The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

I’ve been using public transit during the pandemic. I’ve encountered more harassment than ever before.

I feel more exposed, with fewer people to turn to

Perspective by
Lily contributor
October 18, 2020 at 8:39 a.m. EDT

As someone who is reliant on public transportation, I have found the bus to be a place that makes me feel unexpectedly vulnerable. Before the coronavirus pandemic, I believed that if I were ever in an uncomfortable situation, I could turn to a fellow passenger on the bus. But now, I get the feeling that the virus has put more than six feet between everyone. It has made us more distrustful during a time when people need to support each other the most.