Back in 2009, many questions whether or not it was a wise investment for the MBTA to put 1.3 million into a Bus Driving Simulator to train drivers.  No one is questioning it now. In 2010, the MBTA sold the simulator to Nintendo who used the Simulator as the basis for a video game. The game quickly became a number one best seller as players where thrilled to partake in the challenges of being a bus driver. One of the most popular levels of the game involves trying to drive the 57 Bus from Kenmore to Watertown while it is filled with drunken Red Sox fans. While the game rewards good driving, collecting fairs, and being on time with extra points, many players seem to enjoy causing havoc while playing. Players have discovered that you can deviate from what you are supposed to do and yell at passengers, crash into green line trains, sit idle for long periods of time while the amount of people at the stop builds and builds, or just taking the bus on a Grand Theft Autoesque rampage through the city. Many players have also found ways to unlock hidden characters in the game like Dan Grabauskas. The game has sold over 20 million copies world wide and the subsequent royalties have resulted in what many thought would be impossible, an MBTA that has no debt.
* Despite the silliness that I wrote above, I actually do think this is a good idea and not a waste of money. If the extra training even prevents one serious crash, then it would be worth it. Furthermore, I ride the T all the time and it should be noted that it does work well about 90 percent of the time.