Strange Encounters on Public Transit
Public transit can be a convenient way to get from point A to point B, but sometimes the journey can be anything but ordinary. From encounters with intoxicated individuals to bizarre behavior, commuters have shared some of their most outrageous stories from riding buses, trains, and subways. These tales not only entertain but also shed light on the unpredictable nature of public transportation.
One commuter shared a story from their ride on the Tri-Met MAX in Portland. After attending the Portland E-Prix with their daughter, they encountered two gentlemen who were clearly under the influence of substances. What ensued was an hour-long back and forth conversation that was far from coherent. The situation escalated when one of the men began making physical threats against other passengers, leading to police intervention and his removal from the train.
Another individual recounted a peculiar encounter on a commuter rail from Boston to Providence in the early 1990s. A girl struck up a conversation with them during the journey and even offered them tickets to a Santana concert. While the interaction seemed harmless, the individual’s partner was not pleased, viewing the conversation as a potential attempt at flirtation. This story highlights how innocent interactions on public transit can be misinterpreted.
Unusual Situations and Spooky Encounters
From blocked roads to unorthodox passengers, public transit can throw unexpected challenges at commuters. One individual shared a spooky experience on a local bus service in Kilmarnock, where the driver had to go door to door to ask residents to move their cars to clear the road. As the only passenger on the bus, the individual found themselves in an eerie situation that led to a humorous observation about why Jesus wasn’t born in Ayrshire, according to the driver’s opinion.
In another story, a suburban individual found themselves taking a city bus in Milwaukee for the first time. Following their cousin’s advice to avoid making eye contact, they encountered an unshaven man in boxer shorts carrying a briefcase, making it challenging not to stare. This encounter serves as a reminder that public transit can expose commuters to a wide range of characters and situations, making for memorable experiences.
Challenges and Unexpected Events
Traveling on public transit can present its own set of challenges, from dealing with intoxicated passengers to unexpected breakdowns. One individual shared a story of being heavily inebriated on a streetcar in the middle of winter, leading to a confrontation with the driver over a valid transfer. Despite the police getting involved, the individual’s privilege likely played a role in the outcome, allowing them to continue their journey home.
A particularly harrowing experience unfolded on a Greyhound bus from San Antonio to Houston, where overcrowding and a vomit incident led to a breakdown halfway through the journey. With no replacement bus in sight, passengers endured hours of waiting in scorching heat before alternative transport arrived. This ordeal left a lasting impression on the individual, swearing off Greyhound buses for future travel.
Public transit can also be a source of unusual and sometimes comical encounters, as shared by a commuter whose wife was a bus driver in Joliet, IL. From passengers attempting to board with leaking soda to individuals engaging in inappropriate behavior, the stories from her days on the job were nothing short of entertaining. These anecdotes highlight the unpredictable nature of public transportation and the diverse range of passengers one may encounter.
In conclusion, public transit serves as a melting pot of experiences, from the bizarre and outrageous to the mundane and routine. Commuters navigate a world of uncertainties and unexpected events, making each journey a unique adventure. Despite the challenges and odd encounters that may arise, these stories serve as a reminder of the shared experiences and connections forged in the shared space of public transportation. Whether humorous, spooky, or downright strange, these tales add color to the tapestry of urban travel and remind us of the human element that unites us all on our daily commutes.
