Public transit is so gross to me. Anytime I ride it, even if it's just hopping on for 4-6 blocks downtown, I always experience the worst of humanity. Morbid obesity, rudeness, bad hygiene (and wtf is with the constant flatulence?!), kids shouting rap lyrics as they listen to their iPods, etc...

I'm so glad I live close-in and own a bike. I can't imagine how bad it must be not only to be stuck living in a place like Beaverton or Gresham but then having to endure a half hour max ride into the city and back each day, all to save a paltry 100 bucks or so on rent. Your letter basically validates why many folks leave the public transit to the public transit types and instead joyfully bike to wherever they need to go. I'd much rather bike a few blocks in the rain than be stuck on Trimet inhaling some sleeveless tubby's anal vapors while some crusty lazy eyed chick mouth breaths on me as her lazy eye pierces her Twilight paperback. Gross.

Public transit is not to blame, it's rude people who don't follow the rules and are not held accountable for their actions.

Also their free-breeding parents who don't have any business having kids in the first place for too many reasons to list.

I want to know what trains people are riding. I ride Max & the bus EVERY DAY, and never see:

" I always experience the worst of humanity. Morbid obesity, rudeness, bad hygiene (and wtf is with the constant flatulence?!), kids shouting rap lyrics as they listen to their iPods, etc..."

Maybe I'm really lucky, but every bit of anecdotal evidence I see one person post I have the exact opposite experience.

Posted by arenit on 09/18/2012 at 3:57 PM

"No offense but you don't notice it because you probably are one of those people."

I mind my own damn business, use ear buds, take daily showers, and generally try not to be an ass to people. Please explain how that makes me like "them".

Thank you IA for stepping up to defend the old man. Finally someone with enough guts to say something!