The Bus (2009)

2/17/09

I had to go to the mall today for some work. My original plan was to go with my rommate and her friend in her car. However, at the last minute, their plan got cancelled and I was stranded. Since my chore at the mall was urgent, I had no choice but to take public transport.

I hadn't taken the VTA bus (the local public bus system in San Jose) in a long time. Two years almost. I have many good and bad memories attached to it. But whether fun or a pain, taking the bus always means either waiting for a long time at the stop for it, or running after it because you've just missed it. Both are not fun.

So it was with a sense of depression that I stepped out of my apartment and started walking towards the bus stop in main downtown, which is a 5 minute walk away.

As soon as I reached the stop, it started raining. I took cover under a shade along with other people who were waiting for their respective buses, and saw time pass by as no bus showed up. At last, we saw a VTA operator walking towards us. He informed us that because of the bike race happening in downtown San Jose today, the road has been closed and we'll get our buses from the next stop, which was a block away.

So we all half walked half ran to the next stop, and the next shade. It had started to really pour by now. We waited for about 15 more minutes with no sign of our bus, #23. Then, another man in a crisp blue VTA uniform walked over and stood under the shade with us. We asked him about the bus and he said #23 was supposed to get there any minute, and he was the driver assigned to it from there on. So he was also waiting for it like the rest of us. He was over 6 feet tall, fat guy who looked like the clean shaven version of Santa Claus.

While we were still waiting, one of the passengers waiting a few feet away started yelling and cursing in frustration. Apparently, she (who looked like a 'he' and I had great trouble deciding on her gender.. still not sure though) had been directed to this bus stop from another one as well as her bus, #63, was also supposed to come to this stop instead of its usual one.

At first, everyone ignored her. Then the VTA driver called her over and they had a dialog:

What seems to be the problem?
Well, I have been told by that VTA guy over there that #63 is coming to this stop. I have been waiting for a long time. Where is it!
Why don't you take the light rail from here and get off two stations down and get #63 from there?
You really think I should be doing that?!
That's what I'd do. It's better than standing there and yelling at the rain like a moron.
Well I have been told that #63 will come here! Where is it!
Where are you going to?
San Carlos and Rice.
Well, why don't you get the #23 from here and get off at San Carlos and Rice. It also goes there.
Because I'm not going to exactly San Carlos and Rice.
Then why would you tell me you are?
I am asking you where the hell is #63!
Why don't you go back and start yelling at the rain?

Silence as she turned around and started walking back. A few feet down, she turned back.

Jackass!

With that, she started walking away. Another lady came to the driver and asked if #81 was also coming there. The driver turned to her with a smile.

Maybe. Who told you?
The VTA helpline. I called them.
Oh, they told you?
Yeah.
And you believed them?
Yeah.
Oh well, you shouldn't have..

By this time, the crazy lady came back yelling.

Where is the damn bus?!

The driver turned back to her with a smirk. She continued:

I have an appointment! You hear? I have an appointment at 2!
With a psychiatrist?
No!
A shame..
Well this is the last time they are having a bike race in this city! I got the car race stopped and now this is the last time they are having a bike race!
Oh it was you, huh?
Yes.

Other people, including me, at the bus stop started snickering at this.

You know what else you should get them to stop? asked the driver.
What?
People yelling downtown. Scaring other people.
I am so mad right now! What am I supposed to do until that bus shows up!
Sing.
Sing?! What the hell is wrong with your head?!
Hey listen. I am driving #23 from here. Why don't you just get on that one and I'll drop you off at the #63 stop. You can either do that, or stand here all day and bitch about it.
Why won't VTA put up signs if they are diverting buses!
Take #23.
I DON'T WANT 23!!

At this time, we saw #23 coming towards us in the distance. The crazy lady continued:

If I don't see #63 soon, I'm going to start a fight here!

At this, all us passengers started huddling up together as far away from her as possible. The #23 stopped in front of us and we quickly got on. So did the driver as the old driver got off. After everyone was seated, the driver called out the open door to the angry lady still standing at the bus stop.

Do you want to get on or not?
Should I trust you?
Well, I wouldn't. I am not a very trustworthy person.
Fuck you!

The driver closed off the door and we drove on.

:D