Five Cents of Petty Revenge: How One Bus Fare Collector Got Schooled in Karma
Picture this: it’s late at night, the city is winding down, and you’re just trying to get home after a long day’s work. Your pockets are nearly empty, but you’ve counted your change and—phew!—you have just enough for the bus fare. Or so you thought. You’re five cents short. What would you do? And more importantly, what would the fare collector do?
For one man’s father, this encounter turned a small coin into a golden opportunity for poetic justice. The Reddit tale “Couldn’t Let Five Cents Slide, So I Guess I Can’t Pay Either” isn’t just about bus fare—it’s a masterclass in karma, timing, and the power of a well-timed comeback.
When Five Cents Feels Like a Million
Let’s set the stage: Many cities have done away with cash fares or fare collectors, but in this particular locale, the system is refreshingly analog. There’s a dedicated person by the bus turnstile whose sole mission is to collect fares, hand out change, and make sure everyone pays their dues. Old school, right?
On this fateful night, the protagonist’s dad boards the bus, thinking he’s sorted. Until—uh oh—he realizes he’s short by just five cents. Not a dollar. Not a quarter. Just a nickel. Most people have probably, at some point, been short-changed or found themselves scrambling for coins at the bottom of a pocket or purse. Usually, a sympathetic cashier or driver waves it off with a “don’t worry about it.” Not this fare collector.
No, this guy decided to turn a five-cent shortage into a full-blown public spectacle, shaming our hero and declaring for all to hear that people who can’t pay shouldn’t be on the bus. Ouch. Thankfully, humanity wasn’t entirely lost that night—a kind stranger offered their transit pass, sparing dad a humiliating walk home.
Karma Comes with a Transfer Ticket
Fast-forward two weeks. It’s the same bus, same fare collector, but this time, dad is ready—not just with his fare, but with a little plan. He hands over a bill larger than the fare, knowing the collector probably can’t make change for it. And wouldn’t you know it? The collector is short—by twenty-five cents.
Now the tables have turned. The fare collector asks if dad can “let it slide” just this once and promises to settle up later. It’s the classic “do as I say, not as I do” moment. But our hero isn’t about to let this juicy slice of irony go to waste. With the kind of calm, cool delivery that would make any action movie star proud, he says, “Oh, you want me to let that slide? Funny considering what happened two weeks ago. I guess I can’t pay now either. No worries tho I’ll be staying on the bus. Just let the driver know to open the door when I get off.”
Mic. Drop.
The Sweet Spot of Petty Revenge
Why does this story resonate so much? Because we’ve all been there. Maybe not with bus fares, but with people who enforce rules so rigidly that it feels less about the rule and more about flexing authority. And sometimes, the universe (or a clever passenger) delivers a perfectly wrapped moment of poetic justice.
Petty revenge stories like this one are satisfying because they’re not about grand gestures or major payback. They’re about small moments of balance being restored—when someone gets a taste of their own medicine, and order is returned to the universe, if only for a fleeting moment. It’s not about seeking out conflict, but about not letting people get away with unnecessary cruelty.
What’s even more heartwarming is the role of bystanders—the person who stepped in with their transit pass serves as a reminder that kindness can still outshine pettiness, even if only briefly.
Lessons from the Turnstile
So, what can we take away from this nickel-and-dime drama? First, a little empathy goes a long way—sometimes, letting five cents slide is the right thing to do. Second, don’t underestimate someone’s memory (or sense of humor) when you’ve wronged them. Finally, never forget: the world has a funny way of bringing things full circle, especially when spare change is involved.
Next time you’re tempted to enforce a rule just for the sake of it, remember this story. Karma might be waiting at the next stop.
Have you ever witnessed—or masterminded—a moment of petty revenge? Share your story in the comments! After all, the best tales are often worth more than a pocketful of change.
Original Reddit Post: Couldn’t Let Five Cents Slide, So I Guess I Can’t Pay Either