Yes, today was the duty from hell day again. It comes round far to often. But to be absolutely honest it wasn’t too bad today because the worst aspect of it, the passengers, were well down on the usual numbers. Whilst 95% of the users are car park users who ride for free we do pick some people up in town for other town stops, here’s an exchange I had with one such passenger :-
Passenger: “Railway Station” (note no please)
Me: Tap, tap on the ticket machine “80 pence, please”
Passeger: “I’ve got a pass”
Me: What type of pass? I need to see it”.
Passenger: “It’s an OAP pass”. No movement made to extract it from wherever it is.
Me: “Unless I’m able to see it I’m afraid I’ll have to charge you”
Passenger: “I’ll sit down and look for it”
Aaaargh. Nurse, nurse bring my medication please!
This will make you smile.
last week i was on the Brighton megabus duty and i usually sit in the info kiosk to take my break. While i was there, some freak (lets call him a passenger, being polite here) demanded, yes demanded that we check the computer for his reference number, because he “claimed” this was not given when he made the booking.
We politely and helpfully checked three services for his reference number, but we couldnt find it. As we were looking he accused us of everything under the sun from stealing his money to conspiring against him.
After we exhausted our efforts, he finally opened his wallet to discover, yes you’ve guessed it “HIS booking reference” his whole demena changed from one of rage to humble pie, as he sueaked with a quiet tone “oops ive found it”
we checked his ticket and it was for a different journey than from what he wanted…. basically he booked the wrong service. Anyway, he then asked “can i change this please”….to which we replied “NO SORRY THE SERVICE YOU REQUIRE IS FULLY BOOKED”
Me: “Unless I’m able to see it I’m afraid I’ll have to charge you”
Passenger: “I’ll sit down and look for it”
My response to that would be along the lines of: “That’s fine Sir/Madam. I’m not going anywhere until you find it.”
But then I’m evil like that. ;)
They say “railway station” just say “what about it?”.
Just like those megabus passengers I often have that might just say “Manchester”!
Can’t stand those ignorant people.
I was conned into doing the other 4 hours of Park & Ride which are on 194 duty.
Young Mr C dislikes P&R as much as you do Malcolm, so he brought me a pint of Old Speckled Hen to facilitate the swap.