ThePantsThief t1_j6nkreu wrote on January 31, 2023 at 4:33 PM

Reply to comment by iliketuurtles in Boston Daily Discussion Thread, Tuesday January 31 by AutoModerator

Such is the case with any job where it is your responsibility to charge someone for a service—but what I'm asking is if anyone knows whether it's more likely than not that they will get in trouble.

If it's unlikely then I don't understand why they even care; I certainly wouldn't, just like how no one cares when the kid at McDonald's asks for water and gets sprite instead

TheOriginalTerra t1_j6nn49b wrote on January 31, 2023 at 4:47 PM

I mean, you're trying to justify not paying your fare because you can't be arsed to get a Charlie card (or have your girlfriend get one for you). I don't really see how the bus drivers are in the wrong here. Their job is to collect fares and stop at the stops so the passengers can get on and off. You put them in a difficult position by asking them if they'll let you get away with not paying the fare. They have a route to drive, and they don't want to waste time arguing, but they're supposed to be collecting fares from all of the passengers.

Anyway, you giving them the namaste gesture and asking to ride for free just makes you look like an entitled asshole.

ThePantsThief t1_j6no079 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 4:53 PM

I didn't say anyone was in the wrong, I was just asking a question. I'm absolutely the asshole here; I just wanted to make sure I wasn't actually getting anyone in real trouble with the 2 free rides I've taken in the last 6 months, or if they're giving me the stink eye because they don't have class solidarity.

As for the gesture, I didn't see it that way before, but I guess you're right. Dunno what someone should do in that situation then. Just ask? Anything is better than trying to sneak on right?

For what it's worth, I just got a Charlie card a few minutes ago. I'm not cheap, just forgetful, and not from here. I won't be needing a free ride again any time soon.

TheOriginalTerra t1_j6nywhk wrote on January 31, 2023 at 5:58 PM

OK, put it this way - just because you're okay with being an asshole, that doesn't mean everyone is. It was probably general irritation on their part.

Class solidarity? You just admitted that you asked to be let on free a couple of times because you were "forgetful" about getting a Charlie card. I consider myself working class, and it's never occurred to me that I can expect other working class people to do me a solid just on that basis.

I have lived in different cities and traveled a bit. What you do when you're "not from there" is you do a little research on where you're going to suss out things like public transit, local etiquette, whether street drinking is allowed, etc. It's about being respectful.