2 June 2011

Sick of students on Action buses

| mddawson
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I am getting sick of the rudness of private school students on Action buses.

I get the 318 from Woden each afternoon and most passengers wait patiently to board.

But not the Daramalan and Merici girls who push into the front of the cue, refuse to stand for older people and often take up multiple seats leaving people standing.

I am not sure what things their parents are paying these schools to teach their kids but manners is not one of those things.

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In two foreign countries recently I saw amazing manners on public transport. In one country on the subway no even remotely older looking person was left standing if a younger person was sitting. They got up without hesitation. In another country on a bus, a group of young boys probably about 11 we sitting down, as each subsequent person got on one by one they stood up and gave their seats. I was suitably impressed as my experience on buses in Canberra also leads me to believe that sometimes there are inconsiderate people. However I do believe if you really need a seat more often then not simply asking someone to move there bag should help. If not pull out your phone take a pic particularly if they have a uniform and email away. A nice artsy shot of a young person sitting while a person who needs a seat is standing would say a thousand words I am sure.

Bussie – First let me point out that I think this thread has become very theoretical. mddawson hasn’t provided any further info, the original story had holes in it and the original post looks like it was just a sledge at some private school students. Perhaps this has become a smaller scale silver commodore thread….

My confusion arose when you posted details for all of the 318’s routes. Why would you do that unless you were implying that these kids would be going somewhere on the 318 other than from Woden to Tuggeranong (which was what I was originally guessing)?

Also, in your post #55 you wrote “But anything the driver can ask the kids to do so can you. Maybe the kids will take more notice of the driver but it’s not like the driver can throw the kids off the bus.” Now you post “Whatever the regulations the bus driver can’t really do anything except stop the bus and ask them to stop their objectionable behaviour or get off. If they refuse the driver cannot do anything except radio in and ask for transport officers (ie interchange supervisors) and/or police to attend.”

My point is that the bus drivers legally and implicitly have authority to do something about these situations if they become aware of them. Based on your posts on other threads, you strike me as one of the many drivers that would step in and do something if you became aware of it so it’s irrelevant what the legislation states. In this case, if this situation really did happen and you saw them pushing in, you probably would have sent the kids to the back of the queue and that would be the end of it.

I agree too that mddawson should simply have complained to the passengers in the first instance (if she/he even bothered to let it get up their nose in the first place). My point though was that there must be other circumstances when people feel that they need to complain to the driver (eg, they feel intimidated or perhaps they already have complained to the other passengers and the passengers haven’t modified their behaviour). It would be a bit of a cop out for a driver to say that they are powerless so don’t bother complaining to me.

Innovation said :

Bussie said :

Innovation said :

mddawson – you originally posted that the Daramalan and Merici girls misbehave on the 318 FROM Woden each afternoon. Isn’t the 318’s next stop South of Woden, Tuggeranong? Since Dara and Merici are North Canberra schools (and there are private schools including Catholic and girls schools South of the lake), how many “girls” are we talking about?

The 318 goes Belconnen>Civic>Woden>Tuggeranong>Lanyon and the same in the other direction.

Maybe the driver should do something. I probably would if I noticed or someone brought it to my attention. But anything the driver can ask the kids to do so can you. Maybe the kids will take more notice of the driver but it’s not like the driver can throw the kids off the bus.

I’m confused. Why would a group of North Canberra students regularly get a bus to Woden in the afternoon and then get on the 318 back to the city? Surely these North Canberra students are getting on the 318 in Woden in the afternoon and then heading further South (ie next stop Tuggeranong)?

Also, don’t ACTION bus drivers have a responsibility to ensure that passengers meet certain requirements including that they “behave responsibly and safely at all times” and “respect the needs and rights of other passengers”. Where these requirements aren’t complied with, doesn’t ACTION have the power to take certain measures such as to notify parents/guardians and/or the school and/or issuing an infringement notice (re the Code of Conduct for Young Persons using Public Transport at http://www.tams.act.gov.au/move/public_transport/bus)?

