I’m not always super excited to get up and go to work, but great motivators are the generally cheerful attitudes of my bus drivers. A warm greeting when I board, a couple of choice jokes, and an encouraging send off when I leave all brighten my day just a bit more.
The route drivers occasionally change, so I’ve noticed that most drivers are fit to fill the position beyond just driving. One of my drivers enjoys calling out clever names for some of the stops to keep us awake on the ride in. My route goes by a BioLife location where people can donate blood, so we will sometimes hear, “next stop, Transylvania, or BioLife”.
The drivers are also great sources of information about what is happening in transit, interesting things going on in the area, and sometimes even an exciting report about a robber they saw caught near their route. Of course they are also helpful in answering questions about the transit system. It may not be the most time efficient way to provide information, but I have yet to see a bus driver refuse to help a rider.
Coming down from Cloud 9 now, this wonderful treatment is really only a reflection of how you treat your driver. Blaming them for not stopping when you rang the bell at the bus stop instead of allowing enough time for them to stop, is not the way to get a smile in the future. So, next time you ride, say “hello” as you pay your fare, show interest in the service they’re providing, and most importantly, tell them “thank you” when you leave. Without them, you couldn’t finish a novel while commuting, catch up on podcasts on your way to the mall, or have quality time with your child as you take her to school.
And for any grumpy bus drivers that might be out there, take note and give a little more to make your passengers more pleasant toward you!
Tags: cedar rapids, Transit experience
2009-09-16 at 10:33 pm |
[...] Cedar Rapids Transit advocate, Samantha Dahlby wrote on her Bus Party blog about her appreciation for the friendly and helpful bus drivers. I would agree that an [...]
2009-09-16 at 10:42 pm |
I actually find the “clever names” driver a bit excessive sometimes … but I guess he tries : ) I enjoy the additional commentary posts on the new Bus Party blog. Hopefully the new site will help garner more interest/awareness in the parties and ultimately CR Transit.
2009-09-17 at 7:07 am |
The clever names can get old, but I’d rather have those than a grouchy driver any day. Thanks for adding your perspective and feedback!
2010-02-20 at 9:28 am |
[...] it’s great to hear how it is currently helping riders. And we love tracee’s appreciation for bus drivers! We are happy to be putting one 10-Ride pass into use for someone and hope to provide more free [...]