When to give up your seat on the bus

[hello kitty]

If my ankle is bothering me that day, sorry, my seat is mine- I've had people ask for it and I've said no.

There are people who will actually ask for your seat? Where does one find the nerve!?!

Just curious, has anybody here ever done this? If so, why did you feel more deserving and what was the response?

 

[NJDad18]

My family is possibly one that some would say that people should give up their seats to. We have a young child who rides in a stroller and very often by the end of the day, he is sound asleep in the stroller. If we can't get a seat on a bus, we simply wait for the next bus. Like the OP said, another bus is usually 10-15 minutes away. We can wait. Would it be a kind act if somebody offered us their seats, yes, but we would NEVER expect somebody to do that. Waiting 10-15 minutes won't kill us.

After a long day of walking around the parks, everybody has sore legs, feet (most of the feet problems are from not wearing proper footwear but that's another forum) and other ailments obtained from doing more walking than they normally do. Bottom line, if you feel that you're entitled to a seat, waiting another 10-15 minutes won't kill you. You've spent all day waiting for rides and shows.

 

[jensen]

Sorry, bad decision. Based on the ages in your sig, your kids are really too young to be standing on a moving bus. Most kids don't have good enough balance to safely ride standing until they are about 8 yrs. old. The rule of thumb that I've heard recommended is that if they are still young enough to use any kind of carseat in a private vehicle, then they are probably too young to be standing on a moving bus.

If someone needs the seats, then fine, give yours up and stand in front of the children, but don't have the children stand -- not at that age. This is also preferable in safety terms to holding a child in your lap, provided that child is older than an infant in arms.

I didn't explain myself clearly... I make DD3 sit on my lap - you are correct that she is too small to stand by herself. DS6, on the other hand, always stood. He is 52" tall and quite capable of standing on the bus rides. If he was a small child, I might feel differently.

 

[ducklite]

In a world where men are given horrible looks when we open doors for some women, what do you expect? There are two sides to equal rights.

A little OT, but I am a woman, and I hold the door for anyone behind me. If the person in front of me is on crutches or eldery or something I'll run ahead to get the door for them. IMHO that's just common courtesy.

A couple weeks ago I left the post office carrying a box with 150 Priority Mail envelopes. The jerk in front of me didn't bother to hold the door. That was pretty darn rude. I gave him a dirty look when he looked back as he went through the second set of doors and still didn't hold it, even though he knew I was right behind him. It had nothing to do with being female, it had to do with carrying a heavy, bulky box.

Anne

 

[pooksma]

I give up my seat when: the person is elderly, infirm in some way, pregnant, or a child. My parents taught me that's the polite thing to do. (and im a girl)

 

[MEK]

In theory you should give up your seat to someone who needs it more. Operationally, it is pretty damn hard to give up a seat on a bus with SRO. There is rarely enough room for you to get up and switch seats with someone who is standing, without bumping into someone else who is also standing. I wanted to give up my seat many times on my trip in August, but to let the person who needed the seat change with me would be far more disruptive than leaving things alone on a moving bus. That's how people get hurt - trying to get up and down on a full, moving bus.

 

[ladysoleil]

Just curious, has anybody here ever done this? If so, why did you feel more deserving and what was the response?

It's only happened a couple of times.

One of the askers was pregnant, and not polite, she did the rolling of the eyes thing while "asking" for the seat- I forgot what her comment was but it was something along the line of how young people have no manners, said while making direct eye contact with me. (I look youngish but someone would have to have pretty lousy eyesight to mistake me for a kid, although I'm flattered, really). I don't know if she realized my ankle was wrapped or not. It's possible she didn't, I don't generally stare at people's feet either. She glared at me, I ignored her. Like I said, I don't feel I need to explain my issues to strangers on a bus. Just you guys.

The other person had a medium sized kid and wanted the seat for the child- I politely refused because I'd already rented a wheelchair for the parks that day and knew I wasn't up for standing at that time.

On the other side of the coin, no one offered me a seat when I was on the bus with a cane, but I wasn't put out by that nor did I ask for a seat. If I felt I couldn't stand, we wouldn't have boarded a standing only bus.

I prefer not to take my chances these days, if I can't stand on a bus comfortably, I'll provide for myself and take a cab instead of trusting other people to make allowances for me. It's worth the few bucks to me. I get less aggravated.

 

[Princess-Less]

We hold the little ones on our laps to free up seats. Was easier the last 2 trips as we only had two, then three, kids. This time we are totally outnumbered by four We certainly prefer to sit, who doesn't? But we have stood many times, and at other times we have chosen to wait for the next bus. DH most always stands or gives up his seat, and I end up with at least 2 kids on my lap or squished next to me. My older two can stand now as long as they have something/someone to hold on to. Being accustomed to strapping my boys in car seats/boosters every day, riding the buses at WDW is sometimes a leap of faith. Realistically, if there were to be a bus accident/rollover, both those standing and sitting would be at risk. For safety reasons I would be thrilled if Disney discouraged the SRO, but that will not happen. Fortunately, the buses are usually frequent and keep coming, so no one should feel badly about waiting for the next one and choosing to do what is best for their own safety and comfort, while still being aware of others whose needs may be greater than ours when the issue of 'giving up a seat' arises. Happy, memorable, and safe vacations to all

 

[torinsmom]

Thats the problem with most americans . Who cares about the next family . I wonder what those people are goign to feel if that bus was broad sided and that child that was standing next you is out the window ????

