Bus manners

[pooh2001]

We give up seats. DH always. When my kids were younger, DD sat on my lap, DS very close to me - at least gives up 1/2 a seat. Now my kids are older - we'll be standing - ready for those with little ones or anyone older than us (hey we're getting up there too )

Teaching our children ALWAYS to respect others - help where you can, without being intrusive.

example today - I was in a parking lot, an elderly driver was pulling slowing into a parking space, then stopped, a shopping cart was in the space - I was walking by and moved the shopping cart so she could drive fully into the spot.
My DS watched and learned. It did not take but a minute of my time, but the person inside the car gave me a smile of thanks. One little action can brighten someones day. It does not take much to smile and be nice

 

[TDC Nala]

Every time there is a bus thread,there's a "Disney should eliminate standing on the buses."

If you've ever ridden public transportation (subway or city bus), there's always standing. Cities are beginning to purchase buses that have more room for standees. The Metro in Washington has been talking about getting rid of some of the seating so they can fit in more standees. Why should Disney buses eliminate standing when there are people who don't mind standing if it means they won't have to wait for another bus?

 

[tomerin]

i always offer my seat to someone who seems to need to sit more then i do. I find it very gratifying to see their face when i offer my seat. i look like i belong on a harley then on a WDW bus, so when i do it they are often suprised. i do it because i feel it is the right thing to do but i also have 2 teenage DS who dont like to be told what to do but if they see me offering my seat knowing how exhausted i am after a long day they too realize that it is the right thing to do if you see someone in need.


BUT if i see someone glaring at me like i shouldnt be sitting and get up and give them my seat i will not get up.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

We just got back as well and only noticed one really rude bus-riding couple.

As we were waiting for the bus to the Poly at Typhoon Lagoon last Sunday afternoon, a bus pulled up at the stop next to ours, and a couple (in their 50's, I'd guess) got off, then walked over to our bus stop and just stood sort of front and center, without getting in line. There were no ropes or anything indicating which way the line was supposed to go, so I at first gave them the benefit of the doubt, and assumed they just weren't sure which end of the line was the back and intended to hang back and get on the bus after all those of us who were waiting first.

Well, I was wrong. As soon as our bus pulled up, the man said quietly to the woman "go to the middle door" and they jumped right on in front of everyone else. Someone made a comment about the fact there was a line, and several others agreed, but the couple just ignored everyone. Heck, they even ignored each other. It was like they were just sitting there, staring straight ahead, avoiding eye contact, because they knew what @ssholes they were.

Other than that, people were polite. I think I was usually too tired to notice if anyone needed my seat more than me, but the few times I remembered to look around for someone to offer it to, all the elderly, pregnant and small kids were seated already. I really don't know if it just worked out that way, or if people had gotten up to offer seats.

There was one time dd2 was asleep and dh was carrying her onto a crowded bus (it was pouring down rain, so we didn't want to wait for the next bus). We were all standing and I noticed no one had offered him a seat, which I at first thought was rude, but then I looked around and noticed that nearly every seated passenger either was elderly or had a small child on their lap too, so I couldn't blame them for not getting up.

 

[Disneyholic]

We just got back as well and only noticed one really rude bus-riding couple.
and a couple (in their 50's, I'd guess) the man said quietly to the woman "go to the middle door" and they jumped right on in front of everyone else. bus (it was pouring down rain, so we didn't want to wait for the next bus). We were all standing and I noticed no one had offered him a seat, which I at first thought was rude, but then I looked around and noticed that nearly every seated passenger either was elderly or had a small child on their lap too, so I couldn't blame them for not getting up.

I think we may have run into this same couple a few times ourselves last week. Or another 2 just like them. They went in the back door, even though that door is only to get off. I was almost hoping the bus driver would close the door on them as they were getting on, but no such luck.

 

[SueM in MN]

Every time there is a bus thread,there's a "Disney should eliminate standing on the buses."

If you've ever ridden public transportation (subway or city bus), there's always standing. Cities are beginning to purchase buses that have more room for standees. The Metro in Washington has been talking about getting rid of some of the seating so they can fit in more standees. Why should Disney buses eliminate standing when there are people who don't mind standing if it means they won't have to wait for another bus?

From what I have heard, one of the reasons Disney got the buses with fewer seats was that those buses have more space for strollers, especially large strollers.

 

[allaboutmm]

If you think not offering up a seat is rude, try riding the commuter train to work every day with people who sit themselves in the aisle seat or a 2 or 3 seat row and then roll their eyes at you when you ask to sit in the other empty seats in the row. How dare you disturb them!!!

Yes, the 5:00 train leaving North Station !!!!!

