What's on our mind?
February 5, 2010
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HSArgh Part: 1
Where to begin. I’ve been trying to compile my plethora of stories in my mind in order to submit a legitimate rant about the Hamilton Street Railway, formidably known as the HSR. As an introduction I’ve been riding for a number of years now. Through this time I have ridden about every single bus in the system from the lengthy Pirie and Governors to the short and sweet 6 Aberdeen.
That being said there have always been more rough times then smooth when partaking in public transit. I’ll start with my most recent discrepancy which some may have already heard about.
I finished school a few minutes before 3pm and was waiting for a bus transfer in hand. The bus arrived at 3 dead on coinciding with my transfer which was torn at the 3 right through the middle. Now in the past if the number is visible, even if only slightly, then you are allowed to get on and seeing as your already cramming 50 some odd students on the bus you would assume the driver would barely take a second look. For this lady it happened to be her day of reckoning and she proceeded to magnify her vision on the transfer eventually grabbing it from my hand as I walked by. I traditionally don’t give them my transfer but it was on the brink of expiry and was of no use to me so in this case she was doing me a favor. Not this time. “Excuse me!”, I heard being bellowed from the crotchety old driver, “This is expired”. I tried to plead my case, “Well it’s torn at the 3 and thats the time, so I am perfect”. “No this is expired you have to pay again.” Beginning to get disgruntled by her curt tone I fired back, “Why should I pay again? That’s a valid transfer!”. He anger was building as well. “You have to pay again or get off”. This greatly displeased me and I vocally expressed my discontent. “That’s Bullshit”. I was then told to get off the bus for using “inappropriate” language.
Infuriating, very. This is just one incidence in a million and I will surely follow this post with more cases as they come to fruition. But whether it’s a helpless old lady being driven by in the freezing cold, the driver accelerating like they are in a grand prix throwing people to and fro, or getting bitched at by a driver who is clearly unsatisfied with their lives even with their union providing full health and dental benefits. The HSR continues to create situations that cease to amaze me. Granted, there are some drivers who are saints, but for the most part for having such an laid back job, GET OVER YOURSELF, and try to be friendly your working with the public not inmates from pelican bay.
