The bus...

[Cafeen]

Wow, so you assume that everyone can afford to rent a car or take a taxi everywhere. By saying this you are just about saying that if someone is old, pregnant, have young children or disabled they don't have the right to ride the bus. As far as waiting for the next bus if someone has mobility issues or is pregnant or aged its not any easier standing in a line for another 20 minutes than it is to ride a crowded bus standing up. My children always offer their seats to people who appear to need to sit down more than they do. And I am very proud of them for that. They also always get a good feeling from spreading a little magic to others because they know it comes back to them.

It's more like someone who demands to always have a seat, no matter the other people on the bus, have no right to demand that they always have a seat. They can ride all they want, but if they go in demanding that other people inconvenience themselves because they were too thoughtless to plan ahead for needs they knew about well before their trip, then you're right, they don't belong on the bus.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

*
I concur. Where is all this ANGER coming from? IT's common courtesy to give up a seat to someone that is pregnant, or elderly. I find some of these posts to be disappointing at best.

Great question. I think there tend to be two extremes on this board and then everyone else in the middle.

The first extreme are those who believe they are entitled to a seat due to their condition or holding a sleeping child. I really doubt if there are many who truly feel this way. I also don't think those who sit because they waited or they have their own ailments are being rude. I just have a hard time believing that every single person on the bus waited or has some hidden ailment. Sorry, the odds against that make it nearly impossible. Among those sitting is someone (not sure who) that can help out a fellow guest.

The second extreme are those who believe that if you need a seat, you should just rent a car or take a cab. If you expect a seat you're just being rude. There is a kernel of truth here, but it can be taken to an unreasonable extreme as well.

In the middle are the rest of us who realize that the world's not a perfect place. People make mistakes and that a little kindness toward strangers goes a long way. No you shouldn't expect a seat, but nor should you feel like everyone is as uncaring as many on this thread come across.

As I said earlier, I hope those who get on a bus with a sleeping child understand the risk they take. I also hope those sitting on the bus are more aware of those around them and help out if they can. Why can't there be some middle ground here rather than taking these ridiculous extremes (ON BOTH SIDES!!!).

 

[crashbb]

Great question. I think there tend to be two extremes on this board and then everyone else in the middle.

The first extreme are those who believe they are entitled to a seat due to their condition or holding a sleeping child. I really doubt if there are many who truly feel this way. I also don't think those who sit because they waited or they have their own ailments are being rude. I just have a hard time believing that every single person on the bus waited or has some hidden ailment. Sorry, the odds against that make it nearly impossible. Among those sitting is someone (not sure who) that can help out a fellow guest.

The second extreme are those who believe that if you need a seat, you should just rent a car or take a cab. If you expect a seat you're just being rude. There is a kernel of truth here, but it can be taken to an unreasonable extreme as well.

In the middle are the rest of us who realize that the world's not a perfect place. People make mistakes and that a little kindness toward strangers goes a long way. No you shouldn't expect a seat, but nor should you feel like everyone is as uncaring as many on this thread come across.

As I said earlier, I hope those who get on a bus with a sleeping child understand the risk they take. I also hope those sitting on the bus are more aware of those around them and help out if they can. Why can't there be some middle ground here rather than taking these ridiculous extremes (ON BOTH SIDES!!!).

I agree with what you've said. I would, however, add "You shouldn't throw evil looks at someone who hasn't given up a seat, nor, should you berate them".

 

[WantToGoNow]

You are correct that it can't be seen;but does it hinder her ability to stand for a little while on a bus?Probably not,but I hear what you're saying.Just because someone has some type of physical ailment does'nt mean that they can't stand on a bus without having difficulty.As for my "robust"young man-he did'nt get that way eating donuts and sitting on the couch! I hope your DD is doing well!!!!

Actually the monitor doesn't but the reason she has it does. She actually should be using an ECV but she won't. We also have to find a way to keep her from overheating - which is why we usually go in late November or December.

 

[brunette8706]

Great question. I think there tend to be two extremes on this board and then everyone else in the middle.

The first extreme are those who believe they are entitled to a seat due to their condition or holding a sleeping child. I really doubt if there are many who truly feel this way. I also don't think those who sit because they waited or they have their own ailments are being rude. I just have a hard time believing that every single person on the bus waited or has some hidden ailment. Sorry, the odds against that make it nearly impossible. Among those sitting is someone (not sure who) that can help out a fellow guest.

