For those of us that are not fortunate enough to have a parking spot downtown and can’t afford to take a cab to and from work everyday, you ride the SF Muni. I would like to first point out that SF MUNI is pretty impressive, running hundreds of buses all over the city on a fairly consistent schedule and a pretty reasonable cost of $2 per ride. After living in a city like San Diego where you need to have a car because the bus system is very unreliable and inconvenient, I have learned to appreciate a city where you can survive with out car, if need be. That being said, I would like to comment on bus rider etiquette rather than complain about MUNI. I realize we live in the year 2010 and women have fought for years to have equal rights, but there are 5 very easy rules that every passenger should follow on a daily basis (I certainly do). If you are not following these rules, you should get off the bus and go back to etiquette school because I see these crimes being committed on a daily basis and it is just not OK.
Stand up for the elderly – This should go without saying. I’m a woman, but I don’t expect a man to stand up for me if there are no seats left to give up his seat. I’m young and athletic and can handle juggling all my bags while holding on for dear life. On the very rare occasion that it does happen however, it really makes a man stand out and the gesture truly makes my day. To those men that stand up for a woman on the bus, kudos to you…you are a rare breed. The elderly, however, can’t stand very well, especially in a crowded, over heated bus where people are pushing each other to get out the doors while the bus driver slams on his breaks every five minutes. I don’t care if you are a man, woman or child; if an elderly person gets on the bus, you should give up your seat. This rule also applies to the handicapped or injured which should go without saying. Nothing like having to juggle your crutches, a purse and hold on at the same time. I know this from personal experience, it is no fun.
Stand up for a pregnant woman – Obviously, you only know if someone is pregnant if they are visibly showing which means they are in month 4+ of their pregnancy. So for four months already these women have had to feel ill, give up booze, give up coffee, give up sushi, and now they have to stand up on a bus where the heat is blasting and no windows are open? Please do not look down at your blackberry or book when you see a pregnant person as a way to avoid eye contact. Do the right thing, give up your seat.
Move to the back of the bus – Everyone needs to get to work people. If the bus fills up the bus driver either starts passing up bus stops or he packs the bus so full that you look like you ran a marathon by the time you get to work. Nothing like getting passed by 2 buses where you see they are smashed full of poeple in the front, and then one person with the whole back to him or herself. We all like our space, but we all would like to keep our jobs too. Ask yourself if you need to get to work in the morning, if the answer is yes, move to the back.
Acknowledge the bus driver – I don’t know when we started living in a world where someone else drives you to and from your destination and you as the passenger don’t give the courtesy of giving a simple hello and thank you when you get on and off the bus. These drivers work long hours and deal with unruly passengers (see rule #5) and are still expected to achieve two goals: get you to and from your destination safely and on time. If you actually take a second and say hello, it might actually help accomplish those two goals. I have met some really amazing bus drivers that have some pretty incredible stories and work hard to support their families. If you aren’t really into human communication, that’s fine, but being considerate to your bus driver can actually benefit you. Once they know a face and like you, they have the power to hold the bus when they see you running from a block away, or not charge you if you only have a $5 rather than your singles. Common courtesy goes a long way – say hello and if you’re feeling really crazy, maybe even give them a smile too.
Don’t act like a raving lunatic – This is the one that surprises me most. Life is not easy…sometimes buses run behind schedule or a bus driver calls in sick and the scheduled bus doesn’t come. In other words, sh*t happens. This does not give you the right to waive your arms around and huff and puff and then scream at the next driver that does come. It just makes the next bus driver angry (no one needs an angry driver), and it makes passengers like myself uncomfortable. Learn to control your outbursts…do yoga, meditate, have a cocktail…but please don’t act like a crazy person at 7am. It isn’t fun for anyone. Oh, and wearing sunglasses doesn’t mean people can’t recognize who you are…just an FYI.
Oh yeah- and keep your hands to yourself!!!!
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