Today after work my wife and I took the 52 (#937) home from work on Chebucto road.
When we got to the Mumford terminal the bus driver stepped out of the bus and lit himself a cigarette. It was raining so he stepped back into the bus to smoke his cigarette. He stood on the bottom step with his head sticking out all the while (conveniently) ignoring the fact that his cigarette smoke was coming in. No one said anything to him.
We overheard another passenger on the phone talking to a friend and telling them that the bus driver was smoking while standing in the bus. He was asking for a phone number he could call to complain.
I could not believe that the driver had such complete disregard for his passengers. it’s a lack of respect for our health and well-being not to mention the fact that he is actually selfish and inconsiderate enough to do that.
Public Transit is really starting to loose it’s appeal.
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2008.
I have never been on any bus where the driver has done that however I have been on buses where the driver has another driver with him, HIS SPOUSE. One driver comes to mind as I write this, his name starts with J and his spouses name starts with C. She actually quit her job at a grocery store to travel all day with the driver and never pays. Wish I could do that at my job.
in response to bus fucker, no it is not appropriate to smoke a cigarette on or near the door to the bus. If no one felt comfortable saying something at the time then they have the option to call 490-4000 to complain. As for the other comment we all DO NOT bring friends, spouse’s etc to work with us. As with any company or organization there may be individuals who do things they shouldn’t. I can assure you that most of us try very hard to make sure that everyone pays their fares. There are a lot of passengers out there that for one reason or another feel they shouldn’t have to pay their whole fare or who try to keep their transfers for a week. The general public doesn’t seem to think that bus drivers should have the same rights as other employees. Such as having a quick break on a layover to stretch your legs or god forbid have something to eat. We are entitled to these things. If you know the bus drivers name who is bringing his spouse and is not paying instead of just griping about it maybe you should go report it., and yes complaints are brought to us even the most frivolous ones.
I have already complained about this driver over 100 times in the last 8 years and I even told the driver himself and he got really mad and so did his spouse. She looks really foolish on the bus with her top unbuttoned and no bra on, just a big mole in between both breasts.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Metro Transit, where we don’t care because we don’t have to. But we’re all proud to be union men!
In case Keith doesn’t realize this not everyone that works for Metro Transit is a MAN. Your comment just shows your ignorance.
Bus driver, it’s a reference, not a statement. See the lyrics to “Union Man” by Neil Young:”I’m proud to a union manI make those meetings when I can, yeahI pay my dues ahead of timeWhen the benefits come I’m last in line, yeahI’m proud to be a union man”
i bet he earned that smoke