Survival Tips
I am a frequent user of public transportation and can offer the novice rider some survival tips.
A walkman type radio with earphones is a very good item to own. It need not work – it simply allows you to ignore others without appearing to be rude. Dark glasses are good as well since we all know we should not make eye contact with others but inadvertently our attention may be drawn to behavior we probably don’t care to see and we should not react to in any way.
Occasionally a rider gets on a bus and asks other passengers to make change. Do not be taken in by this ploy. You do not want to be intimidated into searching through your purse while everyone looks on. Do not carry a purse or billfold; try to carry exact fare or a prepaid bus card so it can be presented to the driver and put away quickly. A tote bag is a good item to have but do not keep anything of value in it. You should still carry your valuables in your pockets. If you have critical medication you may wish to invest in an item available at most luggage stores. It is used for passports, etc. and can be worn around the neck or tucked into a waistband.
Some type of reading material is a useful item. Newspapers or textbooks are good. Controversial material might not be the best. choice. You do not need to read you need only to give the appearance of reading.
A final tip: you can always pretend you cannot hear, do not speak English or are incapable of speech.
Feb 24th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
“If you have critical medication you may wish to invest in an item available at most luggage stores. It is used for passports, etc. and can be worn around the neck or tucked into a waistband. ”
I’m incredulous and fascinated. Do you do this? I usually just say “no” or act really Minnesotan and avert my gaze.
A foreign language or two does indeed come in very handy.
Feb 26th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Man, you sound super paranoid. I have been riding the bus for years and have never really had a problem with anything. I aggree with the walkman though, just because i’m not much of a conversationalist.
Feb 26th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I’m gonna try the player with the headphones turned off, cuz MY EARS ARE RINGING from riding the bus so much! Years of heaphone use has turned my hearing to mush.