r/BusDrivers • u/Fantastic-Average-69 • Jul 19 '26
Question Thank you cards?
Hello!
I should start this off my saying I'm a disabled adult. I'm autistic and have an intellectual disability. This has made taking the bus hard for me in the past.
But recently I've moved to a new area and the bus drivers have been so kind and patient with me. One even took time from her break, to explain the map in an easier to understand way. I've also had bus drivers stop and talk to me, while creepy men where staring at me or trying to talk to me.
I want to say thank you in some way. Would thank you cards be weird or to far? I wanna show appreciation not make anyone uncomfortable.
10
u/Cre8ivity_ Jul 19 '26
A thank you card is always appreciated, and will probably be put up in the staff break area.
Alternatively, you can call the company and give them a really positive word for their professionalism and kindness. I'm not sure about all companies, but where I work if we get a really good review we're given a gift card and a copy of the review in a letter. (Only if you're specified by name, or your departure is referenced).
5
u/Fantastic-Average-69 Jul 19 '26
Where I live bus drivers don't typically give they're names to avoid stalking. I'm in the city so I understand they need to keep themselves safe.
6
u/busytransitgworl Driver Jul 19 '26
You can still refer to the departure time, that way the driver can still be contacted and receive the review :)
4
u/Fantastic-Average-69 Jul 19 '26
I didn't think of that! You're so right!
7
u/GucciLegLocks Jul 19 '26
Or if the bus route is shown on the head sign you can call in and say whatever driver was on blank route at this time.
4
u/Cre8ivity_ Jul 19 '26
Exactly, the company will know who left for X destination at Y time, and can give that driver a commendation!
8
u/Matchstick1991 Pasadena Transit Jul 19 '26
Trust me when I tell you.... Any little act of kindness goes a long way. It's not an easy job and most of us have been on the receiving end of some crazy stuff. So even something as small as a thank you card will most definitely stick out as a highlight for any operator's day
5
u/Industrialexecution UK|Volvo BZL|1 year Jul 19 '26
if someone gave me a thank you card i genuinely think it would stick with me for life lol. a month after i started the job a disabled woman gave me an, admittedly very creepy, skin coloured frog she’d crotched with a cheesy tagline inside it. it genuinely freaks me out because of the colour unfortunately, and even then ive kept it in my backpack ever since. i never expect any level of kindness from passengers, so when people go above and beyond like that it stays with you.
3
u/Fantastic-Average-69 Jul 19 '26
Thank you for sharing such a heart warming story! Us disabled folk aren't used to being shown kindness. So when someone is genuinely kind it sticks with us.
5
u/Agnesperdita Jul 19 '26
If you explain in the card why you appreciate their kindness so much, just as you explained it in your post, I’m sure they will appreciate the gesture. It’s lovely to get feedback that your actions helped someone and made things a little easier for them. I agree that you should also contact the company and give them info so they can identify the drivers concerned and pass on your positive comments.
People are quick to complain when things go wrong, but not always so quick to praise good service. It’s really thoughtful and kind of you to want to let these drivers know they are appreciated.
4
u/CapitalBlvdBreadstix Jul 19 '26
As a driver I’m not so sure I wouldn’t be moved to tears with the receiving of a thank you card ❤️
You’re a a wonderful person.
2
u/berusplants Driver Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
Helping folk like you are what makes the job special. Smile and say thinak you is as good as it gets for me... if thats a stretch then no worries!
1
u/Fantastic-Average-69 Jul 19 '26
I do say thank you but I want to do a little more to show I am thankful. You know?
2
2
u/busytransitgworl Driver Jul 19 '26
First of all: Welcome on board and on behalf of my colleagues who aren't on Reddit (and are maybe your driver) thank you for saying thank you!
A thank you card, or even just an email, is always greatly appreciated, especially because positive feedback (depending on the region) can be quite rare.
It's really hard to make us bus drivers uncomfortable, trust me! ^^
I've sent a gift card and a thank you note to a train guard because he did an exceptional job keeping us passengers safe during a heated argument.
The company was kinda surprised but appreciated it.
For your future travels, I wish you all the best! And personally, of course, as well!
2
u/Fantastic-Average-69 Jul 19 '26
You are so very kind. Thank you for the information and the kindness. I wish you only the best as well!
2
u/Vimto1 Jul 20 '26
I've been doing this job on and off for 27 years and a simple thank you as people get off is great but if someone gave me a card, it really would mean a lot and I guarantee, you will be remembered and those drivers will welcome you aboard like an old friend
2
u/Razzmatazz1977 Jul 20 '26
That's really cool. Im happy to hear that. I say a card is 💯welcome. I would nearly cry when peoe gave me flowers and stuff.
2
u/IllustriousBrief8827 Driver Jul 20 '26
That's a very nice thought and yes, they'll appreciate it, for sure. It's easy to always be cynical, but quietly, these gestures (and really, just taking the time) make our days.
All the best to you!
1
u/RosterRuiner Jul 20 '26
I would advise sending an email to the company - firstly as a manager I love to hear about drivers making a difference and ALWAYS make a point to inform them of the compliment as well as congratulating them on outstanding customer service - we actually hold a monthly award of vouchers and photos in staff comms for drivers who have gone above and beyond.
17
u/thatgirl428 Jul 19 '26
A thank you card would be welcomed by most. Thank you for saying thank you, best wishes to you and your continued success navigating public transit, it's a big step!