Attitude Matters

Yesterday, around 3pm I was on my way home (from Trondheim sentrum) after a long day in an academic workshop. It was windy and the sky was greyish showing a sign it is about to rain. Therefore, I did not want to take the chance to walk 10 more minutes to the bus stop at Kongens gate. With my laptop and books in tow, I just could not imagine the risk of being stranded outside when the rain suddenly pours. I quickly get myself to the nearest place to catch a bus, which was in Nova kinosenter. Luckily, two bus came right away and I took the second bus in line.

The bus I got in was bus nr. 7A, which was a standard sized bus and not the extra lengthy bus. There are no seats on the frontal right side. One can only find seats only at the row behind the driver and further back. Since I was seating the whole day in the workshop, I dropped my backpack and was standing in the corner of the aisle near the back door.

After a few minutes, when the bus stopped at Mungkegata, the driver looked back at me and mumbled something. I could not figure out what he was trying to say so I went nearer. I politely asked him to repeat what he said, and according to my understanding he was trying to ask me to seat or not to stand by the aisle. I said “sorry but I would like to stand since I was seating the whole day. If many people come in the bus I will definitely move myself.” He then changed his tone and started to argue with me. I heard the words “traffik” and “ansikt” which I figured out he was telling me I will cause traffic and that he does not want to see my face in his mirror. He also continued exclaiming I will cause disturbance to other people coming inside the bus. Finally, he shouted “nå!”, meaning “now” (in english) as if shouting to a lazy dog to move. At that point, I felt very uncomfortable and irritated at his negative attitude. I thought he might just be having a bad day.

However, no matter what is the reason I think as a professional bus driver, he is obliged to have a certain level of courtesy. If people are not allowed to stand on some place in the bus, they should put up a sign or something. I think the driver’s attitude is questionable. Besides, it was not rush hour and the bus was almost empty. The drama was really not necessary since both parties involved were upset afterwards.

After those few minutes of heated exchange of words, I decided just to get out of that bus and I headed straight to the bus transport customer service office (AtB kundeservice) to complaint. I spoke to a lady at the customer service desk and related the situation to her. I also explained that I understand that the driver had a point and perhaps I was wrong not to follow immediately. However, what I could not tolerate is the degree of arrogance and lack of respect. I then added if I was a young blonde lady perhaps I will not get the same treatment? Well, the kind lady replied me that is another issue. The response I got was to send in a written complaint by email to the head office where they can handle the situation.

After sleeping it off overnight, I am still evaluating whether it is worth my time and effort to send in a written protest. What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comment below.

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