KINGSTON KRAZY CALLS BUS DRIVER BITCH
This morning while taking my usual commute to work, I had some entertainment on the bus in the form of, what I like to call, a “Kingston Krazy.” Seeing as though this is my first post, I will do a little explaining. A Kingston Krazy is a local Kingstonite, whether born-and-raised or just a student residing in Kingston, who appears to have a little bit of crazy mixed into their bowl of sugar and spice. Someone you could just look at and KNOW there is something about them that is a little bit narcissistic, a little impulsive, and a little red-flaggy. A great example was Leather-vest-pony-tail Guy, as seen on the bus earlier today. Let me narrate this scene for you.
The bus driver pulls up to a stop. A man walks on asking if she goes up Princess St. The bus driver replies “No, but I go down Princess, if that’s where you mean.” Man says OK and takes out his bus pass. The pass is invalid, however the man insists that he has fare on it. The bus driver calls her local station to check the card but it was confirmed to be over 7 days expired. The bus driver then asks if the man has change instead.
Then Leather-vest-pony-tail man decides to make his appearance. “EXCUSE ME!” He begins, “STOP EMBARRASSING THIS MAN AND LET HIM ON. WE ALL HAVE PLACES TO BE!” The bus driver (a new female employee, may I add) responds surprisingly calm with “I’m not embarrassing this man, I can not let him on until he pays. Sir (speaking to Man) do you have change to pay for your fare instead?” “YOU’RE A BITCH! YOU’RE SITTING AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DOING NOTHING AND YOU’RE MAKING US ALL LATE.” Krazy yells.
“Sir, I am only doing my job.” She responds. AND IT’S TRUE! She was only doing her job! A man wanted to board the bus, but like everyone else, he needs to pay his fair way. Why should this bus driver let someone on the bus that didn’t update their card? It’s our responsibility as residents of Kingston to ensure our bus passes are loaded and up to date, not Kingston Transit. The bus driver even tried to help the man verify his bus pass, and gave him another option to pay for his fare. She did what she could to let him on the bus, but in the end, he couldn’t board.
As for Leather-vest-pony-tail guy, apparently he was harassing her on Saturday also. We could hear her reporting the guy to her security department and as soon as he realized he might be banned from the bus, he started apologizing and making excuses.
Playing devil’s advocate here, I really need to add that yes, it is inconvenient and inconsiderate for the bus driver just to sit on the side of the road while many of us have jobs, classes and appointments we need to get to... But one thing I can say is that this bus driver handled the situation the best she could. I would like to commend this driver for facing a difficult and escalated situation with such confidence and poise. Good for you!
One of the many things I have learned by being in Kingston is this: Always expect to be late when using public transit. It’s an unfortunate truth, but leaving early will be a lifesaver in this city.
~Kingston’s Mystery Shopper
