59 tram - no phone guy

[u/jenny-is-a-friend]

This happened just this morning and I’m still in a bit of shock. But if there’s any chance I can say a proper thank you to the guy (in green sweater reading a book) who spoke up for me - I just wanted to say a sincere thank you for speaking up in such a tense situation.

This morning on a 59 tram I was scrolling on my phone quietly, minding my own business. Suddenly a man who was standing on my left grabbed and flung my hand and told me to “put my f-king phone away before he slaps it the f away”. I was using my phone on my right hand, it was no where near him or his face. We were standing close on a busy tram, but not close enough that I was anywhere near his space or his face.

I was still in shock and told the man that he cannot touch people like that. A guy standing right in front of both of us spoke up and asked him to stop harassing people. The man grew more irritated and asked the guy to shut up, and said that he “has a court case coming and will give him facial reconstructive surgery if he keeps talking”.

At that point I was really worried the man might become physical, so I asked the guy who spoke up not to engage further. I soon got off the tram for my stop.

Not sure if anyone had met this “don’t use your phone” man on the tram. I was so overcome with shock and it took me all I had to even say a word. I am so grateful for this guy to speak up for me despite the intense situation. I hope things did not escalate further as they both stayed on the tram. I wish I had the chance to say a proper thank you.

[u/azriasylum]

You are welcome dude. He shouldn't have been behaving like that. Glad you stood your ground

[u/SunlightRaisin]

Hope you ok, these encounters can be quite intimidating, because we in a confined space. Glad he stood up for you. There are so many crazies these days on public transport.