I'll preface this, by saying I'm not a very social person myself, but this observation is just odd.
It seems to me that public transit must give some people a negative attitude towards others.
What is it with people that makes them so anti-social when riding the bus?
I mean seriously, I see it all the time, its just awkward! One person tries to strike up a conversation with another, and gets the cold shoulder, or scoffed at. Where under normal circumstances this is perfectly normal behavior.
Now don't get me wrong, I see my fair share of crazies on tri-met. They'll strike up a conversation, get ignored and still continue talking anyway! Its rather funny as long as its not with me. Whats funny is when you engage them in conversation, I don't really recommend this but sometimes its good for a laugh. Even more so, when you are simply a bystander.
And what about people that are riding with a friend or simply somebody the know... they laugh and talk loudly with each other, just like anyone else would as if there were nobody else around. As soon as the friends have departed, the remaining person, becomes shut down. No longer outgoing, and friendly, as if they have just realized there are another 30 people within 10 feet of them, shunning them for their previous behavior!
Maybe its just that there is a stigma that comes with riding public transit. Maybe people feel like you are lower class, or cant afford to drive. I mean, there are plenty of people that are only riding the bus because it's better for the environment, or because its easier than driving. Maybe you're like me, my company provides me with a monthly pass, why waste it, right?
I'm fine with the whole situation, and will continue to observe quietly from my own little corner of the world.
