Taking a BUS???????? TIMES ARE CHANGING

Why is it that taking a bus in the bay area ( or for that matter most of America) such a big deal. People actually feel sorry for you!!
But now with gas going up I see most of the seats in my bus taken. Infact at times there are people staing!!
There were times ( and not too long ago) when I was alone or with just 3-4 passengers in the bus.All way from Santa Clara to Fremont
But now times are changing!! And thankfully now when i am standing at the bus stop people dont look at me with as much pity as they used to!!! :)