COTA CRIMES: Caption Call: Can You Come Up With One for This?

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

Caption Call: Can You Come Up With One for This?

I've seen a lot of interesting things in my years of urban commuting. I've more than a quarter of a century of experience now though I haven't concluded whether that milestone is a badge of honor or a mark of shame. Certainly, here in CARlumbus, Ohio, it's closest to the latter.

I came upon this scene in early September at the bus stop at 1301 N. High St., just across the street from the OSU Kroger store (the stop recently was awarded this blog's "Our Filthy Bus Stops" designation, as was its sister station across the street in front of the Kroger store). I wasn't sure quite what to make of it, but I knew I had to capture it on photograph.

So I'm going to try to elicit a bit of reader participation here, and ask you, dear COTA Criminologists, how would caption this photo? Please keep it above-board, over-the-belt-buckle, and within common decency; keep in mind that the blog's parameters in that regard are fairly broad.