Airport shuttle adventure

If I can't take public transportation to or from the airport when I'm traveling I depend on shuttle services. This is usually a boring ride in a 7 seat van with a driver that doesn't really engage with his/her passengers. Little did I know that when I stepped into the vehicle with an older (I'm saying in his 70s) gray haired gentleman that I was in for a wild ride. He just looked so harmless grandfatherly. I was deceived by his short scrappy body in a blue button-up shirt.
 
Part way through I started to send updates to my facebook page. I didn't post half of the things that this idiot did. I couldn't because I was either calming the woman sitting next to me, squealing from terror, or clutching the seat in front of me until my knuckles turned white. 
 
In bold are the posts that I was actually able to type up. The other text is what I would have posted if my fingers gripping the seat in order to stay in my seat. 
 
Scariest shuttle driver EVER. Tried to take on a city bus. Eek!

OMG! He just crossed 4 lanes of traffic to make a u-turn. Clipped the curb. Yells at person on the radio.
 
Making it to the airport is in doubt.
 
He only has 2 speeds. High speed and full stop. I'd worry about bumping my head on the seat in front of me at the next stop light except that he doesn't stop at them.
 
Had to remind shuttle driver to shut the back doors before he took off.
 
Stone street are no deterrent to speed. Shuttle company must spend a fortune in suppension work. I may need dental work soon. I think I just broke a tooth. 
 
Taking on new passengers. Should I warn them?

Be afraid. Be very afraid.
 
Now he's telling jokes. Ala Rodney Dangerfield

Tempted to ask him what his wife's phone number is. I doubt if she would apprieciate his last comment about her. 
 
Cut across 3 lanes of traffic to make the airport exit all the while saying "I get no respect".

I'd say he gets no respect by the finger the guy behind us just flipped him.


Yikes! I hope the driver in the blue car has an extra set of underwear.


Last rider that got into the front seat is mumbling to himself. Sounds vaguely like praying. Can't blame him.

Came to a screaming halt in front of the us airways terminal. Not sure if that was the brakes or the passengers.

I got out of the van and resisted the urge to kiss the ground or the skycap. As I made my way to the gate I worked on calming my breathing. By the time I got on the plane I was much less of a wreck.

Is it sad that I was dissapointed that the shuttle drive from the Charleston airport to the hotel was uneventful?




Love,
M