Also, the code of conduct refers to the Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Act 2001 and its Regulations. Subclause 52(1) of the regulations states that “A person in a bus must not unreasonably interfere with the comfort or safety of anyone else. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.”

I agree that someone on a bus who feels aggrieved should, if possible, complain to the offender but sometimes this is not appropriate (eg if the person feels that they will be intimidated). However, isn’t the bus driver in all cases ultimately responsible if they have been notified of or are aware of an offence.

This issue is probably a mute point though since mddawson hasn’t provided any more information about their original gripe.

You sure are confused. Who said anything about them going from Woden to Civic in the afternoon? They clearly get one of the school buses that go from Darra/Merici to Woden then catch a regular service towards Tuggeranong.

If you’re intimidated by school girls maybe you should stay home wrapped in cotton wool.

Whatever the regulations the bus driver can’t really do anything except stop the bus and ask them to stop their objectionable behaviour or get off. If they refuse the driver cannot do anything except radio in and ask for transport officers (ie interchange supervisors) and/or police to attend. The TOs are also not allowed to physically remove someone from the bus. I’m not sure if they can actually issue those fines mentioned in the Transport Act. They’ve only recently got back the power to fine people parked in bus stops.

la mente torbida8:40 am 06 Jun 11

Each generation has its quota of a**holes. Don’t judge the majority by the actions of the minority.

Bussie said :

Innovation said :

mddawson – you originally posted that the Daramalan and Merici girls misbehave on the 318 FROM Woden each afternoon. Isn’t the 318’s next stop South of Woden, Tuggeranong? Since Dara and Merici are North Canberra schools (and there are private schools including Catholic and girls schools South of the lake), how many “girls” are we talking about?

The 318 goes Belconnen>Civic>Woden>Tuggeranong>Lanyon and the same in the other direction.

Maybe the driver should do something. I probably would if I noticed or someone brought it to my attention. But anything the driver can ask the kids to do so can you. Maybe the kids will take more notice of the driver but it’s not like the driver can throw the kids off the bus.

I’m confused. Why would a group of North Canberra students regularly get a bus to Woden in the afternoon and then get on the 318 back to the city? Surely these North Canberra students are getting on the 318 in Woden in the afternoon and then heading further South (ie next stop Tuggeranong)?

Also, don’t ACTION bus drivers have a responsibility to ensure that passengers meet certain requirements including that they “behave responsibly and safely at all times” and “respect the needs and rights of other passengers”. Where these requirements aren’t complied with, doesn’t ACTION have the power to take certain measures such as to notify parents/guardians and/or the school and/or issuing an infringement notice (re the Code of Conduct for Young Persons using Public Transport at http://www.tams.act.gov.au/move/public_transport/bus)?

Also, the code of conduct refers to the Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Act 2001 and its Regulations. Subclause 52(1) of the regulations states that “A person in a bus must not unreasonably interfere with the comfort or safety of anyone else. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.”

I agree that someone on a bus who feels aggrieved should, if possible, complain to the offender but sometimes this is not appropriate (eg if the person feels that they will be intimidated). However, isn’t the bus driver in all cases ultimately responsible if they have been notified of or are aware of an offence.

This issue is probably a mute point though since mddawson hasn’t provided any more information about their original gripe.

Innovation said :

mddawson – you originally posted that the Daramalan and Merici girls misbehave on the 318 FROM Woden each afternoon. Isn’t the 318’s next stop South of Woden, Tuggeranong? Since Dara and Merici are North Canberra schools (and there are private schools including Catholic and girls schools South of the lake), how many “girls” are we talking about?

The 318 goes Belconnen>Civic>Woden>Tuggeranong>Lanyon and the same in the other direction.

Maybe the driver should do something. I probably would if I noticed or someone brought it to my attention. But anything the driver can ask the kids to do so can you. Maybe the kids will take more notice of the driver but it’s not like the driver can throw the kids off the bus.

2604 said :

Not sure why the OP had to make up a cock-and-bull story about catching the bus.

