Woman's explosive tram fare rant: ‘Swipe your card!'
- Replies 16
Public transportation is a lifeline for many, but at times, it's also a source of contention.
A recent incident on a Melbourne tram has sparked a heated debate about fare payment, public responsibility, and the cost of public transport.
In a video shared online, a Melbourne woman named Mary was filmed launching into a passionate tirade against a younger commuter who allegedly boarded the tram without swiping her travel card.
The incident has divided social media users and ignited a conversation about the ethics and economics of public transportation.
The video showed Mary, dressed in all black, confronting the younger passenger, who was seated quietly with her jacket hood pulled over her head.
'You got on the tram without a swipe card. It's not free,' Mary admonished the younger woman.
'How do you get on the public transport system? We're supposed to support it.
‘It's not free, no wonder we've still got problems.'
Mary's rant continued as she criticised the younger woman for apparently affording luxuries like glasses, manicured nails, and a new mobile phone but allegedly neglecting to pay for her tram fare.
'You can get your glasses, you can get your nails done, you can get a brand new mobile, but you can't afford to get a bloody Myki card,' she said.
The younger woman responded, 'You're not my mother,' to which Mary retorted, 'It doesn't matter, it p***es me off because people like you abuse it.'
The young woman asked, ‘Who are you? You don’t have to tell me what to do.’
‘My name is Mary,’ Mary shouted.
‘OK, good for you, Mary,’ the young woman replied.
The exchange escalates with Mary shouting, 'Don't f****** ignore me b****,' and 'swipe your card' before moving away to find a seat of her own.
The video ended with another passenger, who had been filming the exchange, exclaiming, 'Geez, Mary,' before exiting the tram.
The incident caused a spark on social media, with opinions divided between those who believe Mary was right to call out the alleged fare evader and those who feel she should ‘mind her own business’.
Some commenters even argued that public transport should be free.
'Go after the billionaires, Mary, you're falling for the trap,' one person commented, while another added, 'Tax dollars pay for public transportation, so it should be free.'
Another user suggested, '$70 a week for the tram is not it, Mary.'
However, others praised Mary for her stance.
'Mary is right. People who don't tap on are the reason public transport prices have to increase. Same as those who steal groceries, they raise our prices to make up for it,' one person commented.
“She’s not wrong. iPhone in hand, nails done, pay for the tram,’ said another.
Another added, 'She is 100 per cent in the right here. Responsible citizen standing up for what is right instead of relying on government to create tougher legislation.'
According to Public Transport Victoria, passengers are required to pay the correct fare and carry any concession entitlement to travel with a valid ticket.
Those who don't have a valid ticket may be fined.
You can watch the video below:
Credit: @browncardigan / Instagram
While those who own cars may look at this incident as yet another sign why private transport is better, they aren’t exactly immune from public spats.
In a previous story, an unidentified driver caused a stir when they parked their vehicle across four car spaces, and people did not disregard the parking faux pas lightly.
You can read more about it here.
What's your take on this issue? Have you ever confronted a fare evader, or do you think it's best to leave it to the authorities? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
A recent incident on a Melbourne tram has sparked a heated debate about fare payment, public responsibility, and the cost of public transport.
In a video shared online, a Melbourne woman named Mary was filmed launching into a passionate tirade against a younger commuter who allegedly boarded the tram without swiping her travel card.
The incident has divided social media users and ignited a conversation about the ethics and economics of public transportation.
Mary was filmed scolding a young woman who allegedly boarded the tram without swiping her travel card. Credit: @browncardigan / Instagram
The video showed Mary, dressed in all black, confronting the younger passenger, who was seated quietly with her jacket hood pulled over her head.
'You got on the tram without a swipe card. It's not free,' Mary admonished the younger woman.
'How do you get on the public transport system? We're supposed to support it.
‘It's not free, no wonder we've still got problems.'
Mary's rant continued as she criticised the younger woman for apparently affording luxuries like glasses, manicured nails, and a new mobile phone but allegedly neglecting to pay for her tram fare.
'You can get your glasses, you can get your nails done, you can get a brand new mobile, but you can't afford to get a bloody Myki card,' she said.
The younger woman responded, 'You're not my mother,' to which Mary retorted, 'It doesn't matter, it p***es me off because people like you abuse it.'
The young woman asked, ‘Who are you? You don’t have to tell me what to do.’
‘My name is Mary,’ Mary shouted.
‘OK, good for you, Mary,’ the young woman replied.
The exchange escalates with Mary shouting, 'Don't f****** ignore me b****,' and 'swipe your card' before moving away to find a seat of her own.
The video ended with another passenger, who had been filming the exchange, exclaiming, 'Geez, Mary,' before exiting the tram.
The incident caused a spark on social media, with opinions divided between those who believe Mary was right to call out the alleged fare evader and those who feel she should ‘mind her own business’.
Some commenters even argued that public transport should be free.
'Go after the billionaires, Mary, you're falling for the trap,' one person commented, while another added, 'Tax dollars pay for public transportation, so it should be free.'
Another user suggested, '$70 a week for the tram is not it, Mary.'
However, others praised Mary for her stance.
'Mary is right. People who don't tap on are the reason public transport prices have to increase. Same as those who steal groceries, they raise our prices to make up for it,' one person commented.
“She’s not wrong. iPhone in hand, nails done, pay for the tram,’ said another.
Another added, 'She is 100 per cent in the right here. Responsible citizen standing up for what is right instead of relying on government to create tougher legislation.'
According to Public Transport Victoria, passengers are required to pay the correct fare and carry any concession entitlement to travel with a valid ticket.
Those who don't have a valid ticket may be fined.
You can watch the video below:
Credit: @browncardigan / Instagram
While those who own cars may look at this incident as yet another sign why private transport is better, they aren’t exactly immune from public spats.
In a previous story, an unidentified driver caused a stir when they parked their vehicle across four car spaces, and people did not disregard the parking faux pas lightly.
You can read more about it here.
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