WCMO....
Rode the Gold Coast tram to Helensvale this afternoon. Was in the rear car with a rowdy bunch of youths, talking and doing stupid stuff, but nothing that broke the law or damaged the tram.
About three stops away from Helensvale, it became apparent to all that officials were doing ticket inspections and were slowly proceeding to the back of the tram, i.e. where me and the rowdy ones were. All of the sudden they quietened down and huddled near the end of the car (where I was standing). They were hatching a plan as it became clear they had boarded without a ticket.
The ticket inspectors caught up with two of the group that were seated near the second last door to the rear of the car, and of course they got busted but it's a long process as the officers must tell them that they committed an offence and then they need ID (which of course these kids don't have, literally or not). The officers are still writing up the two as we are about to pull into Helensvale. At this point, the rest of the group is plotting - what do we do, please tram arrive at station, should we just give them fake names and addresses, the ones nearest to the inspectors stall them and take the fall for the rest of the group.
We arrive at Helensvale, doors open and all the group is out of there lickety-split. Inspectors probably knew but can't be bothered to stop them.
All this over a fare of 50 cents. The logic boggles the mind...
I tell you, if we channeled the acumen of mischievous youths to catch criminals, we'd probably have a perfect solution.