The second extreme are those who believe that if you need a seat, you should just rent a car or take a cab. If you expect a seat you're just being rude. There is a kernel of truth here, but it can be taken to an unreasonable extreme as well.

In the middle are the rest of us who realize that the world's not a perfect place. People make mistakes and that a little kindness toward strangers goes a long way. No you shouldn't expect a seat, but nor should you feel like everyone is as uncaring as many on this thread come across.

As I said earlier, I hope those who get on a bus with a sleeping child understand the risk they take. I also hope those sitting on the bus are more aware of those around them and help out if they can. Why can't there be some middle ground here rather than taking these ridiculous extremes (ON BOTH SIDES!!!).

*
Hey There KSDISNEYDAD-.

As always a well written post. I totally agree! My husband ALWAYS gives his seat up for an elderly person, someone who is pregant, or carrying a small child, or most any woman. YOu seem to be the same way, as I always sense you being diplomatic, gracious and kind to other's.

 

[sandym718]

It's more like someone who demands to always have a seat, no matter the other people on the bus, have no right to demand that they always have a seat. They can ride all they want, but if they go in demanding that other people inconvenience themselves because they were too thoughtless to plan ahead for needs they knew about well before their trip, then you're right, they don't belong on the bus.

If you (in general) have someone in your family who absolutely cannot stand on a bus, and then you insist on them using the busses, you are horribly neglegent and uncaring. It is no one else's responsibility to see to your family's safety. If the family can't be bothered to see to the safety of its own family members, why should other people be
concerned? "Here Grandma, I can't be bothered to rent a car. And I don't want to put off this trip another month or two to save money for a rental
anyway. We will just shove you on a bus and hope like heck someone will
give you their seat. Or you better hang on!"
It is about being responsible for yourself, and not looking for others to take care of things for you. And if you can't stand on a bus, and can't afford a taxi, then you either need to wait for the next bus, or put off your vacation until
you have the funds for a car or taxi. Getting on a bus and expecting or
demanding a seat shouldn't be an option. Why is your decision to play russian
roulette with your safety someone else's problem?
If a seat for a family member is a need, then you should be the one to provide that need for them. And not doing so is wrong.

Completely agree!

 

[smidgy]

! I would love to sit,but I have to set an example for my girls so they KNOW how it is SUPPOSED to be-at least that's the way I was taught.On the other hand,I have no problem giving the "Evil Eye",or smarting off to some jerk who sits there,and leaves my DW,or some other woman standing there without at least offering their seat

You can't know just by looking who needs a seat and who doesn't. In that case, you could very well be giving the evil eye or smarting off to someone who actually needs the seat more than your wife. In that case, there is a jerk, but it isn't the person keeping their seat.

I'm just saying, watch the snap judgements.

totally agree with maxiesmom here. and have to add. you are setting a terrible example for your children, smarting off to a stranger you know nothing about. they will grow up thinking its Ok to start a fight with a stranger, when you have no idea of the circumstances.
most women with 2 young daughters are in great shape and should have no problem standing. some men may have had numerous foot surgeries, knee surgeries, whatever, and even tho they LOOK physically fit, maybe their foot is swelling beyond belief.
and, how do you know that supposed "jerK' you decided to smart off to didn't pupsely wait for the next bus, to have a seat?

yup. wonderful example engaging in making nasty faces to strangers and "smarting off".

 

[Hannathy]

Uhh women aren't known as the weaker sex anymore! LOL. We don't need big strong men to stand up so we can sit,How chauvinistic.


You can give up your seat for the very elderly, or someone who appears ill but everyday women are as able to stand as men and to imply they can't is insulting. (and I put most pregnant women into this category also)

 

[smidgy]

I see you failed to mention that your wife had a cane. Obviously she does, since she cannot stand for 15-20 minutes, and thus needs someone to give her a seat. Sorry, if you had mentioned that, people would have likely understood your actions.

by the way:
many people with bad feet (hidden in shoes) work with weights on their biceps. and many people with bad backs, knees, feet, do not use canes.
maybe a younger woman should give up HER seat for someone older (60s, maybe?). she is probably in better shape.
I'm in my 50s, but I waitress, and tend bar. been on my feet all my life. you wouldn't know it to look at me (overweight) but I am probably in better shapes to stand on a bus than some guys in their 30s. (esp if they have old football knee injuries).

