Twenny-Five Cent
Back in 2003, I was seeing a girl who lived near Penn & Dowling in N Mpls. She took the 5 back and forth to work in downtown Mpls most days, and rarely had any trouble (until she got her purse snatched at the bus stop-another story).
Anyhow, I rode it up to her house from downtown a couple of times, but never felt really comfortable. I rode the 16 and 94 a lot, and those crowds was different, but some of the people on the 5 were just odd. It was a little better in the front of the bus, but depending on where you board in downtown, you might end up in the back.
One day we did, and there was a guy who seemed to have taken a few too many recreational pharmaceuticals; he was loud and shall we say, slobbery? Ranting began with Jesus and went on from there, and the GF and I were the targets of his diatribe. Did I mention he had quarters stuck in his ears? Yeah, really.
Anyhow, I got tired of being spattered and finally said ’say it don’t spray it’ to the guy. Suddenly things got less friendly, and the dude sitting beside Twenny-five Cent was trying to calm him down from getting into it with me, or something. I was trying to keep calm, keep my GF from freaking out, and get off the bus and away from this weirdo.
When we finally got off, I was hoping he wouldn’t follow, and he didn’t, but the GF wasn’t happy with me for cracking wise to Twenny. At that point I was just glad to be away from the guy and let her talk until she calmed down, but I’ve never ridden the 5 since, and I never will.
Apr 26th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I rode the #5 for many months, working downtown, and living on Chicago Ave. I got to know the bus driver very well. One day this woman got on with a box full of probably 24 donut varieties. The bus driving asked her if he could have one, and she just smiled and said no. Now I am assuming this woman was probably taking these donuts to work, and pretty sure she had plenty. Feeling bad for all the bus drivers….. what they go through….. the next day I brought him 2 donuts. He was very grateful. I think more of us should show our appreciation to this not very fun at times….. job.
Cathy
Apr 26th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Thank you, Cathy
Apr 27th, 2007 at 1:13 am
Yes, Cathy! A guy gets hungry while working a 10-hour shift.
Apr 27th, 2007 at 4:56 am
Stay off the #5.
Apr 27th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
How about a cup of coffee While we let you on with yours, even though you aren’t supposed to bring it on, Thank you Cathy
May 10th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
I thought we were allowed beverages in covered containers.