Always Free To Complain

(If a passenger has paid a base fare, they can purchase a transfer for a $1 to get on the next bus they need. The fare box on my bus jams and won’t accept paper money. This means all passengers ride free; can’t take the fare from one, can’t take it from any of them. As I’m picking up passengers, I tell them the ride is free and to have a seat. One passenger looks confused.)

Passenger: “I need a transfer.”

Me: “I can’t sell the transfer, as my fare box is jammed, so you’re riding for free.”

Passenger: “But I need a transfer for the next bus. How am I going to get on my next bus?”

Me: “You still have your original fare in your hand, and you can use that.”

Passenger: “Ugh! I’m going to call your customer service line and file a complaint.”

Me: “But you’re riding for free this trip. You don’t need a transfer.”

(When she left the bus, she was still grumbling about getting cheated. I would love to have heard that call to customer service.)