Stupid machines, stupid people.
Damn, i’m generous today.
Short version:
- I gave 50 cents to someone who didn’t have enough money for a ticket
- I carried some old lady’s trolley up the stairs for her at the train station
Long version:
I got to the station this morning, ran up the ramp… just to watch the train depart while the stupid machine beeped and buzzed validating my ticket.
I sat down on the seat, to wait for the next train to come.. in 10 minutes (if it’s on time, ha!).
A few minutes later, an o/s asian student (with slightly broken english) came upto me, asking if I had change for a $20 note. Evidently the stupid ticket machines don’t even give change for a $20! (I’ve never noticed as I always pay by Amex at the service counter in the city.. Mmm.. Amex points are good!)
I looked in my wallet – I only had another $20 note.
On the left: Stupid ticket machine that doesn’t give change for a $20
On the right: Stupid ticket machine that doesn’t even take notes
I advised him that as the last train had just left, he had about 10 minutes to go down the ramp, across the road, and get change from the milk bar. He headed off.
I then noticed out of the corner of my eye that he was still hovering around the ticket machine, asking various people for change. 5 minutes later, he came back, asking if I had 50 cents so he could get a ticket – he must have scammed almost enough money for a 2 Hour off various people. He babbled something about the train being here any minute. I gave him the 50c, pointing out that if he had left when I told him to, he would have had plenty of time to get back in time for the next train – which was still 5 minutes* away.
Away he went, then soon after, he was back. He asked me if I always take this train. (Stalker?) For the sake of quick closure, I replied that I do, every day – so I know exactly when it arrives. I put my fantastic new headphones back in my ears – they block out all sound, you wouldn’t even know if a truck was about to mow you down – and continued to wait. 7 minutes later, the train arrived on time*. (On time means upto 6 minutes late – go figure!)
On a sidenote, i’ve heard some Japanese train drivers contemplate Seppuku even if they’re a minute late. If ours did that, we’d have none left by lunchtime.
An uneventful train journey later, I arrived at Parliament station. Powerstep up the escalator, then the second one. Out of the barrier, then head toward the last stairs.
I noticed an old lady with her trolley – i’ve helped her a couple of times before – waiting at the foot of the stairs. I removed one earphone and offered to carry the trolley up the stairs for her, and she accepted. About 30 thank-you’s and 30 steps later, we were both at the top. More thank-you’s, and then a God bless and have a nice life (backhanded comment!?) later, I continued into work.
I miss the train system in Singapore.
In other news, Louis’ exam is tomorrow, so he’s busy doing last minute revision today. Then after that’s all over, he’ll be glued to the TV playing games on the Playstation2 he just bought. Woo.
19.Jun.07 
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You’re not the only one… I miss the trains in SIngapore too.
You miss the trains? Or miss the train system? :swt:
aaaawwwwwweeeeee
Headphones have saved me from a couple of unnecessary conversations before, but when Malaysians still continue to talk to you despite you sticking headphones into your ears, which doesn’t help at all in the end.
Typo. Remove the WHEN between but and Malaysians.