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The waiting time paradox: why is my bus always late? (2018)

(jakevdp.github.io)
219 points skadamat | 2 comments | 20 Aug 24 13:55 UTC | HN request time: 0.414s | source
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gpvos ◴[20 Aug 24 15:23 UTC] No.41300894[source]▶
It's not just that the bus is always late, it's also that when you are late yourself, the bus is always on time and just leaving.
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1. JeremyNT ◴[20 Aug 24 19:47 UTC] No.41303344[source]▶
Yes. This is the key piece to understand this "paradox":

> you arrive at a random time

So, um, if you intend to take public transit, it's best to not arrive at a random time. Looking at the time tables and planning around them is public transit user 101.

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2. bluGill ◴[21 Aug 24 01:36 UTC] No.41305929[source]▶
Only for infrequent service. Many riders have service so frequent they don't check or plan as they know the bus will be there not long after they arrive, no matter when they arrive. This might even be a majority as such service is so convenient that people who live there don't bother with alternatives like a owting a car.