Sick of this Shit
2 Feb
I had a lovely experience on the TTC this afternoon. I was getting on a streetcar on my way home during rush hour. It was a bit tricky since I had a grocery bag full of items I had picked up and I had my backpack that I’d removed off of my shoulder to make it easier to navigate the crowded streetcar.
I flashed my metropass at the driver and then put it in my coat pocket while trying to juggle the two bags in my hands. “Behind the line,” the driver said.
I shifted where I was to get a better vantage point of how full the car was so that I could begin walking through it. That’s when it happened.
“All the way behind the line,” the driver shouted while placing his hand on my arm and pushing me along.
“Give me a minute,” I said. “Jesus.” My first instinct was to tell the driver to get his fucking hands off of me. My second reaction was to slap the idiot in the face. Who the hell did he think he was, putting his hands on a customer? Is this the TTC’s version of better service?
I didn’t argue or do anything else as it was late and I just wanted to get home. The last thing I wanted (or needed) was to get kicked off of the car or worse, have the TTC rent-a-cops called.
I was so pissed about the situation, it was just another example of an uneducated union member who could probably be replaced by a well-trained monkey, doing a half-assed job. There are no consequences for TTC employees; they can sleep on the job, be rude to customers, be physically aggressive with them all while making a good salary with even better benefits.
The union is too strong for any change to be made. I wish that one day (hopefully soon), the union is stripped of its power and the TTC can be run with some semblance of efficiency.
Today’s episode has sparked an idea; when the warmer weather arrives, perhaps I’ll pocket my $110 and put the bike to use.
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I hate taking the streetcar, too. Truthfully loathe it. I really enjoy my walk now even on the coldest days. It’s too far for you to walk and a biking is great exercise….but I worry about you biking in traffic.
Did you get the car number so you can write a letter to the TTC about the guy?I write letters sometimes. It makes me feel better. Sometimes I even get an answer (from PR person) or in some cases (like companies) free things/coupons.
Biking in downtown traffic scares me silly, but luckily there are enough trails and paths that I could bike away from the major roadways.
I wrote the number of the streetcar in my Blackberry because I knew I’d forget it otherwise and I fully intend on contacting TTC customer service. I won’t hold my breath for a reply, though.
What a prick.
Unions breed apathy and laziness. I despise most of them.
Unions once served a purpose, but this isn’t 1890 anymore. I don’t know of any kids working in factories. They need to be abolished with, seriously.
Is the $110 per month? If so, that’s pretty steep…
As a fellow transit rider, I feel your pain! In the months with moderately good weather I ride my bike. It’s actually faster than the bus. And considerably faster than the streetcar. And a free workout!
Yes, and get this, that’s at a discount price. They have this plan where you lock in for 12 months and the price is fixed. If I were to buy it at the store, it’d be $120, if you can believe that shit.
I think the monthly pass in Montreal is something like $60. Toronto, world class city, my ass.