Noone should be standing in the first place! If I or DS12 gave our seats to someone and then the bus was broadsided and one of us was out the window, how would THAT person feel? Everyone has a choice to wait for another bus. If the bus even LOOKS like it might be full soon, I stand back and let others go on(if they want SRO) I don't feel safe standing up. No, I have no medical problems, but I have a very healthy respect for moving vehicles.

 

[seashoreCM]

Very young children taking up seats on a packed bus when they could have, at least, sat on a parents lap. ?

Why, oh why can't children have a share of the space? Whether it be riding bikes outside their homes (across but not continuously in the middle of the street), or sitting on the curb when the parade is coming. I'm not sure whether a lot of today's adults are jealous that today's kids have cell phones and iPods (tm) and robotic dinosaurs that can walk on two legs that were not invented when today's adults were young.

I don't think that the world is not ideal unless all good little boys six and under are sitting on parents' laps and all good little boys seven to fifty nine are standing on the bus.

Reaction to complexity: Last time the parent sitting by the window had the kid sitting next to her but protruding into the next seat. Along comes a rude stranger who plumps himself down and pushes the child aside. Next time the parent seats the kid in the middle of the window seat and seats herself in the aisle seat.

 

[tedhowe]

Before I was a dad, I would give up my seat to anyone who wanted one. I would offer to stand as soon as the next person got on the bus after the last seat was taken.

Now, I treat things a little differently. I have my two daughters (ages 5 and 2)... my wife usually has the 2 year old on her lap with the 5 year old in "my" seat next to her. I stand in front of them so I can make sure to keep them in their seats. Coming back from MK one night last week, my DD5 fell asleep and started sliding out of her seat. It was quite a balancing act to hold onto the railing with one had, hold the folded stroller in the other and use my leg to push her against the seat and keep her from falling on the floor... fortunately I only needed to do that for about 2 minutes before we arrived back at our resort.

 

[boxer]

wow, what an interesting thread, lol..........I'll be happy to give my .02:

Pregnant Women: Most definately would give up my seat
Parents holding children: Again would give my seat to the child
Elderly: Nope, they were young enough to walk through the parks all day like me, so they'll be fine standing for another 15min
Women: Nope, again regardless of sex, we ALL are tired from a long day in the parks, so they can stand.

The bottom line remains the people sitting got their first, and don't 'have' to necessarily do anything with their seats if they so choose.

 

[ducklite]

wow, what an interesting thread, lol..........I'll be happy to give my .02:

Pregnant Women: Most definately would give up my seat
Parents holding children: Again would give my seat to the child
Elderly: Nope, they were young enough to walk through the parks all day like me, so they'll be fine standing for another 15min
Women: Nope, again regardless of sex, we ALL are tired from a long day in the parks, so they can stand.

The bottom line remains the people sitting got their first, and don't 'have' to necessarily do anything with their seats if they so choose.

Not a flame, but why would you think a pregnant person who had just been on their feet walking all day in the parks was any more deserving of a seat than an elderly person? How do you know the elderly person wasn't using an ECV all day?

I do agree whole-heartedly with your last statement, but I'm just confused why you would think a pregnant woman needed a seat more than a 90 year old with a cane?

Frankly I think that all too many women have the "poor me I'm pregnant" thing going these days. I've been there, it's no big deal! The only time I really could have used that seat on the bus was in my last four weeks, and frankly I wouldn't have been going to WDW at that point anyhow, and really question the judgement of any woman that does! I guess I feel the opposite of you, I'd give up my seat to an elderly person--I'm not talking about a spry 68 year old who played 18 holes this morning, but someone who was using a cane or seemed quite frail--but I wouldn't give up my seat to a pregnant woman.

Anne

Anne

 

[waltskids]

DH always gives up his seat for the elderly, pregnant women and women (or men) holding small babies/children in their arms. In the past I have always offered my seat as well. When we were in WDW last August, I was 7 months pregnant and no one ever offered me a seat while I was standing. I honestly didn't expect it, and we could have waited for the next bus, so it was my choice to stand. Now that I am a first time mom and will be carrying an infant on the bus, we will make sure we get on an uncrowded bus where there is a seat for me. If no one offered when I was pregnant, I wouldn't expect them to offer now.

 

[boxer]

Not a flame, but why would you think a pregnant person who had just been on their feet walking all day in the parks was any more deserving of a seat than an elderly person? How do you know the elderly person wasn't using an ECV all day?

I do agree whole-heartedly with your last statement, but I'm just confused why you would think a pregnant woman needed a seat more than a 90 year old with a cane?

