You haven't given enough detail for anyone to make an intelligent comment -- just glancing at your post I would assume you don't know much about using public transportation. When and where did his truck break down? Is the bus accessible from his departure point?

After living through 9/11 and hurricane Sandy, I am very familiar with the disruptions that occur after a disaster. After Sandy, when we didn't have power, I used my Xootr -- much more feasible to carry up and down the stairs from my 26th floor apartment than a bicycle. But I didn't berate cyclists (or anyone) for not having the foresight to buy a scooter.

Why do you care what anyone thinks of your car-free lifestyle? This sounds like a personal issue between you and your co-worker rather than a legitimate question about transportation.