 

[Luv4Disney]

I have noticed a difference in the newer buses though. The ones that are much more wheelchair accessible. Quicker too. The newer ones make standing a little more bearable and give a little more room. The older ones it's tough because the aisle is awfully narrow, especially at the end of the day going back to the resorts.

 

[lucyanna girl]

I think some of you nice people must be related to me. My late Father always taught me that it's not what you are forced to do that is the measure of good manners, it's what you choose to do. Yes, it is true that everyone who buys a ticket has a right to a seat. No, I would never expect anyone with a disability, seen or unseen to give up their seat to anyone. I would also never expect anyone to offer me their seat just because I am a woman closer to the big 5-0 than I would like to admit. On a few occasions some very well raised young man has offered their seat to me and I did take it because I was also raised to believe it's rude to throw a compliment or a gracious offer in someones face. Sometimes it would be easier to look the other way and not see a person who needs a seat more than you but is it the right thing to do? Daddy would be proud of those who choose to put others first.

 

[Luv4Disney]

DBF is 22 and I'm 21. I feel bad when an elderly person or a parent carrying a child is surprised when we offer our seats. What's happened to our generation. I was brought up to help others whenever possible. Apparently, others have not been taught the same way in our age group. That saddens me. Even if we did wait a long time to get a seat, we're more than happy to give it to someone who obviously needs it a lot more than we do. There's no obligation or any of that, just common courtesy.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I guess common courtesy doesn't play into the equation at all, I will give up my seat for any woman, child, or person who needs it. I guess I'm different since I was raised with some respect and manners! These threads astound me!

That is very rude and unfair of you to post that with my quote. I don't think it's respectful or having manners to expect ME to wait thru 2-3 buses so me and MY young children (me with back and knee problems, and 3 young children by myself so I can't hold on to them all by myself) can SIT- to then get on the bus and be MANDATED to give up my seat or my children's seat to someone else who doesn't want to wait for another bus. That's not common courtesy- it's RUDE to expect that of me! Common sense would dictate if you NEED to sit- wait for a bus that isn't standing room only. When someone else waits for bus after bus so they can finally sit down- it's unfair to then say they have no courtesy, respect or manners because they don't give up that seat to someone else. That is just so unfair.

When I have been on solo trips- even with the back/knee problems I don't wait for a bus that is sitting only- and if I end up with a seat 9 times out of 10 I end up giving it up to someone who crammed themselves on the bus at the very last with a small child or infant or is elderly. But when I wait for bus after bus so I CAN sit- it's not fair to then expect me to give up my seat for someone else... or expect my children to do so. We waited for a bus to be able to sit- why should we wait and wait for a bus to sit then give up our seat to someone else who obviously thinks they are too "good" to wait for the next bus and instead should be given a seat from someone else!
*sigh* I give up. All I can say is if I wait thru bus after bus that is standing room only to get on a bus that we can SIT on- we're going to sit. If you need to sit -wait for a bus that isn't standing room only. It is NOT fair for people like myself to wait for bus after bus to finally get on one we can sit on- and expect us to then give our seats to you. Not fair at all.

(ps. I also hate the buses that have less seats and hardly anything to hold on to unless you're a tall adult that can reach the straps)

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

If you dont want to give your seat up--thats fine--but someday down the road, when its you/your wife that is pregnant, your 3 yr old child standing--or you as an elderly and noone is letting you sit, or whatever the scenrio may be--just dont complain. Its really all about doing what you would want done for you.

I won't complain and haven't. when in that situation- I just wait for the next bus. I don't get on a crowded bus and expect someone to give me their seat. I have no idea what their invisible disabilities or conditions may be- nor do I have any idea how long they've been waiting on a bus that wasn't standing room only- so that they could have that seat.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Well, you know, some people are too proud to get into a scooter or a wheelchair. I know that's the case in my family. Also, people may not be able to sit on the concrete because they may not be able to get back up. So, if you're a healthy being with no health problems and you could make someone's day a little bit better, wouldn't you?

A seat should be given up to a person who is just too proud to use a scooter or wheelchair?
Actually in my case it wasn't all that easy to get back up off the concrete- actually required use of poles or my oldest child at times. But it was a better trade off than trying to have us all standing on a bus.

Yes, if I was healthy with no health problems and not with young children myself I wouldn't be waiting for a bus to have a seat with which to get berated for not giving up to someone else in the first place. I'd be getting on the first bus everytime- standing the entire time.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I don't think anyone is too "good" to not have to stand. It's more of the matter of who is in "need." I'm 5'2, short by anyone's standards, and am able to use the straps of the bus fine. I just grab a strap with one hand, and a pole in the other and I'm planted. No one is saying you have to give up your seat, as no one knows your personal situations. All we're saying is that while we may have waited for a seat, it's give up for someone who is more in "need." Maybe a person who has trouble standing just wants to get back to their hotel and risks standing during the bump and jolts instead of waiting for another bus, while standing. But if I'm there, I'll give up my seat who "needs" it more than I do. Not to someone who thinks they're too "good."

