i was riding the FX with an Antipolo signboard home. it was already past six o’clock in the evening so the traffic was already heavy. i had two co-passengers, a guy and a girl, who knew each other. they were getting off at metro walk, which was not far from where we boarded the fx. usually the fare is only P10 for short distances but it is common for fx drivers to demand P20 as the minimum fare in order to make a profit since that route is quite long and traffic is really heavy.
anyway, the guy pays the driver P20 for his and his companion’s fare. the driver told them that the minimum fare was P20, so they needed to pay additional P20. the guy reacted a little strongly since the distance was not really far. then the guy and his companion began discussing with each other about the fare, how both of them did not have change and how the additional P20 was not in their budget. suddenly, the driver told them quietly, “never mind. you don’t have to pay the fare.” they were stunned and became a bit sheepish. actually, i was also stunned because i’ve never heard a driver react like that. drivers usually trade barbs with passengers who complain about the fare or other drivers stop the vehicle to let out the passengers so that they can pick others who are more ammendable to the higher fare or passengers who will really go the distance. the driver continued to drive in silence with nary a snide comment or any remark that would show his displeasure.
the two passengers became quiet and they didn’t know how to react. then the guy tried to pay their fare, but the driver would not accept. i can surmise that they felt guilty because if i were in their shoes, i would also feel guilty. finally, we arrived at metro walk and since traffic was so slow they were able to get off at the left side. the girl was nearest to the door at the back of the driver’s seat so she got off first. then the guy followed but not before dropping their fare into the lap of the driver. i don’t know if it was P20 or P40 but all i know was that the two passengers were still a little bit unbalanced by the unusual reaction of the driver. even after the two passengers disembarked, the driver didn’t say anything about what happened. some drivers would have made cutting remarks or tried to justify their actions or some would have boasted of having turned the tables on the two passengers. but the driver just kept quiet and continued on his usual journey.
this is one example of the how a villain can become a hero. or how to use guilt effectively. hehehe.
