Early in the morning I walked to a bus stop at an S.F. street corner that’s one of those “go this way and you’re safe, go that way and you could be in deep” types of street corners at yet another border between gentrified neighborhoods.
I approached the bus stop with my usual degree of learned city-awareness and caution, seeing only one other Muni passenger standing next to the stop. She was dressed decently, possibly headed to work. We acknowledged each other cordially but with distance and waited for the next bus to arrive.
I saw her again another morning, and again, and we would nod and acknowledge each other each time. It was formal; I got the impression that she was traditional.
I grew to appreciate being at the bus stop with her — a bit of familiarity and wonder and respect.
Running late one morning I literally ran to our bus stop to make it on time; the class I was destined for was very important that day. I made it with only a minute to catch my breath before I realized I forgot my Fast Pass and money.
She boarded ahead of me. I fumbled through my pocket and told the bus driver I had forgotten my pass and money, faintly hoping he would give me a ride.
She was walking back up to the bus driver as she began reaching into her purse to pay my fare when the driver closed the door in my face and pulled away.
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Did the bus driver notice that the woman was pulling out change for you? I’m amazed by the number of destitute individuals and fare jumpers the drivers let on while not allowing a regular who was pleading a good case just hop on the bus. Nonetheless, hoorah for the random-act-of-kindness lady.
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that’s one miserable driver. to be so mean first thing in the morning.
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At first I was somewhat confused by the title.. I suppose my initial reaction, prior to reading this, was that somehow your friendly behavior towards the other person at the stop would backfire.
Regardless, this made me really sad. I recently had a driver on the J try to shut the door on me both when I got on and off.. and I actually did have my Fast Pass! I think sometimes the driver is having a bad day and takes some sick, sadistic pleasure in sharing their misfortune with others.
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