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AIBU?

to think these were old lady bitches?

91 replies

deliakate · 20/04/2011 16:05

on the bus yesterday. So glad I don't live in London - this was only DS's second ever bus journey. He's 21 months, I'm 8 months preg.

So lugged the pushchair on, and went to the area you park them in. Bus was virtually empty, but there were two semi-rotund old ladies sitting on the flip up seats. I politely asked them "excuse me, do those seats flip up so that I can put the pushchair there?". They both said "nooo, dearie". (old means around 65/70 - not doddery 80s in this case)

So everyone else getting on had to squeeze past me, bump, pushchair and a poor guide dog sitting opposite, whose owner was getting very unsettled. Freaking annoying. I got off two stops up the hill, as did the old ladies, at which point the seats flipped up behind them. I shouldn't have, but said to one of them "those seats DO flip up", and she said "I know!". Basically, I asked her why she hadn't moved, and she said the space was for wheelchairs and elderly people as well as pushchairs. I pointed out there were other seats for elderly people too, but nowhere else for a pushchair, and she said I was getting shirty. I just walked off.

It was more amusing than anything, but seriously, can't some people remember what it was like to be pregnant/ have a toddler?

OP posts:

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Bucharest · 20/04/2011 16:15

Delia- am not in London, just thinking buses in general, the ones I use in Nottingham all have a wee sign above the flippy seats saying something about priority and disabled.

deliakate · 20/04/2011 16:14

The person with the guide dog was seated fine. The bus driver was so kind - he let me go up the hill for free, and just said he wouldn't tell anyone if I didn't.

OP posts:

MrSpoc · 20/04/2011 16:14

Bucharest - sorry but you are wrong. they are priority seeting but they also have a picture for a buggie park.

The old ladies were just mean no wonder many people dont respect thier elders when they act so entitled.

Bucharest · 20/04/2011 16:13

Also Op, you were lucky it wasn't a full bus or the driver might have made you fold your pushchair altogether and really given you something to gripe about.

FlamingJamie · 20/04/2011 16:13

True Bucharest. I didn't want to be the first one to mention it. Old bag will be next

ChickensHaveNoEyebrows · 20/04/2011 16:13

Agree with Bucharest. They should have got up for the person with the guide dog.

deliakate · 20/04/2011 16:13

They have a large picture of a pushchair beside them, and one of a wheelchair. Doesn't mention "priority". Not all councils have the same notices on buses Bucharest - are you just referring to London buses, or a certain provider?

OP posts:

Bucharest · 20/04/2011 16:12

olderyetwider, but on threads like this "old" and "bitch" are synonyms. (I expect the lardy bit is too, but couldn't swear to it....)

Mrsdoasyouwouldbedoneby · 20/04/2011 16:12

At 65? My gran 75 would have moved. But she has manners. Actually, she has broken the ligament in her ankle (not falling over old lady style...), and she would still move.

I wouldn't have mentioned it tho. Just pass it off as ignorance and get on with your day.

olderyetwider · 20/04/2011 16:11

YABU. Sorry, I just don't like the word 'bitch' (except for female canines)

Northernlurker · 20/04/2011 16:11

I think they should be ashamed of themselves. That's horrible.

FlamingJamie · 20/04/2011 16:11

... ahh yes, maybe that's right Insomnia. Was them being rotund relevant OP?

Bucharest · 20/04/2011 16:10

They were right. They don't flip so you can put a pushchair there, they flip up so if someone (if I remember the wording correctly) "elderly or disabled or who needs this seat more than you" can sit on them. Don't they say something about "priority seats" or something?

So you were also entitled to the seat/space but as the seats were already being used by one of the "priority" categories, YABU.

I'd have said the owner of the guide dog had priority over the lot of you tbh.

deliakate · 20/04/2011 16:10

The bus was stationary for some time - I was first on and others fiddling with change etc.

OP posts:

FlamingJamie · 20/04/2011 16:09

Ooooh - that's just plain nasty. The hide of them. Sounds like they were making "a point".

I live in London and it's fine. Old ladies are the least of your problems

Insomnia11 · 20/04/2011 16:09

They were probably worried about moving to another seat, the bus lurching and them falling over though to be fair.

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