Public Transportation or Van?

[mimi]

I live on a bus route. Sometimes I take the kids for a ride on the bus round trip. They love it and we bring a snack(and clean up after ourselves) The people on the bus mid morning time are mostly seniors and they get a kick out of the kids who are always well behaved. The bus drivers are usually co-operative. If not I let them know they must give me an extra moment to settle the kids and can not move the bus until we are in our seats. If they don't like it too bad. Passenger safety first. Also the kids travel for free.
I love the idea of having our own wheels with the kids, but it is not cost effective for me.