He/she could have just said “I’m against non-government education” and left it at that.

+ 1 2604. Thank you for pointing out what many were thinking. I’m sure there are already a sufficient number of ‘I’m so resentful my kids/I didn’t go to a private school that I’m going to find a single example of poor behaviour or underachieving and use it as proof that private school children are criminals in waiting’ threads on Riotact already. Yawn.

zildmaha said :

I thought parents were supposed to teach their kids manner….just another job for the school teacher it seems according to some…

absotively! when i were lad, we didn’t think twice about offering my seat to a fellow passenger who clearly needed it more than me; and still don’t, of course. courtesy is a dying art, it seems…

I would advise against taking photos of school students (or anyone) on a bus, this could probably get you in a bit of trouble! But you should definately call them out on their behaviour, as some other people have said they might not realise they are being total wanks. If you publicly embarrass them it might shame them into behaving a little better. If this doesn’t work you should definately contact the schools.

I went to a private school and they regularly used to punish students if they behaved inappropriately on buses, at interchanges, etc. Of course some kids are still going to act like rude little jerks no matter what happens, but I think it’s pretty effective for the majority who are good people underneath all the bravado.

It might help too if a couple of other people who catch the same bus with you regularly also contacted the schools.

GardeningGirl said :

lumpy said :

My next big gripe with common courtesy is the inability of people to share a footpath. The amount of times I have had to resort to walking in gravel/mud/rough terrain all for the sake of two gas-bagging people not wanting to interrupt their conversation by taking a step behind their friend. Only the other week, I was forced into a bush because a group of afternoon walkers refused to adhere to the keep left politeness.

Maybe I was raised too well, but I think manners have fallen extremely short of people these days. But hey, I’m 23 years old with the outlook of a 70 year old.

Yep, never understood that attitude of we get to hog the path two or three abreast while you’re welcome to jump in the garden bed, gutter, side street, whatever.

Try a group of parents and kids chatting and blocking half of the 2 meter wide steps at the primary school at 3pm and being totally oblivious of other parents with kids (and bags and even strollers and bikes) trying to squeeze past them and having to wait because the steps have suddenly turned one way.

I know, petty rant, but to me it always seems to indicate a deeper disrespect for other people’s needs. And it’s unfair for my child to see these kids and adults get away with such behaviour when she (almost) gets her ear clipped for getting in the way of other road users.

mddawson – you originally posted that the Daramalan and Merici girls misbehave on the 318 FROM Woden each afternoon. Isn’t the 318’s next stop South of Woden, Tuggeranong? Since Dara and Merici are North Canberra schools (and there are private schools including Catholic and girls schools South of the lake), how many “girls” are we talking about?

Also, Dara is co-ed. Aren’t the boys a problem too? As well, I presume that this bus is at a specific time? I had a look at the ACTION website and the only school bus from Dara (and Brindabella Christian College – are they a problem too?) to Woden in the afternoon is the 642 which gets in to Woden at 4:11pm and from Merici are the 819 and 815 which are due in to Woden at 3:55 and 4:00pm.

My point is that there is a 318 due out of Woden at 4:05 so presumably these “girls” from both schools shouldn’t be on the same 318 bus as the Dara bus wouldn’t make it in in time. If they are then I suspect Merici would be interested as the girls might be hanging around the Woden shops in school uniform which I suspect is against school policy too.

In the immortal words of others who have posted on RA “photos or it didn’t happen”. Wait…… in this case that sounds wrong doesn’t it……… But, assuming that you have confronted the offenders (their parents don’t always know or condone of their misbehaviour), at least take photos and send them to the school. Also, since the ACTION bus isn’t moving at the time they are pushing in, I’m sure that the driver should be doing something to control behaviour so complain to ACTION.

Not sure why the OP had to make up a cock-and-bull story about catching the bus.

He/she could have just said “I’m against non-government education” and left it at that.

