Wednesday, October 6, 2010 Manners and Public Transportation

Last week I had car problems. Both cars wouldn't start. When it rains it pours. So I found myself taking the city bus from Stamford to school in Norwalk - that's two towns over, for those of you unfamiliar with Lower Fairfield County.

Now, I've taken the bus a lot in my life so it doesn't bother me. I don't think it's beneath me and it doesn't bother me that I'm the only white chick who speaks English on the bus. What do I care? I've got somewhere to go and they're taking me for $1.25!

Fuck! For that piddly amount I should be taking the bus all the time!

Anyway, the ride was pleasant enough. It was oddly quiet. It was obvious some people knew each other, they'd exchange greetings. But as the bus took off from every stop at lightning speed no one spoke a word.

Silence but for the sound of an overworked engine.

As I got off the bus I yelled out my customary, "Thank You!"

This isn't about me patting myself on the back. It's about human decency. It's about everyone having kick-ass manners!

I have a friend who's a bus driver. I asked him how many people thanked him as they got off the bus. "Very few, sweetie. We get little respect."

That is very sad to me.

After all, "Thank You" is free!

We may not all ride the bus, but I bet we all could say "Thank You" a little more often.

Bang on, my peeps!

-HH

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