urocyon: Grey fox crossing a stream (Default)
urocyon ([personal profile] urocyon) wrote2010-07-12 07:14 pm
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More joys of public transit

Just a too-late note to some of my fellow bus passengers, on my way home a little while ago:

Not that it is any of your business why I am taking up one of the precious disabled seats, but, believe it or not, I am less able to stand when I am lugging home enough shopping that I have to fold my cane up and shove it in a bag. That sticklike object with a wooden handle at the top, which should be clearly visible while you're disapprovingly scrutinizing me? Yep. If I were even marginally capable of giving over my seat to an elderly person, I would do so.

I don't see you getting up. On either occasion you choose to glare at me. I guess a display of disapproval magically opens up a seat.

You, Mr. Where's The Fire, still yakking on your phone there? You really needn't be staring and scrunching your brows like that. I watched you shoulder a guy on crutches out of the way, paying no attention whatsoever to your surroundings in your rush to, erm, sit on a bus. *scratches head*

The change of expressions when I drag the cane out for balance (yes, while sitting) on a lurching bus? No thanks. The previous filthy, distasteful looks were bad enough; the exaggerated looks of sympathy are at least as insulting. Nobody should have to openly display a mobility aid to pass muster; bus seat policing is not your job. Really. And, yes, people really can appear to be fairly young and in a certain kind of corn-fed rude health, and still have trouble standing up on a moving bus. For any variety of reasons. And it's none of your business why.
nitoda: sparkly running deer, one of which has exploded into stars (Default)

[personal profile] nitoda 2010-07-13 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm always amazed how many people go for the first empty seat when they get on the tube, which is nearly always an access seat. I will always choose another if there is one available, but then, I don't want to have to leap up to accommodate someone who needs the seat. I'm rather uncharitably guessing that most of the people who just sit in that seat actually aren't keen to give up their seats either, sadly. I'm in a sufficient state of health now that I really couldn't *ask* for a seat, but I do still prefer to sit. And I remember how ill I was and it didn't really show, so I know *some* of the people I see sitting in access seats might really need them, I just don't believe they all do. I hope I don't glare at anyone who really needs the seat. I will observe myself more closely in future.