a bicycle enthusiast gave me several free passes to his friend’s gym for my friends and me to use.

The most exciting part of my day is wondering who I’ll meet on the bus; every day is a surprise.

It’s not necessarily the type of surprise you know is coming, like Christmas morning, but more of a completely unexpected and unpredictable surprise, like winning the lottery.

Honestly, some of Denver’s most remarkable crackheads and drunkards use the RTD bus system, which makes for a genuinely eye-opening experience day after day.

Many DU students are sadly removed from the real world by the “collegiate bubble,” but simply riding the bus to school can bring them back to Earth and ground them in reality.

Lastly, riding the bus to school has saved me over $500 in gas and parking fees during the past year.

Many students don’t realize or forget that they can receive a free all-inclusive RTD pass when they pay tuition at DU.

If the pass is already included in tuition, why not save gas, money and the environment by taking the bus to school instead of driving your own car?

It is also quite possible that riding the bus to school has prevented me from getting in a car accident while speeding to school in the morning, running late as usual, or exhaustedly meandering home in the afternoon, brain-dead and half asleep.

Comparatively, RTD buses seem extremely safe because of their lumbering size and slow speeds due to constant stops for passenger pick-up and drop-off.

So tomorrow morning, when you start to think about unlocking your car, taking a seat in front of the steering wheel and putting the key in the ignition, do yourself a favor and think again.

Remember RTD and what endless possibilities it could hold for you on your ride to school.