Nathan Vass, a Metro bus driver and celebrated author, captured the attention of the Seattle community at a recent book reading at Elliott Bay Book Company, where he shared his insights on compassion and connection among transit passengers.
Known for his warm interactions with riders, Vass has driven buses around the city for 18 years and has authored two books, with the latest set to release in 2025.
His first book, ‘The Lines That Make Us,’ published in 2021, stemmed from a blog about his experiences as a bus driver and quickly became a bestseller in Seattle, eventually being adopted as a textbook at Seattle University.
His anticipated follow-up, ‘Deciding to See: The View from Nathan’s Bus,’ is a larger work featuring 83 stories across seven parts, maintaining a strong theme of kindness and acknowledgement.
Despite his success as a writer, Vass continues to work as a Metro operator, remaining connected to the very community he writes about.
During his reading, Vass greeted audience members before sharing poignant stories from his latest book. Many attendees were likely former or current passengers who could relate to the narratives presented.
Set against the backdrop of a hot and crowded reading space, Vass’s engaging presence resonated with attendees.
The book sheds light on the struggles faced by many public transportation users, like homelessness and addiction, while also showcasing moments of resilience and strength within these communities.
In one chapter titled ‘Deciding to See,’ readers meet individuals like Chosen, who despite his tattered clothing exudes deep value, and Darlene, who seeks compassion and support.
Vass emphasizes how those confined to stereotypes often share more similarities with us than we think, working to build a narrative that recognizes everyone’s humanity.
Through his experiences, Vass positions his bus as a sanctuary of acceptance where all passengers can express themselves freely.
The narrative articulates how even those struggling can present moments of dignity, such as a grandmother holding a fishing rod and wearing playful attire, or Chosen, who Vass believes has the presence for film stardom.
Vass illustrates how he engages with characters like Darlene, using humor to connect and debate food choices during their shared bus rides.
While the stories are often marked by hardship, they reflect Vass’s commitment to seeing beyond the surface, bringing awareness to the lives shaped by loss and longing.
For example, one chapter recounts West Seattle commuter Isaac’s heartbreak following the tragic death of his daughter in a drive-by shooting, revealing the raw pain intertwined with daily life for those who ride public transit.
Another poignant moment occurs when Rainier Avenue passenger John shares his terminal cancer diagnosis after being evicted from his home.
Reflecting on his own brush with tragedy during a visit to Paris in 2015 amid terrorist attacks, Vass grapples with existential questions about life and resilience.
Despite the surrounding challenges, stories of generosity shine through in Vass’s work, as he recounts encounters where even those with little to give extend kindness to others, as demonstrated by a Laotian man offering his last three dollars.
Humor serves as another coping mechanism for the bus riders, illustrated by the character Trevor, adorned with a cape and crown while panhandling, who brings laughter to those around him.
Vass’s writing is imbued with the nuances of his passengers’ speech, capturing a vibrant snapshot of their experiences.
He seeks to understand and celebrate the spirit of the community he serves, creating a window into their daily lives through vivid storytelling and striking photography.
His book features atmospheric images taken during his bus rides, contrasting the somber realities with moments of hope and vibrancy found in the city.
One chapter that resonated with Vass, ‘Tending to the Living,’ intricately weaves together the perspectives of multiple witnesses to a tragic death, ultimately emphasizing that while we mourn the deceased, our actions can do more for those who continue to live.
In a bright moment captured in ‘Alonzo Rising,’ Vass shares the uplifting comeback of a former Real Change vendor who reclaimed his position within the community, highlighting the power of resilience.
Vass describes the joy of being among people during his shifts, feeling a deep connection to his role as a bus driver.
At the conclusion of the reading, Vass made a point of inviting attendees to connect further by collecting their emails, confirming his genuine appreciation for the community engagement.
Such gestures reflect Vass’s philosophy on public transportation as a critical component of community building, and his writings reinforce themes of love and hope amidst adversity.
With a focus on human connection, Vass’s work and philosophy inspire readers to embrace compassion and acknowledgment, compelling them to consider the shared humanity in everyone’s story.
In a world quick to overlook, Vass’s storytelling acts as a reminder of the importance of seeing and engaging with one another on our collective journeys.
As he continues to write and connect with audiences, Nathan Vass’s work will resonate with those who champion public transportation and believe deeply in the power of community and compassion.
image source from：realchangenews
