All Aboard COTA Crimes!

A veteran commuter, including almost two decades riding the coaches and rails of New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority, I have been amazed at the lack of accountability on the part of the Central Ohio Transit Authority, particularly when it comes to the ineptitude and inconvenience of the system, and treatment of its customers. Unlike most metropolitan newspapers, The Columbus Dispatch barely covers this beat--I guess it's readers all are safely ensconced in their earth-killing machines and don't ever have to bother with riding the bus. Even now, most people look at me strange when I explain that I'm a bus rider and don't have a car. But even more astounding to me is the riding public's apparent willingness to endure rude drivers, bad service, nonexistent transfer procedures, and fare increases, just to name a few injustices. This blog will serve to document the abuses, highlight service lapses and shortcomings, and put the word out about discourteous drivers. Kudos will be provided when earned, and readers are encouraged to contribute accounts of their own experiences. It is hoped that the effort will result in the establishment of a commuter-advocacy organization like New York's Straphanger Campaign, to put the system's wheels to the fire. WE DESERVE BETTER!!!

Thursday, October 13, 2016

I'll Tumble 4 Ya, COTA!

(This post appeared in a slightly different form on Facebook, Sept. 17, 2016).

Almost one month later, it stills hurts to breathe too hard, sneeze, or turn the "wrong" way. I was seriously damaged a few weeks ago while running to catch the bus. While I don't blame the authority for the mishap (well, maybe just a little...), it is COTA-related!

Running to the bus while trying to zip up a left-open backpack compartment is not a good idea. Just ask me.

Leaving Kroger on North Broadway in Clintonville, clutching a bag of groceries, I notice the bus is coming and I'll have to run to catch it. As I run, it becomes immediately apparent that one of my backpack compartments--the big one--is unzipped and flapping in the breeze. I twist out of the straps so I can zip it up, running all the while.

Suddenly, my foot catches in an uneven portion of a North High Street sidewalk (there are many), and I catapult through the air, slamming back to earth on my left knee (already bruised from a mishap just a week ago), on my left rib cage, and on the palms of my hands. The bag, which I was holding in front of me as I tried to zip it, probably cushioned my fall and prevented my skull from cracking on the sidewalk.

Still, the tumble packed quite a wallop that left me totally breathless and seeing zooming stars. I was probably out for about 15 seconds. I started writhing on the ground in pain, gasping for breath. It knocked the freakin' wind out of me.

Several people, including a man who jumped out of his car at the intersection of North High and North Broadway (one of the city's absolute worst crossroads), came to my aid. It took me a good 10 minutes to pull it together, and they stayed with me until I was back on my feet, my scattered groceries were gathered, and I was safely at the bus stop.

My knee is pretty banged up (for the second time in a week), and I'm pretty sure I have bruised ribs, maybe worse (sneezing a moment ago was excruciating, every sudden move of my trunk agonizing), but I am grateful for the passing strangers who showed me kindness, caring and compassion.

Postscript, Oct. 13, 2016:

I'm real fortunate, even though I'm still a little sore. I could have had more serious injuries, or even been hit by a car or bus. I am truly thankful for the handful of spirits who rushed to my aid. Their actions gave my faith in humanity a small boost.

The bus was at the stop when I fell, and to his credit, the driver waited for a couple of minutes and when it was clear I was going to be sprawled on the sidewalk for at least 10 minutes (which I was), he slowly drove away. I didn't blame him; he had a schedule to keep.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)