I suggest people keep their "evil eyes" and "smart comments" to themselves.. it's just polite.

 

[smidgy]

just wanted to comment, we usually drive down, and still choose to use disney's transportation most of the time.
we will drive to the water parks, or to DHS or AK in the morning, drvie back for our "break"./ but we jsut love not worrying about driving, traffic. and love having a few adult beverages without either one of us having to be DD.
and sometimes we get a seat, sometimes we don't.. and hubby almost always gives up his seat.. I do often.
on those rare times when hubby just feels like his swollen foot has just "had enough", I will put him by the window and sit on the outside, and avoid any "stares" so his foot can have a break. and that is our choice. it doesn'e happen often.. but it is no one elses business to "judge" when someone else needs to sit in the seat they waited in line for.
and, as a Christian, (have read the "good book" cover to cover) may I say that not all of us are so judgemental.
and, perusing my Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible .. the word "chivalry" is not mentioned ONCE in the "good book". . just sayin'

 

[maxiesmom]

on those rare times when hubby just feels like his swollen foot has just "had enough", I will put him by the window and sit on the outside, and avoid any "stares" so his foot can have a break. and that is our choice. it doesn'e happen often.. but it is no one elses business to "judge" when someone else needs to sit in the seat they waited in line for.

That is what my dad does with me too, once he notices I've started to limp when I walk.. Or, if the seats face to the middle, he has been known to stand in front of me and give me "the look" so that I know to stay in my seat. What is wrong with me is realatively minor, and I have lived with it so long that I don't even notice when I start to limp. Walking isn't the problem so much as trying to balance on the bus once I get to that point.

 

[MindyDean]

My husband always asks if kids or ladies want to sit. He was raised with a southern chivalric attitude, so he just automatically does it. That is one of the qualities that attracted me to him. He can at least hang on to the top railings which is impossible to kids to reach and frankly is a reach for some women-including me.

 

[Pirate Jeff]

I don't want to flame nor start a ruckus. Just want to say how I feel about this subject.

There are a few times when I feel making a spot judgement is called for i.e. an elderly individual gets on a conveyance of some sort who is obviously challenged to stand. Remember, the interned may also choose to walk in lieu of becoming a burden upon someone else..

If I see a young person (any gender) choose to sit while allowing an elder to hold on to a bar, I will judge that person. Sorry, but I will. I won't say anything nor even convey it but I will consider the younger person rude and inconsiderate. Flame me if you will but I refuse to wary from that point of view.

That said, this is how I act and why:

In my life and upbringing, a man ALWAYS gives his seat to a lady. NO EXCEPTIONS! It is not a power thing. It is not sexist thing. It is simply the right thing to do, period. Same with holding a door. I will never allow a door to close in front of a woman so long as I have arms to hold it open. I will never sit while a woman stands, never!

It isn't because they (women) are in any way subordinate, it is simply an issue of courtesy, respect and honor. It is because a man always respects a lady always. Whether she is 80 or 18.

I once offered my seat to a lady some years ago. She was offended by it. My response was simply to leave my seat empty and ignore her chaste. Bottom line however, no man will ever sit while a woman stands. I will have a walker and still stand up so a lady can sit. It is what men do. At least, in my world.

It is unfortunate that some take issue with that but it bothers me less, than any guy that would sit comfortably while a lady stands. Call it what you will but to me, that is plain wrong.

Aaargh!!

 

[Hannathy]

It is unfortunate that some take issue with that but it bothers me less, than any guy that would sit comfortably while a lady stands. Call it what you will but to me, that is plain wrong.

Aaargh!!

Only to your "sensibilities" because physically there is no difference between normal men and women and should be thought of as the same human being not by sex.

 

[honeymo78]

I don't want to flame nor start a ruckus. Just want to say how I feel about this subject.

There are a few times when I feel making a spot judgement is called for i.e. an elderly individual gets on a conveyance of some sort who is obviously challenged to stand. Remember, the interned may also choose to walk in lieu of becoming a burden upon someone else..

If I see a young person (any gender) choose to sit while allowing an elder to hold on to a bar, I will judge that person. Sorry, but I will. I won't say anything nor even convey it but I will consider the younger person rude and inconsiderate. Flame me if you will but I refuse to wary from that point of view.

