still on the buses

It must already be clear that I am obsessed with everyday habits and public transport as a place where people’s private and public selves intersect. Another (London) shift that did not used to happen, is sitting on the outside of two seats.

And another conversation, having squeezed past into the vacant space (and back out again) on a crowded bus:

“ I am just interested – why do you sit on outside?”

“Oh, there was someone there before who got off.” “

That does not stop you moving over.”

“Just didn't feel like it.”

I know, I need to get a life (and don't get me going on the London 'Boris' buses...)

the man who would not move up the bus

Living elsewhere I learnt to copy 'normal' behaviour for crowds, queueing and using public transport (chaotic, pushy, very closely packed yet also quietly supportive in the case of Moscow). But back in London, I find this is bringing out the worse, as my inner grumpy middle-class english woman returns to dominance.

So I cannot believe how unhelpful people are on crowded buses and trains. I am one of those who bossily asks people to move up (which I now notice has been turned into a recorded public announcement on the buses, since drivers clearly hate to actually talk to their passengers.)

So, here is a bit of naming and shaming for the man who stood resolutely blocking the - relatively empty - back of the bus; thereby ignoring the morning rush-hour crowds stuck outside in the drizzle, as we went from stop to stop without letting anyone on.