12 November 2009

Public Transportation

I have started a dozen blog posts but been unable to finish anything. So, to give myself an encouraging boost, I’ll keep this short and reach the end.

I’ve written before about the trials and tribulations of the bus commute. One of my pet peeves is with people who let their stuff occupy a seat while other people stand. Yesterday afternoon a guy reached a new, unheard of depth in seat hogging.

He was sitting in the aisle seat and left the window seat next to him vacant. Typical. I walked down the aisle, drippy from the rain, breathless from running to catch the #77, and saw an empty pair of seats in front of this guy. As I reached the vacant spot, I saw that there was a backpack and a pair of gloves lying there. I looked back to the front of the bus, thinking that maybe the passenger who was talking to the driver was coming back to this seat. No. The guy in the seat behind reached over and picked them up. He was using four seats! Four! One for his lazy ass and three for his stuff! Argh! It’s public transportation, buddy, not your personal coach service. Jerk.

6 comments:

8thday said...

People have lost all sense of public etiquette. Yesterday I watched a man let a door slam in the face of a woman in a wheelchair behind him. Are folks so wrapped up in their own little world that they no longer even notice the people around them?

Sorry, just thought I'd rant along with you.

Anonymous said...

There is no courtesy or compassion left! I'm fuming just thinking about that guy.

Jen said...

You hit on one of my pet peeves too...however, I delight in pointing out to the offender (with a smile) that there are other people who need seats.

Ok, there is usually a hint of a condescending tone.

Murray said...

4 seats at one time... that must be a record! I ride the bus every day and have never seen anyone try to pull that stunt with so many seats. I would be fuming too!

liz said...

That shit drives me crazy!! I always feel like asking, "and how many fares did you pay?!"

Anonymous said...

uh huh. public transport sux! You shouldn't be able to board a bus without deodorant on!