Author Topic: it just seemed strange (Read 212 times)

capt. apathy · « **on:** February 11, 2006, 11:57:08 PM »

I had the weirdest moment on the way to work the other day.

so with my new job I ride the bus to work. I hate it, but with pain levels and medication driving home would be pretty stupid, so I take the bus.

part of my condition is a perpetual sea-sickness so standing on the bus is a very bad thing. luckily they have seats at the front that are reserved for people who are older or have limitations. anyone can use them but if you aren't in need of them you are supposed to give them up if someone who is shows up.

I make my transfer and the bus is packed. all seats full and 5 or 6 people standing.

so I look at the reserved seats, also full. all older people, a women with 2 kids on her lap, and a young black kid about 17 yrs old.

I ask the kid for his seat, explain the situation and that I need the reserved seat, and apologized for putting him out (it still feels odd asking people for special treatment, even if I do need it from time to time).

it was no problem once he understood what I was saying, he gives up the seat and says "no problem."

just as I thank him and take the seat, the driver makes another stop. "we're taking on more passengers. all you people standing need to move to the back of the bus."

it was a perfectly normal series of unimportant events. but just looking at the kid and the people around us, you could tell that it hit everybody the same way.

I'm not even sure why I'm posting about it. it was a real 'nothing moment' but it's still kinda bugging me.

Reschke · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2006, 12:01:18 AM »

Well at least he understood out there in Oregon. You do that down here in the south and the next thing you know you have a racial discrimination lawsuit handed to you at the next bus stop.

On the other side I used to hate riding the bus when my wife and I lived in San Fran. Sure it was a great way to get around without needing a car but damn; trying to get on and off the bus when it was loaded to the gills with people was a pain in the ass.

Pooh21 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2006, 12:16:14 AM »

I like in Portland how mostly in the areas I work the buses have their own little pullout, like in Germany. That way they dont block my way like they did in Tucson

capt. apathy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2006, 12:23:16 AM »

yep, if you have to be stuck ridding a bus Portland is the city to do it in.

it would be even better if they could set up a MAX line from Vancouver south to the I-5/205 split, and another from there along 205 until it gets to gateway.

even if you don't ride the bus or the train, at least it keeps a lot of people off the road.

Debonair · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2006, 02:28:17 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Pooh21
I like in Portland how mostly in the areas I work the buses have their own little pullout, like in Germany. That way they dont block my way like they did in Tucson

who do you think you are?
living in Tucson & then moving to Portland is what i do.
stop biting my rhymes

Pooh21 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2006, 04:12:57 AM »

Ill bite your rhymes, anyday of the week and twice on sunday.

I bet you didnt stop in Germany along the way?

death to suntran.

dang we could have a Portland Minicon

lazs2 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2006, 10:00:37 AM »

so now we can't tell some races to get to the back of the bus even if it is a good reason and normal policy?

I would not have given it a second thought... hey? do you suppose that I am the only one who isn't a biggot?

lazs