A few days ago, I was taking the bus to the subway station to start my shift. Two elderly passengers pointed out a passenger that didn’t pay. I told them I can’t address it as we aren’t permitted to enforce fares. Another passenger told me he has witnessed many people not paying. I told him people should pay their fare, but many people are struggling in this crisis of affordability. He agreed. 

He went on to say there are many people using food banks. He told me his neighbours have two jobs each and they still need to use a food bank. I told him we have a grocery monopoly consisting of three grocery store companies. He said these companies and the banks are robbing us!! 

As we were approaching the station, he told me something needs to change. We can’t live like this anymore!! I told him that’s right man!! He told me, “We need a general strike!! I agreed wholeheartedly!!

It’s funny how a conversation about a fare dodger turned into a conversation about revolution. People are fed up!!

-Jason J., Toronto