Call the Police

A phrase or action you never use or make when on the bus in San Francisco; at least until respectful help is extinguished, or the threat of injury or death is dramatically demanded in most uncertain terms!

Good luck substitutes include: Can you hold on for two more stops? The drama Queen and “victim” will end the tirade when we get to 16th. Or the separation of the children: ‘He said she said’ arguing escalates to raging volumes just short of “Go ahead and hit me!” “Come up here with me and have a seat. We can talk about it while we move on down Mission.”

Being a bus driver with the homeless is just like being a teacher on playground duty in grade school. Ask any recovered addict or alcoholic about the time loss of growing up under the influence. All social and relationship maturity matters come to a standstill until long term sobriety kicks in. Such that someone who starts drinking in their teens doesn’t age in maturity until they stop.

The response you never need to get to is, “Go ahead, call the Police!” Thanks to local DA’s, and the lack of prosecution, addicts living on the streets have a consequence free environment. “Here’s your stop!” works much better than you’d expect. This reminds every rider the point of my job—helping you to get to your destination.

Offering a transfer also helps on pull in trips late at night. Calling for the Fire Department or an ambulance sometimes works, ‘to get you the help you need’ such that the mental flashbacks just get deeper towards missing a quick fix.

In the meantime, opening all doors and popping the brakes sends the signal that we aren’t moving: Moving to your dealer at 16th.

Getting past the revenue collectors pulling in without paperwork is a sign of a good sign of being spiritually fit! Especially without having to record the unit and badge number for the radio response!