 

[Luv4Disney]

A seat should be given up to a person who is just too proud to use a scooter or wheelchair?
Actually in my case it wasn't all that easy to get back up off the concrete- actually required use of poles or my oldest child at times. But it was a better trade off than trying to have us all standing on a bus.

Yes, if I was healthy with no health problems and not with young children myself I wouldn't be waiting for a bus to have a seat with which to get berated for not giving up to someone else in the first place. I'd be getting on the first bus everytime- standing the entire time.

Well, my grandfather is an extremely proud man. It embarrasses him to have to ask for help, or to be seen with walking aids. So, he does the best he can and if someone can help him along merely by offering their seat because he has balance problems as well, then fine. No one is berating you. We all have personal situations. But it's wrong to criticize someone who is "too proud" when you don't know what they're feeling or going through.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I don't think anyone is too "good" to not have to stand. It's more of the matter of who is in "need." I'm 5'2, short by anyone's standards, and am able to use the straps of the bus fine. I just grab a strap with one hand, and a pole in the other and I'm planted. No one is saying you have to give up your seat, as no one knows your personal situations. All we're saying is that while we may have waited for a seat, it's give up for someone who is more in "need." Maybe a person who has trouble standing just wants to get back to their hotel and risks standing during the bump and jolts instead of waiting for another bus, while standing. But if I'm there, I'll give up my seat who "needs" it more than I do. Not to someone who thinks they're too "good."

I didn't say too good to not have to stand- I said thinks they are too good to wait until the next bus so they don't HAVE to stand. In other words- even if I wait for bus after bus so we can sit- I'm supposed to give up my or my children's seat to someone who wants to walk on the bus and be given a seat... too good to WAIT for another bus if they NEED to sit and not stand.
I'm 5'2 also- but as I previously stated- when I travel alone I don't have a problem with standing and do not wait for a bus to ensure I'm able to sit. Even with some physical problems (which are not totally disabling but can hurt at times- especially at the end of the day but not so much in the morning) I would get on the first bus and either stand... or even if I happen to get a seat I'd usually give it up to someone else.

But if I'm there with my kids and I have already waited thru bus after bus (atleast one, if not more) for a seat- it's not fair to then expect me to be "nice" and give up my seat for someone else. If I was going to do that- I'd have stood on the first bus that came along that was standing room only! I obviously have a REASON to wait for the next bus, or the bus after that... so it's not fair at all to expect me to wait for a seat- then give it up to someone else. And really not fair for anyone to be expecting that of me or in some cases mentioned getting glares or whatnot. I'm glad no one glared at us- or I'd be filling their ears with why we are sitting and how WE waited thru bus after bus to sit- and if they wanted to make sure they sat, they could do the same thing! (wait for a bus that isn't standing room only)

It's funny to me how this thread has accused those like myself of being all about "me me me"- I see it totally opposite. I'm not expecting anyone to do anything for ME. I'm not expecting someone to give up their seats to ME. I'm taking care of myself by waiting thru bus after bus until I can get a seat (when I feel I need one- for myself or my chidlren). I really think they have that backwards. The ones thinking about me me me are the ones that get on a bus regardless of how full it is and EXPECT someone to give up their seat (otherwise feel those people don't have manners, aren't "nice", etc. if they don't give up their seats to them). THOSE are the people with a me, me, me mentality! I think it's a me me me mentality to expect someone to wait thru bus after bus to get a seat- then give that seat up to them because they "need" it more. First off it's hard to judge who needs it more by merely a glance at the person, and secondly if they "need" it more- they can wait for another bus just like I did.
*sigh*

So basically even if you wait thru several buses for a seat because you feel you need one (or even just want one) you're still expected to give up your seat to anyone who walks into a standing room only bus that might be elderly, injured, very young, or any other reason they deem more "worthy" than what they think you are (by mere glance at you- not considering what injuries or conditions you may have that are invisible to someone while you are sitting there). How nice... I don't think that's nice at all actually.

 

[jann1033]

I understand making the decision to use Dis transport for financial reasons. I can't fathom using it for convenience.

actually the ug has a list of times for driving and sing buses for the same places and the buses are almost always faster. maybe casue you are walking ect instead of waiting it seems faster.

and i forgot the buses our kids stood on were the old ones.there is nothing to hold on to on the new ones... plus they give the advantage of "armpit in the face" to those sitting . maybe it's surprising more don'tstand

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Well, my grandfather is an extremely proud man. It embarrasses him to have to ask for help, or to be seen with walking aids. So, he does the best he can and if someone can help him along merely by offering their seat because he has balance problems as well, then fine. No one is berating you. We all have personal situations. But it's wrong to criticize someone who is "too proud" when you don't know what they're feeling or going through.

