Welcome to the unpredictable world that is New Jersey Transit, a transportation system as baffering as it is unique. When you believe you’ve seen it all and your experiences with NJ Transit have reached a peak, something eldritch always happens. In echoing Governor Phil Murphy’s unusual announcement of a gratis public transit day—provokes one to recall the eccentricities of using NJ Transit. With no shortage of peculiar situations, utilising public transport in Jersey can transform into a daily gamble of sanity
In this installment of Jersey Transit Chronicles, an average bus journey could be likened to a theatrical production of WWE SmackDown. Imagine a bus conductor, on the brink of losing patience, as a passenger issues an impertinent ‘invitation’ for a duel. Ostensibly no newcomer to disputes, the bus driver makes the choice not only to meet the issue head-on but to make it an event to remember
Before the impending confrontation, the driver commands his bus with the declarative, ‘Everybody off my bus!’ The directive, akin to an emergency departure exercise, serves only to provide a stage for a forthcoming wrestling match. And you’re an obliging spectator, aghast yet compelled to watch the spectacle unfolding before you. You’re left pondering how did your casual commute transform into a tabloid talk-show scenario like The Jerry Springer Show
Amidst the ensuing carnage, a mother clutching her infant is forced to advance towards the exit, seeking remoteness from the scene. The following scene could be likened to a movie – as the vehicle is purged of its unsuspecting travelers (safety always comes first, of course), the stage is set for the showdown between the driver and passenger
The driver, evidently exhausted of being subjected to such an uproar, takes the first strike. He catches the passenger in a clinch, followed by a barrage of punches. The predicament is something straight out of a nightmarish transit mismatch— or perhaps, a dark secret fantasy for some frequent commuters
We’ve all silently considered confronting the individual casually occupying two seats. Yet this episode threw those passive thoughts out of the window, setting a new benchmark for dealing with stress and conflict on public transit. This event was certainly more than your average verbal exchange
Following the extreme event, NJ Transit finds itself in a predicament, attempting to downplay the incident. However, the reality is far from being successfully hidden or ignored. Complimentary rides might appear enticing, until the reality sets in that one might have to dodge an unexpected squabble just to get from one location to the next