A vibrant pink school bus, adorned with stickers, has become a regular sight across New York City.
“Hey there, we’re on the move with some famous faces!” exclaimed Michelle Joni Lapidos, the bus owner, who was dressed in eye-catching attire, as they made their way through Manhattan, catching the interest of curious college students.
Labeled a “social savant,” Lapidos launched this bus project in 2019. Initially focused on hosting bridal parties and birthdays, this year she’s steering it back to its original purpose as a campaign vehicle.
Lapidos is gearing up to introduce a “party” line, aiming to make a bold bid for Brooklyn Borough President.
“I truly believe in empowering people and bringing a sense of magic back into our lives,” she shared with a sense of enthusiasm.
“We’re all about radical inclusion. Everyone can benefit—we live in a world full of competition and division. The ‘Party Party’ initiative promotes a perspective where everyone can succeed together.”
Decked out in a blue flight attendant-style dress and a red pilot cap, Lapidos was flanked by her co-pilots, picking up a group of graduate students while the bus blared karaoke tunes.
While the group sipped refreshments on the bus roof, co-pilot Addison Dreher tossed out glitter, stickers, bubbles, and party hats.
As the bus slowed, co-pilot Luna Meltz danced in the doorway, enticing rush hour passersby to hop onboard the festivities.
“Not sure if it’s for personal reasons or just a fun vibe, but it’s totally needed and people are ready for it,” Lapidos commented.
Spring has marked a revival for Glinda the Good Bus, named after the notoriously cheerful witch from The Wizard of Oz. Lapidos had originally acquired the bus in 2020 for her presidential campaign.
While the campaign didn’t formally register, she still got a license plate saying “Joni 2020,” attempting to breathe life into her presidential dreams.
“There’s this belief that intention shapes reality, so every thought is actually creative,” she stated, reflecting on her aspirations.
After her presidential journey didn’t pan out, Lapidos sought to foster community through alternative avenues. She even started a skipping club—a quirky endeavor that eventually led to the creation of the Metro Gala, an underground take on the upscale fashion event.
Over the years, Glinda the Good Bus has served countless customers.
For birthday celebrant Len Hasda, the bus was a spontaneous find one evening on the street, and she felt it was the ideal venue to commemorate her first birthday in America.
“It’s fantastic! Quite unique, really. I wanted something special, and this felt just right,” Hasda shared, beaming while celebrating her 32nd atop Glinda.
Lapidos aims to recreate the spirited atmosphere reminiscent of Burning Man—a transformative experience that reshaped her understanding of self-expression and community.
Now, she’s determined to broaden her party concept, even making strides towards a candidacy for Brooklyn Borough President.
With some technical issues in her paperwork, she found herself momentarily out of the race against incumbent Antonio Reinos, but remains intent on running independently under the “Party Party” banner.
Her overarching mission? To enhance business and nightlife, ensuring Brooklyn shines around the clock.
Lapidos emphasizes the need to celebrate art as a cornerstone of the city’s identity, especially in Brooklyn, where creativity has thrived for generations.
“We want to channel the spirit of inherited art—that’s the kind of celebration we envision: creativity, expression, community,” she articulated.
“I have this vision for the world. From the driver’s seat of this bus, I can see it all. I can see the street.”