I didn't criticize anyone! I just said someone shouldn't have to give up their seat to someone who is just too proud to use a wheelchair if they are unable to wait for a bus that they can SIT on- if they need to sit only. If he's too proud for a wheelchair- I'm confused on why he wouldn't be too proud to have a seat offered to him by a woman like myself (short, injuries myself, and with 3 young children!).

Your last comment about criticizing someone when you don't know what their feeling or going through goes both ways though- to criticize or look down on someone who is sitting on a bus and not offering their seat to others is the same thing- you have no idea what they are feeling or going through or what invisible disabilities, injuries or conditions they may have. You also have no idea how many buses they waited through to be ABLE to sit.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I didn't criticize anyone! I just said someone shouldn't have to give up their seat to someone who is just too proud to use a wheelchair if they are unable to wait for a bus that they can SIT on- if they need to sit only. If he's too proud for a wheelchair- I'm confused on why he wouldn't be too proud to have a seat offered to him by a woman like myself (short, injuries myself, and with 3 young children!).

Your last comment about criticizing someone when you don't know what their feeling or going through goes both ways though- to criticize or look down on someone who is sitting on a bus and not offering their seat to others is the same thing- you have no idea what they are feeling or going through or what invisible disabilities, injuries or conditions they may have. You also have no idea how many buses they waited through to be ABLE to sit.

I never said anyone HAS to give up a seat! I simply said it's a nice gesture. And offering a seat, which is done to many elderly people, is seen as less embarrassing to him than using a walking aid. And I do believe I said MANY time that no one was criticizing you, or berating you, we're just saying how we feel and what we do in our own personal situations. And after staying at some of the resorts, I DO have a GREAT idea of how many buses were waited for in order to sit.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I didn't say too good to not have to stand- I said thinks they are too good to wait until the next bus so they don't HAVE to stand. In other words- even if I wait for bus after bus so we can sit- I'm supposed to give up my or my children's seat to someone who wants to walk on the bus and be given a seat... too good to WAIT for another bus if they NEED to sit and not stand.
I'm 5'2 also- but as I previously stated- when I travel alone I don't have a problem with standing and do not wait for a bus to ensure I'm able to sit. Even with some physical problems (which are not totally disabling but can hurt at times- especially at the end of the day but not so much in the morning) I would get on the first bus and either stand... or even if I happen to get a seat I'd usually give it up to someone else.

But if I'm there with my kids and I have already waited thru bus after bus (atleast one, if not more) for a seat- it's not fair to then expect me to be "nice" and give up my seat for someone else. If I was going to do that- I'd have stood on the first bus that came along that was standing room only! I obviously have a REASON to wait for the next bus, or the bus after that... so it's not fair at all to expect me to wait for a seat- then give it up to someone else. And really not fair for anyone to be expecting that of me or in some cases mentioned getting glares or whatnot. I'm glad no one glared at us- or I'd be filling their ears with why we are sitting and how WE waited thru bus after bus to sit- and if they wanted to make sure they sat, they could do the same thing! (wait for a bus that isn't standing room only)

It's funny to me how this thread has accused those like myself of being all about "me me me"- I see it totally opposite. I'm not expecting anyone to do anything for ME. I'm not expecting someone to give up their seats to ME. I'm taking care of myself by waiting thru bus after bus until I can get a seat (when I feel I need one- for myself or my chidlren). I really think they have that backwards. The ones thinking about me me me are the ones that get on a bus regardless of how full it is and EXPECT someone to give up their seat (otherwise feel those people don't have manners, aren't "nice", etc. if they don't give up their seats to them). THOSE are the people with a me, me, me mentality! I think it's a me me me mentality to expect someone to wait thru bus after bus to get a seat- then give that seat up to them because they "need" it more. First off it's hard to judge who needs it more by merely a glance at the person, and secondly if they "need" it more- they can wait for another bus just like I did.
*sigh*

So basically even if you wait thru several buses for a seat because you feel you need one (or even just want one) you're still expected to give up your seat to anyone who walks into a standing room only bus that might be elderly, injured, very young, or any other reason they deem more "worthy" than what they think you are (by mere glance at you- not considering what injuries or conditions you may have that are invisible to someone while you are sitting there). How nice... I don't think that's nice at all actually.

You see, I don't see people as them "expecting" me to give up my seat or that they're too "good" to wait for the next bus and will just be offered a seat. That's why 9 times out of 10, the people I offer a seat to are surprised by the fact or try to decline it. I don't judge people if they don't give up their seat, they obviously have their reasons.