Frankly I think that all too many women have the "poor me I'm pregnant" thing going these days. I've been there, it's no big deal! The only time I really could have used that seat on the bus was in my last four weeks, and frankly I wouldn't have been going to WDW at that point anyhow, and really question the judgement of any woman that does! I guess I feel the opposite of you, I'd give up my seat to an elderly person--I'm not talking about a spry 68 year old who played 18 holes this morning, but someone who was using a cane or seemed quite frail--but I wouldn't give up my seat to a pregnant woman.

Anne

Anne

Nah, I didn't take that as a flame at all........let me clarify 'pregnant'---I don't mean 4 months, with just a bump showing. I mean full-fledged, swollen feet, ready to pop pregnant. I do have a soft spot for pregnant women, as I've SEEN child birth, and immediatley got light-headed, and just about passed out, lol.

As for the elderly, just as you think many women have the 'poor me' thing going on, I feel the same about most elderly people. I guess I was turned off by an older lady (not elderly by any means), maybe 60ish that flat out asked me to have my seat, and for no apparent reason other than an 'entitlement' issue. I asked her if she was also in Epcot today, and if she could walk around Epcot all day, 15 more minutes would not kill her. Like I said, they can walk around the park all day like everyone else, so they can STAND on the bus like everyone else.

Also, if they were in an ECV, they usually sit in that thing when it's boarded onto the bus..........

 

[Mouse House Mama]

In a world where men are given horrible looks when we open doors for some women, what do you expect? There are two sides to equal rights.

I have to tell you that my DH actually got loudly spoken to by a woman who was insulted because he held the door for her!!! I don't care who I offend but that is ridiculous. I am a woman and I am so sick of people with the "woman are equal" nonsense. I hold the door for everyone! I will say though that in my experience the worst offenders of not having any courtesy are men. I have struggled to open a door while pushing a doublestroller and holding an infant while men walked in and out of the door next to me. Once in a whileit happens with women but honestly it happens more with men. I definetly think it is because of women who feel they are equal (and I'm not disputing that) and don't want anyone tohave common courtesy I guess or they were just brought up with no manners. I will still hold a door and so will my kids and dh. Of course if anyone ever yells at my kids about it they can expect to join me in the ring for a thunderdome!!!

 

[ducklite]

Also, if they were in an ECV, they usually sit in that thing when it's boarded onto the bus..........

Actually WDW rents ECV's at each park that can only be used while in the park. So it's very possible that an elderly person has been on an ECV all day as they can't handle the walking, and turned it back in before getting on the bus.

I think you and I are on the same page as to what is elderly. My FIL is a very active 74 years old, and doesn't need a seat--well, he might today, he had a hernia operation last week. My 68 year old MIL has more aches and pains in her brain than her body and would be bent out of shape if she didn't get a seat. (And no one should feel the need to give her one--she is in good health!)

My mom is the opposite, she's having a hard time accepting that her body is getting older, and would quite possibly turn down the offer of a seat unless she was in agony--but she'd never admit that to anyone either. And frankly of the three she is the frailest and the one who most needs that seat. She's survived colon cancer, cranial surgery to remove an acoustic nueroma, and spinal menangitis within the past 15 years, but keeps on trucking along.

Anne

 

[clkelley]

Also, if they were in an ECV, they usually sit in that thing when it's boarded onto the bus..........

Actually, that is not true. It is VERY dangerous to remain in the ECV seat when it is loaded onto a bus. Most of the drivers don't allow it unless the passenger states they absolutely cannot transfer. Then again, most folks that cannot transfer are in an electric wheelchair which is different.

 

[boxer]

Actually, that is not true. It is VERY dangerous to remain in the ECV seat when it is loaded onto a bus. Most of the drivers don't allow it unless the passenger states they absolutely cannot transfer. Then again, most folks that cannot transfer are in an electric wheelchair which is different.

Actually it is true, because in 5+ years of going to Disney, and too many trips to count, I have ALWAYS seen the person getting loading in the ECV remain in it during the ride. And I don't mean just a couple instances---I mean every time I was on with an ECV person.

Even manual wheelchairs, they leave the occupant in it, and seat belt the entire chair to the bus.

 

[ducklite]

Actually it is true, because in 5+ years of going to Disney, and too many trips to count, I have ALWAYS seen the person getting loading in the ECV remain in it during the ride. And I don't mean just a couple instances---I mean every time I was on with an ECV person.

Even manual wheelchairs, they leave the occupant in it, and seat belt the entire chair to the bus.

Tyler who is/was a bus driver for WDW has stated several times that ECV riders must transfer to a regular bus seat, and my not stay on the ECV during transit, and can only be on it while getting the device on and off the bus. That is a WDW safety rule, and drivers can get in serious trouble if they go against this policy.

Wheelchairs and ECV's "tie down" very differently, and while it's completely safe for a wheelchair occupant to remain in the chair, it's not safe for an ECV occupant to remain on the ECV.

Maybe DCLFun can give more info on that, I know she's got firsthand knowledge of the differences between the two.

Anne