Transit
We think we know ourselves. Know exactly how we’d act in certain situations where we’re called upon to do the right thing.
Transit upends our convictions and tosses some emotional chaos into a bumpy ride. More challenging than a who-dunnit, the film is a what-would-you-do. What would you do if you were suddenly face-to-face with the need to step up—immediately—but weren’t sure you really could?
In the film as in real life, challenges happen without warning and missed opportunities gnaw. You might cringe at the main character’s responses, but you may also recognize a bit of yourself in his honest reticence.
Take a trip with us on Transit and ask yourself what you would do…if you were sitting in the same seat.
Transit was directed by Steph Green.
For a discussion guide with questions, please click here
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Should have been more brave
I am the kind of person who has experienced many times similar situations and I always stood up. I never had to contemplate or think about my own safety. The man in this movie should have right away reacted and taken charge. Our society has become too complacent and oblivious to others.
Dorothy Gardiner | 2 years, 1 month ago
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TheBus to Complacent and Oblivious
It’s hard to make a comment like the one you just made without factoring in Human Choice and (The Strong vs. Weak). In this situation you have a middle aged man that is confronted with a situation and a choice— The situation being; man witnesses younger/unstable man rob woman then hops a bus to complacent and oblivious. But regardless of the stops of society, I see a Weaker Physically/ Stronger Mentally middle aged man trying to take the appropriate thought process to settle this situation the best responsible way vs.a Stronger Physically/ Weaker Mentally robber that believes that hopping this bus to complacent and oblivious hoping society doesn’t step up to the plate and take charge. My opinion is that choices differ depending on what your own moral compass determines is being Responsible.
Anthony O'Neill | 2 years, 1 month ago
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Tough to watch
It was painful for me to sit back and watch that theif rummage through that ladies bag. I would have notified the bus driver immediately and had her contact the police. The thief may have run off the bus but the chase would have been on. Of course I don’t live in the city and perhaps people in the city learn to mind their own business.
Jeff Groscop | 2 years, 1 month ago
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You're Next
After watching this film the following came to mind:
First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me—
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
By Martin Niemöller
As a member of society we have a responsibility to act. If we do not act, we are next to be acted upon.
Bob Kirton | 2 years, 1 month ago
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Robber on the bus
Why would you promote Liberty Mutual to stand up to the robber on the bus (don’t know if he has a gun or knife or etc) seems dangerous-If man got hurt or even the robber getting hurt, wouldn’t this create a law suit??
As a Liberty Mutual employee I would have notifed the bus driver right away.
Leah Palmer | 2 years, 1 month ago
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Confused
Why would LM be sued if one of their workers stood up to protect others? LM wouldn’t be sued because a person on their own time did what was right or even if they did something wrong. I am confused as how can LM be sued for something their employees do outside of their work especially if it was something noble and humane to do. Are you saying that if you work for LM you are not to react or protect if you are able to or the only one who can? This doesn’t make sense nor is it hopefully a LM ideal type of person.
Dorothy Gardiner | 2 years, 1 month ago
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Right Thing
It is all too easy to do nothing….but should have notified the police immediately.
jeanell ray | 1 year, 10 months ago
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Not so easy
I’m in shock since I read the posts before me. So many of them say that everyone should do what they “think” they would have done themselves, as if everybody was alike. Just recently, the incident of a man being run over in plain daylight made the news because nobody would go to his aid, and why? I think it’s because the laws have intimidated us all! Defenders are liable for suit even by criminals and by victims we defend! And then, the system barely penalizes perpetrators!
The so-called hero did what he felt he had to do, think it over, considered the alternatives and observed the hoodlum, to arrive at his own conclusion. I didn’t see so many people who would have backed him up if he had decided to take action, but I saw people involved in their own worlds. The hoodlum saw the main character making a phone call…what would have come of it if he also heard the accusation?
Being larger than the perpetrator and seeing the event as it unfolded, I too, might have reacted instantaneously. But, knowing the effects of some of the drugs that drive people to this kind of acts, I also know size doesn’t mean much. Even a gun might not have, unless you were fully prepared to use it.
No, it’s not so easy. Besides, it’s absurd to compare the September eleven situation to this one, when the worst consequences might be identity theft, IF you think about it, like the so-called hero did. I think that because of his observation, he was able to conclude that there was no imminent threat and he would be able to reason with the hoodlum to recover the purse and its contents without endangering anyone else or himself.
Been there, done it all, not so happy with all the outcomes. Watch it again, read the news, and think it over, it’s not so easy.
Alvin Rodriguez | 1 year, 9 months ago
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Conscience Never Sleeps
The Witness (very subtly and movingly played here!) is clearly a good man; he helps the Woman retrieve her newspaper while barely breaking stride toward the bus (this is probably his daily doughnut run; he very likely knows which vending machines “stick” and which do not). He is just as clearly disturbed when witnessing the theft, and we see his shame grow with his own inaction and fear. The dialing, then silencing, of the cell phone is touching. Our Thief steals the bag as easily as the Witness aids the Woman because he has no concern beyond his immediate needs- he already knows that people have a tendency avoid, even fear, conflict and will not thwart his success. We don’t know what made the Thief become one (was he a sweet child who suffered too much harm to grow up well? Did he have absent or punitive parents? Or is he a sociopath from birth?). The actor plays it close to the vest, so we don’t know if his response the Witness will be violence or submission. The wary hesitation on his face is more likely fear of being caught, but could it be a twinge of conscience? We don’t know what our Witness will say or do, either (he seems to be on the verge of offering the Thief a chance to give up the purse, or making a citizen’s arrest- either choice could be argued and either could work). Depending on his choice and the Thief’s response, what will the other passengers and driver do?. How well the men “read” each other, the impetus of the Witness’ need to do right, and how determined the Thief is to act for or against his immediate gain all play a part.
The lone woman disembarking the bus, the squad car on the corner, the other passengers; all are seen by the Witness entirely differently than they are by the Thief. Who needs protection/may help/might get in my way/have what I want? Nice to see a short film with so much to say with four lines of dialogue and an ending “up for grabs”! Thanks for an eloquent and challenging piece, Steph Green! -Robyn
Robyn Truxal Small | 1 year, 7 months ago
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ACT NOW
It is true that we become a society that will not do anything for the most part when we see something like that happen. In an age of cell phones,which this guy had, he could have just called 911 and informed them of the situation. I understand not confronting a thief like that because you do not know if he had a knife, gun or just plain crazy. So, calling the police was the best thing to do. Unless you live here in Texas and you have a conceal and carry permit.
Anonymous | 1 year, 1 month ago
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