Yesterday’s Commuting Encounter
Posted on 17. Mar, 2010 by dimaks in Life
I have been a commuter ever since I started working in the government and I am left with no option but to take public transportation modes available in the Metropolitan. While I don’t want to invest on buying a private car yet, I see to it that I am taking optimum precautionary measures every time I take a ride using public conveyances. Why so? you may ask. Well, let me tell you about one aspect of woes that you have to endure when riding a public utility jeepney. Granted that they serve quite well, (since immemorial?) in our busy streets, things like poor maintenance and driver behaviors are like plagues.
It was around 6pm yesterday while on-board a jeepney going to Mindanao Avenue when at the first stop light from where I boarded, this late 30ish driver lighted his cigar. I think I was so unfortunate because aside from the fact that I don’t smoke, I really hate sniffing those second hand flying nicotine in the air. I was sitting right behind the driver and I took all the torture for about 5 minutes. It ended when the signal light turned green. Added to my disgust is the instance when the driver asked for those who have not paid their fare yet. When he started to ask.. man, he needs some dental attention and get bad breath treatment. Ok, I let that pass and stayed for more inside his “Public Transport” vehicle. To my surprise, he was about to light another stick and I thought I could not hold my temper for another minute. I have been thinking about that Republic Act pertaining to smoking in a public place but I really could not recall it. Even then, I still don’t know how to tell the driver in a manner that will not make him upset or maybe insulted.
So cutting the right service value for my 10 Peso fare, I asked the driver to pull over and I sped away from his smoke-full oven, I mean jeepney. What a ride! I don’t think I can go on like for a couple of months more. These drivers should take related seminars and orientations on various things, from public etiquette to legal laws governing their small but deadly habits.
Do you know of a way or ways on how to deal with drivers like these? Mind sharing them?
Image credit: sosickoftaxi.com
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Dimaks is a part-time blogger born in Cotabato City, Southern Philippines. He loves a wide array of things: Martial arts, Scootering, Painting, Photography, Cooking and of course eating. Indulge with his blogging rounds!
