I haunt my own home

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Bus Fare Cheats

I Hate Bus Fare Cheats. Its ok if they are old grandpas and grandmas just trying to save some money. But when they are 18-20 somethings, wearing DKNY t-shirts and Levis jeans.. C'mmon?!?! Gimme a break. Pay the damn bus fares. (This is gonna be a long post, I ramble when angry)

Ok, when it comes down to it, I despise myself for not having the guts to stand up to these idiots and say, "Oei! You cheat! You tapped the Ezlink card early!"

Here are my list of excuses why I don't do it.

1. If I point out to the person he/she just cheated, so? He/she already knows, what's my pointing out gonna do?

2. If I shout at him/her to cause him/her shame, who REALLY gets shamed? Him/her, or me? The people waiting impatiently for us to get out of the way so they can get out the bus?

3. The most valid (to me anyway) excuse. I'm petite. When I confront someone I look like the victimized cancer patient in a Korean Soap Drama Serial. I mean, c'mmon, they're gonna take one look at me and laugh. If it comes to a shoving match, one push and I'm gonna end up on the floor.

However, after tcc, blp.. (sorry to those who don't know what I mean), I now have some tactics to counter those excuses.

There are a couple of ways to confront cheats.

1. The Nice Way. Point out in a strong, firm, but quiet voice that he tapped the card early. Before he gets a chance to be confrontational, quickly say in a conspiratory tone, I understand about saving money, but by doing this, you are making others pay for your bus fare cuz the bus company will raise prices. Most ppl will respond politely, but there are ALWAYS exceptions.

2. The Not-So-Nice Way. If he/she does not respond well to The Nice Way, or is obviously aggressive, try this. Point out loudly, "Hey! You cheated! You tapped the card early!!" Make sure you state this clearly so that surrounding ppl can hear you. If you are petite like me, increase the effect by using a I-Am-A-Little-Girl-Trying-To-Be-Strong-Please-Support-Me-Here voice.

When he/she responds aggresively, e.g. saying "None of your business" or horrors of horrors, actually shoving you, say in a shocked voice, "Oh my god, you actually pushed me? How dare you? You cheated and you're not even sorry! You're making everyone pay for your bus fare when the SBS raise the prices! You CHEAT!."

IMPT: the last two statements must be made clearly and loudly. Singaporeans will always be galvanised into action when they hear that it is their money being cheated.

3. The Direct Way. Should only be used when you are boiling with anger and ready to stab someone. Only will this way be effective.

Volume shd be of medium to high level. Let your anger show thru in your voice, make sure your eyes are burning. Say, "You just cheated. Pay it back NOW." Then, if the silly bugger should respond defensively, confrontationally, just let your inner demon take over.

What? You think the third way doesn't work? It worked for me.

I was queueing at the Air Asia counter before boarding (budget airlines are like that, free seating), when this guy had the cheek to cut RIGHT IN FRONT of me! To add insult to injury, he told his friend, "Eh, stand here la,"

WTF?

He was about 1.75m tall, with muscles and and irritating shifty face, but BOY, WAS I MAD! He was previously sitting on the seat, while all the rest of us was standing up.

Me: Excuse me?! Are you cutting queue?"

Him: (Looks surprised that I wld dare to point it out): No, I was in the queue. (Gestures to the SEAT he was on before he got out and cut my queue)

Me: What? You JERK! Fuck Off! You were not in the queue!"

Him (Stares at me in shock): I.. you...

Me: Get Out.

He left. Got out of my sight. Must have been my burning eyes and the shock that someone half his size would tell him to fuck off.

Of course, M standing at 1.8m tall behind me might have helped.

michele | 12:46 AM