Many of us know that traveling companions in a bus, train, or subway can be quite unusual. Yet, sometimes these strangers don’t just make us raise our eyebrows — they end up entertaining us, shocking us, or even leaving us with memories worth retelling. From hilarious drivers to spontaneous sing-alongs, here are true stories of unforgettable rides.
Story 1 – The Ex and the Ring
I was on a bus when I spotted my ex. He was smiling at me, and I tried not to look his way. Of course, he sat down right beside me. Without hesitation, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Inside was a ring.
I froze — only for him to grin and say, “It’s for my new girlfriend. We’ve been together a year now. What do you think?”
I stared at him, furious, and snapped: “You know, I always liked you better with your mouth shut.”
Story 2 – The Shawarma Stop
One day I was already running late for work. I hopped on a bus and hoped for the best. Halfway through the ride, the driver casually pulled over at a food stall, left the bus doors wide open, and strolled off to buy a shawarma.
We sat waiting — ten long minutes — while he ordered, received, and then ate his snack right there. When I explained to my boss why I was late, no one could believe it.
Story 3 – The Sandwich Magician
I once witnessed a man assemble the most elaborate sandwich ever on a bus. From his bag, he produced a half loaf of French bread, sliced it lengthwise, spread butter and mayo, added fresh salad from a container, layered deli meats, and even topped it with olives from a jar. He secured it all with toothpicks before eating it proudly.
It was like watching Mary Poppins’ bag — endless items emerging from his backpack, one after another.
Story 4 – The Subway Matchmaker
While riding the subway, a man with a guitar walked through singing beautifully. A woman beside me sighed, “He should be on stage, not here.” We began chatting about the struggles of musicians when, out of nowhere, another woman leaned in and asked if I would date her son! She even insisted on taking my number. That’s one subway ride I’ll never forget.
Story 5 – The Dragon Lady and Her Friend
On a bus, one woman refused to let anyone take the last free seat. “Wait! Helen’s running from the office!” she declared. We all sat for five minutes while the bus idled, waiting for Helen to arrive.
When we finally moved, the driver sharply reminded her: “This isn’t your personal taxi. Next time, we’re leaving without her.”
Story 6 – GPS vs. Driver
Once, I forgot to mute my navigation app. Suddenly, the robotic voice announced: “In 300 yards, turn left.” The bus driver chuckled and replied aloud, “Nope, there’s a traffic jam. We’ll go around.” Turns out, sometimes drivers do know better than the maps.
Story 7 – The Commuting Pigeon
In Chicago, I saw a pigeon standing on the L train platform like a proper passenger. When the train arrived, he stepped aboard, strolled calmly down the aisle, and hopped off at the very next stop — as though he knew exactly where he was going.
Story 8 – Strangers Who Saved a Flight
A young woman mistakenly boarded a local train instead of an express and panicked about missing her flight. Immediately, fellow passengers rallied — women offering comfort, two men comparing options on their phones, and together they found a solution that got her to the airport on time.
When she stepped off, she thanked everyone with teary eyes. Watching it, I thought: people can be truly wonderful.
Story 9 – The Backpack Chase
A guy hopped off a bus, then suddenly panicked and sprinted after it, waving frantically. He caught up at the next stop, dashed inside, and searched wildly for his backpack. Only then did someone point out that the bag was still strapped to his own back the whole time.
Story 10 – The Child Poet
At about four years old, I once entertained a crowded bus stuck in traffic by standing on the seat and loudly reciting every poem I knew. When I finished, laughter and applause filled the bus — and someone even handed me a bright orange as my first “fee.”
Story 11 – The Bubble Concert
One bad day, I rode the subway on the verge of tears. Suddenly, a man boarded with a boombox, microphone, and a mysterious black box. He began singing Michael Jackson’s Black or White, dancing down the aisle and encouraging passengers to sing the chorus. Soon, the whole car was laughing and singing along.
For his finale, he pressed a button and unleashed… a bubble machine. As bubbles floated everywhere, he hopped off at the next stop like nothing had happened.
Story 12 – The Bus Angel
For two months, a woman rode daily with my husband, who’s a bus driver. She always paid generously, sat up front, and spent her time cheering passengers. She gave candy to children, offered smiles and kind words to adults, and spread joy wherever she went. No one knows why she does it — but maybe that’s the beauty of it.
Story 13 – Polar Explorers
One winter night on an intercity bus, the heater blasted unbearably hot, yet outside it was a freezing blizzard. At a rest stop, passengers poured out into the storm dressed only in T-shirts, desperate for relief. Shop assistants stared as we filed in shivering. One man joked: “We are polar explorers, and your climate here is far too warm. Do you have any water in the fridge?”
Story 14 – A Mother’s Bold Request
On a bus, a boy of about nine sat quietly beside me. At the next stop, a woman marched in with her older son, shoved him forward, and demanded: “Boy, give up your seat to a child!” The irony of asking one child to stand for another left everyone stunned into silence.
Story 15 – Human Resources on the Bus
Back in 2018, my job required me to answer phones with: “Human Resources.” One evening, as the bus approached my stop, I absentmindedly stood up, shouted “Human Resources!” — and stepped off. The confused looks from other passengers still make me laugh today.
