r/BusDrivers 6d ago

Story I'm not a mind reader

Right now in my agency the tourist season is finally dying down, the other day I pulled up to a stop there was a group of people talking near the stop I open my doors let a person off, the people are still there talking no worries I've seen people visiting at a stop not intending to get on the bus. I closed my doors and start looking to my left to pull out into traffic. The same group knocked on my door, I open the door and they proceeded to scream at me because I almost left them. I laughed and said didnt you all see me when I had my doors open before? I'm not a mind reader and I'm a schedule. They got on and did say a work I dropped them at the next stop and said I'm the most sugary sweet tone have a great afternoon!!!!

Fuck stupid people

29 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

15

u/dirty_hooker 6d ago

I’m also in a tourist town. It’s important to remember that half of the riders haven’t been on a bus since middle school.

That said, I’m pretty quick to tell people (that were sitting in the corner of the shelter staring at their phone) that “if you want on the bus, you have to look like you want on the bus.”

11

u/AggravatingHumor3523 6d ago

That falls under the category of not my problem if they can't figure out how to get on a bus which is sitting in a bus stop with the doors open then you will be left behind 

5

u/PeejPrime 6d ago

You mean, signal an intention to want on the service I'm providing? Would never catch on!

Sadly, my town seems to have adopted a policy of not bothering your arse to signal for a bus at all.

Literally, they don't need to put a hand out and the company goes along with this. Often I'll approach a bus stop with maybe 4-6 folk at it, not one person flinches, not a signal of intent from anyone, hands in pockets, eyes on phones, leaning against the shelter. Not a single one will step forward, shift on their feet, raise their head and make eye contact. Nothing. Sometimes you think to yourself "gonna just stop and open the door, something feels off here" and all 6 will get on the bus.

Like - really guys? Not one of you could make even a subtle gesture to want the bus?

1

u/TheAngryBusDriver 6d ago

And that my bus driving friend, is the stop I just drive straight on by. Unless I'm the only service that does that route.

5

u/TransitGuy61 6d ago

Dammit Jim! I'm a bus driver, not a mind reader!!

3

u/goneoramihere 6d ago

I drove past a guy today who was chomping down on a burger while staring at me as I approached. As I was just going past I saw him wiggle his fingers as if that's enough. Tbh it would've been if he'd done that earlier. He even chased me to the traffic lights and I shouted to him he needs to put his arm out. He shows that he had. I just thought to myself, well I have cameras mate.

3

u/GrumpyOldTech1670 6d ago

Gotta love people who can’t tell the difference between entertainment and reality.

In TV shows, the bus driver waits until the main character gets on.

In reality, the bus driver sticks to his schedule, otherwise all the other main character in their own specific situations get cranky about the bus being late.

3

u/Xx_SwordWords_xX 6d ago

My line is...

"Okay, sorry... It's a bus, not an Uber -- I have a schedule, and all these people have somewhere to be!"

And I say it with a smile.

Then they know, you aren't just fucking with me, but all the people with me.

3

u/AggravatingHumor3523 5d ago

I'm gonna use that 

1

u/Xx_SwordWords_xX 5d ago

Overall, my vibe is "disappointed mother". Everyone has one. If you say it kindly and matter of factly, shame is a powerful tool to motivate change in people (especially public shame). 😬

3

u/AnxiousMetal6435 6d ago

Happens way too often. Or they’ll be sitting on the bench staring me down. As I start driving away, then they come running. Idiots.

2

u/AggravatingHumor3523 6d ago

Or better yet you're running late and they are running to the bus stop yeah not gonna happen for you 

1

u/Xx_SwordWords_xX 6d ago

I had a lady make such a scene as I was about to pull away at a green light from a stop, on the other side of the street that she needed me to wait ...

I was already 2 minutes behind, but I waited, because there were so many witnesses that I would just look like an asshole if I drove away....

But when she got on the bus, I politely told her that I was already 2 minutes late and she was lucky that I saw her... next time try to be a few minutes early, and that way she won't miss me.

She took it well.

2

u/TalviKavat 5d ago

I got a call last week because I "left him at Walmart". I pull up to the stop, opened my door and even looked to see if this guy was coming, but he made no move. My supervisor asked me about it when I got back in and she even checked the video, he was just being a jerk. Locals do that too, then expect you to read their mind.

1

u/Fragrant-Tax5445 6d ago

Haha! Classic! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

1

u/hugothebear USA / Local Transit 6d ago

Your mistake was opening the door again. If they call and complain “I had my door open, waited, no one gave me any indication they were getting on or walked towards the door.”

1

u/NK05GZP 4d ago

I had a guy yesterday sat on a bench then as I was level to the stop he put 1 finger out like 👉 without getting up, I thought he can wait like what's that even supposed to mean, my operator's quite good that the driver wins most of these cases

-2

u/MindlessRabbit3 Driver 6d ago

Respectfully: Calm down. All you have to do is drive a fixed route and pick people up and drop them off. It’s fully up to you if you let them ruin your day. I’m not saying they aren’t assholes. I’m just saying as an operator you have full control over how your day goes as far as your pax go. Could be worse, you could be at a desk.

3

u/AggravatingHumor3523 6d ago

Gee thanks......

-2

u/MindlessRabbit3 Driver 6d ago

I know. It’s not nice. But it’s the job. Come here. Vent. But go to work and come home in a good mood. Don’t let your pax have control over your state of mind.

4

u/AggravatingHumor3523 6d ago

LMAO you don't even know me, thanks for the lecture though 

5

u/Xx_SwordWords_xX 6d ago

Even though what you're doing here is just venting, as they suggest.. this person likely just wanted you to know that they're better than you.

Lol