May 16, 2008...8:00 am
OcTranspo Tip: What do to if you see a panhandler on the bus?
This morning, I had my first experience with a panhandler on the OcTranspo bus. She was defiantly a panhandler. I did give her the benefit of the doubt that she was looking for bus fare, but that really wasn’t the case.
I was with A. and wanted to get up to say something to the bus driver, but I wasn’t sure that was the right thing to do… actually to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to do at all.
Right now, I just gave a call to OcTranspo. I thought that I would share this information with you, in case this ever happens to do.
1) If you see (and are sure) a panhandler on the bus. Please notify the bus driver.
2) If the bus driver doesn’t seem to want to do anything about it. Please call their general customer service line (613) 842-3600 and notify them of the situation. They are going to want to know the time, bus number, and direction of the bus.
According to the person that I spoke to, this sort of behavior is not acceptable and should be reported.
Hope this helps you in future situations,
- J.
2 Comments
May 16, 2008 at 8:16 am
On the other hand, panhandling is legal. You can choose to give or not give, but people do have a right to ask you for help, even on the bus.
May 16, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Panhandling is legal, but you’re entering a grey area when a “captive audience” is involved.
I was on a bus once (the 86) with a sketchy guy who was trying to sell winning “roll up the rim” cups to passengers. The bus driver just told him to stop or get off. I imagine it’s part of a similar policy.
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