Didn’t mean to intimate that schools were unable to provide guidance – our schools are fabulous, but , parents should also provide role models, and unfortunately they don’t always do this.

greenit said :

It is just about good manners, and unfortunately Australian society (not just the young on Action buses) is losing the ability to ascertain what is appropriate behaviour in our daily lives – don’t expect schools to teach us – how about parents take some responsibility, but they are rude too, and pass this on to their children…

The schools comment isn’t really fair. We spend a lot of time trying to instil kids with ideas about manners and courtesy. Unfortunately, we are fighting an uphill battle because the message coming from large parts of society is that manners don’t matter.

It is just about good manners, and unfortunately Australian society (not just the young on Action buses) is losing the ability to ascertain what is appropriate behaviour in our daily lives – don’t expect schools to teach us – how about parents take some responsibility, but they are rude too, and pass this on to their children…

I was very impressed on a recent trip to Hong Kong, that on the metro, young people gave up their seats to older people, pregnant women, and people carrying babies promptly. This is respect that we used to have in Australian society!

GardeningGirl5:44 pm 03 Jun 11

lumpy said :

My next big gripe with common courtesy is the inability of people to share a footpath. The amount of times I have had to resort to walking in gravel/mud/rough terrain all for the sake of two gas-bagging people not wanting to interrupt their conversation by taking a step behind their friend. Only the other week, I was forced into a bush because a group of afternoon walkers refused to adhere to the keep left politeness.

Maybe I was raised too well, but I think manners have fallen extremely short of people these days. But hey, I’m 23 years old with the outlook of a 70 year old.

Yep, never understood that attitude of we get to hog the path two or three abreast while you’re welcome to jump in the garden bed, gutter, side street, whatever.

lumpy said :

My next big gripe with common courtesy is the inability of people to share a footpath. The amount of times I have had to resort to walking in gravel/mud/rough terrain all for the sake of two gas-bagging people not wanting to interrupt their conversation by taking a step behind their friend. Only the other week, I was forced into a bush because a group of afternoon walkers refused to adhere to the keep left politeness.

Maybe I was raised too well, but I think manners have fallen extremely short of people these days. But hey, I’m 23 years old with the outlook of a 70 year old.

No you’re not. Plenty of people in their twenties are very well mannered. Plenty of teens are too. We just like to focus on the crappy ones (and if I may have my rant at the ill-manners that annoy me the most, it is those who like to leave all of their food rubbish on the tables in the food court… put it in the bin you lazy bastards. I shouldn’t have to clear up your mess so I can eat my food)

lumpy said :

My next big gripe with common courtesy is the inability of people to share a footpath. The amount of times I have had to resort to walking in gravel/mud/rough terrain all for the sake of two gas-bagging people not wanting to interrupt their conversation by taking a step behind their friend. Only the other week, I was forced into a bush because a group of afternoon walkers refused to adhere to the keep left politeness.

Just stop and allow them to flow around you, keeping elbows ready to stop them bumping into you if they’re really unable to see you there. It works and it can be amusing seeing the expression of a person who thinks you’ve just materialised out of thin air.

The Frots said :

When I was a kid (c. 1830’s)

HOLD THE PRESS.

We just recorded the oldest blogger in the world….!

My next big gripe with common courtesy is the inability of people to share a footpath. The amount of times I have had to resort to walking in gravel/mud/rough terrain all for the sake of two gas-bagging people not wanting to interrupt their conversation by taking a step behind their friend. Only the other week, I was forced into a bush because a group of afternoon walkers refused to adhere to the keep left politeness.

Maybe I was raised too well, but I think manners have fallen extremely short of people these days. But hey, I’m 23 years old with the outlook of a 70 year old.

The Traineediplomat4:10 pm 03 Jun 11

p1 said :

scorpio63 said :

School secondary following up with a Christian ethics/following the Commandments taught well before Secondary education.

I’d rather they teach the kids universal humanitarian ethics. But I guess at a pinch Christian ethics might be better then nothing.

+4 billion…or 8000 depending on how long the earth has been around…

Rollersk8r said :

The number of people who will wait 15 minutes for a 90 second bus ride never ceases to amaze.

