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One of the most frustrating aspects in the bustle and tussle of a large, dense city is just missing a connection. This chapter is for the regular transit rider that may still be missing transfers to another bus that can be averted by one simple rule: your desire to catch that trolley bus actually hinges not on the caricature of one massive entity called a Municipal Transit Agency, but rather, an individual seated behind the wheel of a car. Yes, we call coaches or cars by their number, and it is okay to call a bus a car, such as car number 5505. If you are aware of car numbers, chances are you have a good handle on understanding the system. If your awareness extends to run number, car number, cap number, and line number, then your status is elevated to that of a Muni God.
Are you all alone on the corner without a warm, dry bus for shelter? This works if I have room and time, and I know there is no bus behind me. A smile at the last minute works great if timed correctly. A Homer Simpson "dough," or one loud profane exclamation also works if timed just as the front door passes by. This works great when traffic is light or nonexistent. Twilights and Sundays are good prospective times for wounded puppy. If not young and pretty, a sigh of sadness, with quivering cane uplifted to an invisible Kaiser also works. Dropping the shoulders Charlie Brown style after "Lucy" also works wonderfully. But note that these all require the eye contact of acknowledging that it is a person driving a bus, and not just a bus.