Shopping cart madness

I work for one of the few transit systems that is fully wheelchair accessible. On every bus there is room for two wheelchairs (or scooters). When the space isn't occupied by a disabled passenger, more often than not it's used by parents parking their strollers there.

In every large city, you will at one point or another encounter someone who's homeless. Our city is no exception. Check out the downtown east side and you will see the homeless (or as I lovingly call them bums) in their full glory. They have a market, of sorts, on the sidewalk. It's actually quite interesting to watch. People are gathered round; buying, selling, observing or just tripping out. Most carry their belongings in garbage bags (not quite as stylish as louis vitton but far more practical. Myself, I'd take the black garbage bag over the designer shit any day). Some actually have their own wheels...ahem...wheel chairs. Most still have the "property of such and such a hospital" stamped on the back. Obviously the hospital had a garage sale and got rid of their excess medical equipment.


The ones in the wheelchairs are usually pushed around by a friend/lover/family member/stranger/unsuspecting tourist while they clutch their garbage bags on their laps. Once, I saw a miracle take place. A man decided to take advantage of the disabled, stole his bag o' goodies and took off running. Lo and behold, the Lord almighty healed the man. In the name of Jesus, I command you to walk. Well the man in the wheelchair didn't believe in baby steps and sprinted after the robber. Let me tell you, he could give any Olympian a run for his money. Now the most fortunate ones actually have shopping carts. They can carry numerous bags or cans or people or lamps (I saw a shopping cart full of lamps once....it was odd).

I pulled up to a stop smack dab in the middle of the east side. I open my doors and a man pushing a shopping cart attempts to board the bus.
I'm sorry sir, but I can't let you on the bus - me
But I've got the fare today - shopping cart man
Ummm. that's not the issue. We actually can't take shopping carts on the bus - me
WHAT?!? But you let baby carriages on. Some of those strollers are bigger than my cart - shopping cart man
Yeah, but those strollers hold children and most can be folded up (stroller not the child) - me
What if I get a kid to sit in the shopping cart? - shopping cart man
Are you talking about kidnapping? - me
No, just borrowing my friend's kid -shopping cart man
Look the answer is no. I will not let you on with a shopping cart, now if you can please step back so I can close the doors ( he had the cart half loaded on the bus already) -me
Stupid, fuckin' whore!! BITCH!! I'm gonna call transit and complain and I know your bus number - crazy shopping cart man
Okay, you do that. Have a nice day - me
With that I shut the doors in his face and drove away. I always believe in service with a smile!