Yeah, that one gets me too. I see a number of people take a bus for this trip.

It’s the same as the bogan instinct to bolt straight to the back of the bus when you get on at the interchange. Only to cost yourself and everyone on the bus a solid minute as you push your way to the front to get off after only 2 stops.

The number of people who will wait 15 minutes for a 90 second bus ride never ceases to amaze.

scorpio63 said :

School secondary following up with a Christian ethics/following the Commandments taught well before Secondary education.

I’d rather they teach the kids universal humanitarian ethics. But I guess at a pinch Christian ethics might be better then nothing.

GardeningGirl said :

The norm these days seems to be the little darlings run straight into you and the parents are only there to intervene if you dare to say anything after failing to get out of the way in time.

The same parents often seem oblivious to the people around them and are often the ones who insist on parking right in front of the school gate or speed through the school zone with their precious cargo on the backseat. So I don’t think it’s a problem that started with the current young generation, though it may be exponentially growing now.

GardeningGirl1:51 pm 03 Jun 11

Mysteryman said :

harryhaller said :

Haha, what a completely useless rant. If you have no other worries than that, your life is pretty good, mate!

You see, it’s this kind of attitude that allows things to progress to the point where the whole concept of manners is lost. Things could always be worse, granted, but they could always be better too. Just because we haven’t yet hit the bottom of the barrel doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim for the top.

+1

Watson said :

scorpio63 said :

Parents should be teaching their children manners, morals, values and ethics.

They should and maybe they do, but they cannot always be there to enforce them. Then again, I see way too many examples at the primary school every day of parents who don’t seem to think it necessary to make their kids aware that there are other people around them.

The norm these days seems to be the little darlings run straight into you and the parents are only there to intervene if you dare to say anything after failing to get out of the way in time.

scorpio63 said :

Parents should be teaching their children manners, morals, values and ethics.

They should and maybe they do, but they cannot always be there to enforce them. Then again, I see way too many examples at the primary school every day of parents who don’t seem to think it necessary to make their kids aware that there are other people around them.

When I used to take the bus (years ago now), there were occasions when the bus driver would intervene in situations like that. But I can imagine that is not always possible and it’s not really their job.

Parents should be teaching their children manners, morals, values and ethics.

School secondary following up with a Christian ethics/following the Commandments taught well before Secondary education.

There are some well mannered publicly and privately educated kids, however these kids you encounter need telling firmly. By the way, any lip service is caught on camera – remind them while you are explaining the rudeness and lack of respect.

Northsidechick10:27 pm 02 Jun 11

I really think that if you said to a couple of them, hey guys would you mind letting me sit down? then a few of them would stand up for you. Teenagers aren’t monsters…they are just pretty oblivious to etiquette stuff.

I’d take photos of the offenders and send them to the respective schools principals.

Genie said :

I catch the 703 and it’s 99% of the time a long bendy bus. Several Hawker College and Belconnen High School students catch this bus and always take up one seat for themselves and their school bag. Refusing to move to let people sit down, even when asked by a heavily pregnant lady.

That’s an easy fix, just start to sit down on their school bag or chuck it somewhere.

I would like to know where mddawson is trying to find a seat in the bus? I ask as I reguarly sit up the front of the bus & I always see people who will stand at the front of the bus rather then walk to the back of the bus where there are seats. Of course as soon as someone sits down they grab that seat. But I refuse to stand until the whole bus is full (except for wheelchair bound/guide dogs owners/elderly, who have limited options when finding a seat).

averagejoeaussie8:13 pm 02 Jun 11

It is a sign of the times, I’m afraid – no respect, no considerationand no self respect. I see it every day in the shop…. 🙁

Reminds me of when I was pregnant riding the bus home. I would regularly get into a window battle with a short squat fat lady (who never let me sit) over whether the window was open or closed. She’d close it to be cold. I’d open it because I was getting dizzy. She’d close it again because she was a fat, lazy, self-centered bitch. Repeat all the way out into the distant suburbs…

Maybe I should have been more considerate. Even at 9 1/2 months pregnancy her stomach was still bigger than mine and she had to deal with big flabby everything else as well.

bitzermaloney1:30 pm 02 Jun 11

All students aged 13 – 18 should be given a heavy does of conscription.