That said, this is how I act and why:

In my life and upbringing, a man ALWAYS gives his seat to a lady. NO EXCEPTIONS! It is not a power thing. It is not sexist thing. It is simply the right thing to do, period. Same with holding a door. I will never allow a door to close in front of a woman so long as I have arms to hold it open. I will never sit while a woman stands, never!

It isn't because they (women) are in any way subordinate, it is simply an issue of courtesy, respect and honor. It is because a man always respects a lady always. Whether she is 80 or 18.

I once offered my seat to a lady some years ago. She was offended by it. My response was simply to leave my seat empty and ignore her chaste. Bottom line however, no man will ever sit while a woman stands. I will have a walker and still stand up so a lady can sit. It is what men do. At least, in my world.

It is unfortunate that some take issue with that but it bothers me less, than any guy that would sit comfortably while a lady stands. Call it what you will but to me, that is plain wrong.

Aaargh!!

Conversely, shouldn't women respect men in the same manner, if it has nothing to do with subordination or weakness. Aren't men just as deserving of a woman's respect as a woman is of a man's respect? The reason behind opening doors, letting women sit, etc had zero to do with real respect and are now ingrained as gestures of real gentlemanly behavior.

My husband sits while I stand as many times as he lets me sit and he stands. I open doors for him the same way he opens doors for me. I don't think of him as less of a man or "gentleman" because we treat each other with the same level of respect.

 

[Don Disney]

totally agree with maxiesmom here. and have to add. you are setting a terrible example for your children, smarting off to a stranger you know nothing about. they will grow up thinking its Ok to start a fight with a stranger, when you have no idea of the circumstances.
most women with 2 young daughters are in great shape and should have no problem standing. some men may have had numerous foot surgeries, knee surgeries, whatever, and even tho they LOOK physically fit, maybe their foot is swelling beyond belief.
and, how do you know that supposed "jerK' you decided to smart off to didn't pupsely wait for the next bus, to have a seat?

yup. wonderful example engaging in making nasty faces to strangers and "smarting off".

When I say"smarting off"it is usually "adult sarcastic",1,maybe 2 word dig)not loud,nor starting a fight.The"Evil Eye" is a FIGURE OF SPEECH-I just roll my eyes,and maybe shake my head as in "thats a shame".My children don't really know that I'm doing it.So YOU don't KNOW me either-do you? I don't start fights-haven't had 1 since grade school;but I will finish one if someone wants to get too aggressive with me,or my family.I'm 6'4" 350lbs,and wouldn't hurt a fly-unless said fly lands on me. You mam,have NO idea.

 

[Don Disney]

Uhh women aren't known as the weaker sex anymore! LOL. We don't need big strong men to stand up so we can sit,How chauvinistic.


You can give up your seat for the very elderly, or someone who appears ill but everyday women are as able to stand as men and to imply they can't is insulting. (and I put most pregnant women into this category also)

That's very true,I'm waiting with baited breath for one of these women to offer me a seat-that would be really cool!

 

[honeymo78]

That's very true,I'm waiting with baited breath for one of these women to offer me a seat-that would be really cool!

While I usually value my seat, there are times when I've felt refreshed, not tired, etc and have offered my seat to a man. I've only had one man take me up on my offer. I really hope "chivalry" didn't keep the others from taking a seat that would have benefited them more that it benefited me.

 

[Don Disney]

While I usually value my seat, there are times when I've felt refreshed, not tired, etc and have offered my seat to a man. I've only had one man take me up on my offer. I really hope "chivalry" didn't keep the others from taking a seat that would have benefited them more that it benefited me.

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! It's about thinking of someone else-I guess I only think about it as a "man/woman thing",when actually it's really a "people" thing.Giving up your seat for someone who"may"need it is a really nice thing to do-wether man,woman or child.I still think a gentleman gives up his seat to a woman though-antiquated or not,can't help it,too ingrained in my psyche.Excellent point none the less! Most people are'nt that gracious.

 

[Cat0727]

on those rare times when hubby just feels like his swollen foot has just "had enough", I will put him by the window and sit on the outside, and avoid any "stares" so his foot can have a break. and that is our choice. it doesn'e happen often.. but it is no one elses business to "judge" when someone else needs to sit in the seat they waited in line for.

I agree...people need to stop judging. It's just another example of how rude people can be. It's just a seat on the bus...I will stand and offer my seat to a pregnant woman, someone holding a child or an elderly person because I would want someone to do the same for me if I were in their place.