Apparently, I found out recently, it’s okay to stand in a bus driver’s face and blab to him throughout the trip. I witnessed this a few nights ago. An elderly couple. They knew the driver. PLENTY of vacant seats. So, several of us heard about their current situations. Who cared? Not me. Irritating and not just to me. Grumbling and rolling of eyes. Didn’t look safe either. Was waiting for the driver to calmly crash into something or someone. Oh well… When I asked for a transfer—I was BOLD enough to interrupt their gabfest, their bullshit—I got one but not without some attitude. Was told I was supposed to ask for one when I got on the crate. At that point I just wanted to escape. I told the trio that these folks should be sitting down and fled. Trashed the transfer. Called Metro Transit to complain but got nowhere. So, if you know a bus driver, folks, feel free to yak in his face and distract him. He won’t care. Fortunately, I walk just about everywhere. Circumstances sometimes force me to take a bus. Usually there are no problems. However, I always remember the isolated cases of trouble or aggravation. Another one tries NOT to ride the bus. —Mike
This article appears in Nov 3-9, 2011.
And then there are the lonely skanks who spend time riding the bus talking to the overweight hemorrhoid in hopes of getting a ride on their #1.
Whether you meant to or not, you sound a tad jealous, Koda.
I’ll chat if I know them, but try to keep it to information pertaining to their job…
such as traffic issues, etc.
You’re not supposed to talk to the driver. There’s a sign. At least there was last time I was on a bus. This is what I’ve come to expect from public employees, especially MT. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a driver enforce this particular rule. It’s also a Maritime thing, we don’t want to be considered rude, even if it endangers others.
Yeah, some hog the first seat across from the driver while they chat, others dangle from the pole nearest the driver like a stripper on life support, and still other ‘friends’ block the entry way for those trying to get on or off the bus. Signs, yellow lines etc. do not mean squat if the driver allows the person to hang out in that area. Sometimes not a real problem but at other times it is almost like a make out date without contact. Some drivers seem to be having affairs partially at their work place, from some of the talk and as these do not seem to be spouses/partners usually. They get to hang out with the ‘date’, for hours sometimes.
What kind of people would hang around on buses talking to the drivers? This is just fucked.
When PDG used to drive one of my busses home from work I used to sit at the front and chat with him.
He’s an excellent conversationalist!
Umm, Cranky…..they have groupies 😉
Really? That is just fucked. What is wrong with people?
next time, record it on your Iphone, and report the SOB for safety concerns.
I am PK? You say this even after that day I handed off a very talkative commissionaire to you? You remember melting shoes, right?
I talk to friends when they come by, but then I get unsolicited conversation about the weather, which I hate, or the silent stalker breathing on my neck and talking very silently to me.
Metro Transit will always deny it OB unless you get it on video and send it in. Shame the bus didn’t crash.
There’s also the bus driver that insists on talking to you when you get on the bus; if you’re wearing headphones and just want to listen to music he yells at you “HOW ARE YOU TODAY?!”, just drive the bus buddy, it is after all your job and if this city were much larger a hello to the bus driver could mean you’re about to pull a gun or something.