And if that doesn’t fie the problem, start a war with New Zealand (or Tasmania) with the sole purpose of understanding what spoilt little brats they’ve been.

And if that doesn’t fix it, send their parents, all members of the MLA and of course anyone that voted for them!

Reckon that’ll fix if. And if not, the population in the ACT will be a third of the current size. House prices will drop, parking in Civic won’t be an issue, the parkway can be renamed a “freeway” (or at least a road)… and most importantly there’ll be enough seats on the buses for everyone.

Radford kiddies are as bad. Its an EPIDEMIC!

I catch the 703 and it’s 99% of the time a long bendy bus. Several Hawker College and Belconnen
High School students catch this bus and always take up one seat for themselves and their school bag. Refusing to move to let people sit down, even when asked by a heavily pregnant lady. This disgusts me especially since they are being asked to move their bag usually a stop or 2 before they get off.

So sadly it’s not just the private school students.

Although I did see Radford students throw stuff at a 300 bus one day (prob the 313) because the driver wouldn’t let them on as the bus was over capacity.

Actually it is kind of surprising that in the nanny-state we live in (where a person must remain in an approved child-restraining bosster seat until they get a licence of their own), that standing on moving busses is still acceptable to the bleeding hearts. yeah yeah – this is probably a decision that is basd on statstical likelihood of a crash and injuries sustained etc, but it’s an observation nonetheless.

I agree with the premise that where someone who is more vulnerable than yourself is standing on the bus, the polite thing to do is give them your seat. The question remains that in the social pecking order these days – do kids take precedence over fit and healthy adults, and at what point does a person stop being a kid, and become a troublesome teenager, and how are people educated about such subtelties?

I’m not defending the actions of anyone, like many posters on this site I will give up seats and hold open doors when an opportunity presents itself, but I don’t know that you can chip the youth of today about such standards if we can’t clearly define them amongst ourselves…

Feathergirl said :

Sit on their laps?? Wait, no… Maybe just ask them to move. Kids only think about themselves, they probably don’t even notice they they are being jerks.

If you were to ask teenagers, particularly private school girls, to move, the most restrained response you would get would be a stream of invective that would make a sailor blush most likely followed by a physical assault. Don’t you read the papers?

313 catcher here, completely agree. There’s two separate issues here though. The first is when they sit in the designated disabled/aged/pregnant seats and don’t move. The second is when they’re sitting in an ‘ordinary’ seat and don’t move. The first means they have no respect for rules/regulations (and why aren’t these ebing enforced by the driver? are drivers not allowed to, or do they not care?) The second means mum and dad obviously have more money than sense, and don’t teach their kids respect OR manners. In case anyone thinks I’m an old fuddy-duddy with a ‘get off my lawn’ issue, i’m 25 and get up for pretty much anyone. Parents, do what my mum did and teach your kids some fricking MANNERS.

Sit on their laps?? Wait, no… Maybe just ask them to move. Kids only think about themselves, they probably don’t even notice they they are being jerks.

captainwhorebags said :

The Frots said :

Absolutely agree. I would also send a ‘drop copy’ to the Canberra Times (the bad publicity will piss them off) as well as a copy to the local member – whoever that may be!

Yes, because this is just the kind of hot button issue that needs to be brought to the attention of elected officials for immediate action.

Well, if not this type of thing, what have you got for the table…..??? It’s what they are supposed to be there for – service to the people.

harryhaller said :

Haha, what a completely useless rant. If you have no other worries than that, your life is pretty good, mate!

You see, it’s this kind of attitude that allows things to progress to the point where the whole concept of manners is lost. Things could always be worse, granted, but they could always be better too. Just because we haven’t yet hit the bottom of the barrel doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim for the top.

