One day, out checking tickets, I caught a housewife overriding her ticket. Asked where she was going, Another 3 stops. So done it all by the book and just charged her the fare between the stop she paid to, and the stop she was going to. A fairly routine happening. Was working my way back to the depot for a tea break. As I arrived, the receptionist said would I deal with a telephone complaint, as receptionists weren't allowed to, and no other Supervisors/Management were available. Now you've probably guessed, it was the Lady who I had charged not 30 minutes since. Asking her for details, it didn't take long to realise it was me she was complaining about. Now this is a strange situation to be in, taking a complaint about yourself!
She was sitting there telling a pack of lies, and I was just dying to tell her who I was, but the most I could do was explain to her that the Inspector was a highly regarded member of staff, who I know would never behave as alleged. She could rest assured that I would personally deal with her complaint! Anyway took the complaint, and took it to the Manager, and told him it was about me. All he asked me was I as nasty as she alleged? Well, I always played it straight with public and staff alike, and he knew that. We had a good laugh. Only ever happened once thank goodness.