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Covid

Buses - a new source of tension - sort of lighthearted......

7 replies

OldQueen1969 · 18/06/2020 19:00

My DP and I had to use a bus today to go to our bricks and mortar shop to sort a few things (no, still not opening - lots of way too personal complicated stuff going on but that's a whole other story).

Having been politely reminded at the beginning of the week that masks must be worn we did so, not wanting a 100.00 fine or to become murderers.

Our buses allow one person to sit in every fourth seat, and I just follow the rules because I really am not in the right frame of mind to argue the point that DP and I sleep in the same bed and are not a risk to each other - however, my usually mild-mannered and compliant DP has seized on this as a point of contention and insists on us sitting together.....

I can see his point - it seems a bit illogical, but I had to try and point out that the driver isn't going to be able to police random people getting on and saying "Oh but we're same household so blah blah blah" so for the sake of a quiet life and ten minute journey I'm happy to just sodding to get on with it.

We're both just over 50, and although we come under the "alternative" and non-conformist banner obviously we are law abiding citizens as a rule even if we don't always agree with it on principle because we don't want to be anti-social arseholes and like to stay quietly under the radar..... the irony is that while DP used to be a protester and anarchist in his youth, and me not so much, in recent years when I have got passionate about causes he has told me that there's no point because you can't fight city hall, so his sudden determination on this one tiny point is pretty uncharacteristic....... I agree with him that the perceived risk is minimal, and that blind following of rules is not ideal, but I'm just too knackered to argue right now and am putting it down to lockdown fever.....

And next time we go out it will be for a nice healthy walk.........

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ragged · 18/06/2020 20:17

lol

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Firef1y72 · 18/06/2020 21:17

Actually I think he's right. Planning to take my children to the zoo in couple weeks (we don't drive so will be using bus) Can't imagine the driver making us sit in 4 separate seats, especially as we'll be buying a family ticket.

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HibiscusPot · 18/06/2020 21:25

I agree with him. A man and a woman sitting together of around the same age- everyone will presume you are partners. If fact it may mean someone else can get in the bus as drivers can allow extras if there are family groups.

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Ponoka7 · 18/06/2020 21:33

You can sit together if you're from the same household, or in a care/support capacity. So personal details don't have to be given out, that's not going to be challenged.

Here, in Liverpool, we aren't folowing any of the guidance on buses. The drivers are refusing to enforce anything.

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2020notQuiteAsPlanned · 18/06/2020 21:36

Not sure you are but in London I think it's still public transport for essential journeys only?

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2020notQuiteAsPlanned · 18/06/2020 21:37

Don't see why you can't sit together though as social distancing generally not applicable with one household unless someone is self isolating?

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DdraigGoch · 18/06/2020 23:50

Issue with sitting together is that one of you is in an aisle seat which means that other people will have to pass close to you. If you want to sit together then go to the back row.

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