I thought parents were supposed to teach their kids manner….just another job for the school teacher it seems according to some…

captainwhorebags11:52 am 02 Jun 11

The Frots said :

Absolutely agree. I would also send a ‘drop copy’ to the Canberra Times (the bad publicity will piss them off) as well as a copy to the local member – whoever that may be!

Yes, because this is just the kind of hot button issue that needs to be brought to the attention of elected officials for immediate action.

OP – don’t ask, don’t receive. Also, when you say “older”, what do you mean? When I was going to school ACTION policy was that concessional ticket holders need to give up their seats for full ticket holders (which, strangely enough should see pensioners giving up their seats for 30y/o commuters).

ThatUniStudent said :

bryansworld said :

My missus is at an advanced stage of pregnancy. No one on the bus gets up for. Kids, students, adults. No one. Bad.

That’s because it would be illegal. Discrimination based on pregnancy. We asked for equality and an end to male chivalry/chauvinism, so what do we expect? My question is, why aren’t you driving your beloved wife to where she has to go?

Of course she should be on the bus. Have you seen the mess it makes when a woman’s waters break in a car?

The problem is more with assuming that the pregnant woman is pregnant and not fat, or pregnant and not capable of travelling standing up. Both assumptions will get you more grief than your life is worth if you get them wrong.

junketFunket11:09 am 02 Jun 11

did u actually ask them to give up the seat? Or did you just assume they should automatically do it because they’re the youngest people on the bus? I would find it highly unlikely that they would refuse to give up their seat for an old / frail person if specifically asked to in front of a bus full of people. In which case, I’m sure another one of the passengers would be happy to give you a seat.

ThatUniStudent10:19 am 02 Jun 11

bryansworld said :

My missus is at an advanced stage of pregnancy. No one on the bus gets up for. Kids, students, adults. No one. Bad.

That’s because it would be illegal. Discrimination based on pregnancy. We asked for equality and an end to male chivalry/chauvinism, so what do we expect? My question is, why aren’t you driving your beloved wife to where she has to go?

bryansworld said :

My missus is at an advanced stage of pregnancy. No one on the bus gets up for. Kids, students, adults. No one. Bad.

Why do you allow her to catch the bus? Make her walk!!!

Haha, what a completely useless rant. If you have no other worries than that, your life is pretty good, mate!

Erg0 said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

complain to the school. write them a letter.

+1. Private schools tend to be very interested in any bad behaviour while in uniform.

(I don’t actually know the schools, but I assume from the tone of the OP that they’re private)

Absolutely agree. I would also send a ‘drop copy’ to the Canberra Times (the bad publicity will piss them off) as well as a copy to the local member – whoever that may be!

In the end, it’s manners that are the loser here. Old school manners. When I was a kid (c. 1830’s) my parents would ensure that I had both ears well and truly clipped if I didn’t stand in a bus for adults.

I still do!

colourful sydney racing identity said :

complain to the school. write them a letter.

+1

bryansworld said :

My missus is at an advanced stage of pregnancy. No one on the bus gets up for. Kids, students, adults. No one. Bad.

That’s really sad. I recently went to Belgium and did lots of riding on buses, that were more often than not pretty full. I never saw a pregnant woman or old, fragile person stand up for longer than a few seconds after they got on.

colourful sydney racing identity said :

complain to the school. write them a letter.

+1. Private schools tend to be very interested in any bad behaviour while in uniform.

(I don’t actually know the schools, but I assume from the tone of the OP that they’re private)

My missus is at an advanced stage of pregnancy. No one on the bus gets up for. Kids, students, adults. No one. Bad.

colourful sydney racing identity9:25 am 02 Jun 11

complain to the school. write them a letter.

I think you should write a letter to The Greens, They are going to solve all the public transport problems 🙂

Not only that, they wont get off my damned lawn.

Holierthanthou8:55 am 02 Jun 11

Easy, ask them to give to give you the seat.

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