Anger Management

While traveling in to Detroit several days ago this young man had an epiphany right before we reached Six Mile/McNichols. He asked, "are we heading to Detroit ?", at the same time he knew his answer was yes indeed we were. He was pissed at himself and cussing then proceeded to ask everyone within earshot if they had money for a fare back up Gratiot. No one offered but one woman said he should get a transfer to which he replied a transfer wouldn't work. He signalled to get off all the while verbally and visibly angry with himself. He got off the bus and exploded in a rage on the sidewalk even throwing his backpack against the wall of the store we were in front of. I felt sorry for this guy at that moment because he was clearly stuck. I've been angry with myself over stupid mistakes before and in this busy world it's easy to get distracted and get on the wrong bus. When I first started taking the bus to work I got on the wrong bus going home and realized it too late. I eventually made it home in a long, round-about way during a rain storm but it was my own fault. So I can relate to this guys anger and frustration and if I had the cash on me would have offered it to him.
bus rides = entertainment

They Went On and On Adnauseam

Last Thursday I got to leave work early for the New Year holiday. I caught a bus around 3:00 p.m. which was quiet until the driver picked up a couple guys. I'm not exactly sure what the issue was with the fare but it had to do with transfers from DDOT and using change cards. SMART recently revised a policy and the driver was being terse with the passenger stating he should know the policy and pointed to the posting on the wall. The passenger ended up arguing with the driver and the other guy chimed in. They went on so loudly the driver pulled over and stopped to point out the poster listing the policy. The driver was stating that he only has to do his job and doesn't make the policy. The other fellow decided he was going to be the passengers ally so he called the SMART office to inquire about the policy and yes the driver was right about the policy (he knows his job, of course). So the two guys continued to rehash and complain that they were getting ripped off. It went on adnauseam and made me want to yell - grow up and deal with it. I didn't and just sat there annoyed knowing it would be over soon when I would pull the cable to call for my stop.
bus rides = entertainment