GoonanismA Sporadic mix of the personal, political and programming

So, I get on the tram this morning at 7:30 am. I don’t have any change and the local post office, my nearest ticket outlet, doesn’t open until 8. I don’t have enough change, because you need nearly $6 for a daily and I rarely have that much change on me. I used to carry 10 x 2hr tickets with me but as I ride my bike these days I’ve stopped doing that as I won’t use the ticket up for 6 months by which point it has fallen apart.

Anxious about getting a fine, I keep an eye on who is getting on the tram. But sure enough, as I get into the city the person sitting next to me turns out to be an undercover ticket inspector. Son of a bitch.

Here are some reasons why this is shit:

1. 1. 9 times out of 10 I buy a ticket
2. 2. It was physically impossible for me to buy a ticket as I had no change and the place I can buy a ticket from was closed.
3. 3. When I told the ticket inspector this she told me I should have had the foresight to ensure I had enough change on me.
4. 4. Isn’t is supposed to be convenient so people use it? ie you shouldn’t need that level of foresight to get on the tram.
5. 5. a Ticket is nearly $6 it is unrealistic to be expected to have this much change on you
6. 6. the ticket is WAY too expensive
7. 7. the fines are disproportionate. Fines for speeding are about the same amount but I’m not putting anyone’s life in danger by not buying a fucking tram ticket.
8. 8. fuck you

I asked the ticket inspector why she would do a job like this and how she slept at night. Apparently she sleeps quite well, but she does ride for free as a ticket inspector so there you go. Although apparently, in her last job, she always ensured she bough a ticket. What an angel, no wonder she sleeps so well.

Anyway. Tram ticket inspectors of Melbourne, you are: Jerk of the Week.