|
Post by rodneytrotter on Mar 28, 2024 11:23:14 GMT 1
I'm sick of seeing posts everywhere, on the web, when something goes wrong they always blame the drivers, they insult them calling them lazy or reporting drivers for stupid and the littlest of things!
Like the other day bus driver passed out at the wheel, and the public and some bus enthusiasts. attitude to the poor man was an utter disgrace. calling him lazy, demanding him to be sacked, claiming he was drunk and on drugs, even though this was not the case! Hardly anyone was concerned about his health and wellbeing!
Bus drivers do a fantastic job, in very difficult times and circumstances, with franchising, ownership changes, anti social behaviour, management who treat drivers like their numbers, horrible shift patterns, driver shortages, vehicle shortages and a lot more.
Bus drivers are unsung heroes, they keep people moving clockwork, allowing people to go to Work/School, or wherever they need to go.
Bus drivers are treated disgracefully, about time the public showed the drivers a lot more respect, they work extremely hard to get where they need to go. The abuse the public give the poor bus drivers, is horrible, and if bus drivers try to do anything, they'd probably be in trouble, as companies seem to back the public more, even when the public in the wrong, which is a lot of the time. This is from talking to various bus driver friends of mine.
Bus drivers do a fantastic job and they work extremely hard, and professional and polite. You have one supporter here.
|
|
|
Post by deerfold on Mar 28, 2024 13:04:50 GMT 1
I'm sick of seeing posts everywhere, on the web, when something goes wrong they always blame the drivers, they insult them calling them lazy or reporting drivers for stupid and the littlest of things! Like the other day bus driver passed out at the wheel, and the public and some bus enthusiasts. attitude to the poor man was an utter disgrace. calling him lazy, demanding him to be sacked, claiming he was drunk and on drugs, even though this was not the case! Hardly anyone was concerned about his health and wellbeing! Bus drivers do a fantastic job, in very difficult times and circumstances, with franchising, ownership changes, anti social behaviour, management who treat drivers like their numbers, horrible shift patterns, driver shortages, vehicle shortages and a lot more. Bus drivers are unsung heroes, they keep people moving clockwork, allowing people to go to Work/School, or wherever they need to go. Bus drivers are treated disgracefully, about time the public showed the drivers a lot more respect, they work extremely hard to get where they need to go. The abuse the public give the poor bus drivers, is horrible, and if bus drivers try to do anything, they'd probably be in trouble, as companies seem to back the public more, even when the public in the wrong, which is a lot of the time. This is from talking to various bus driver friends of mine. Bus drivers do a fantastic job and they work extremely hard, and professional and polite. You have one supporter here. I'm not sure where you're looking - I don't regularly see people treating bus drivers like this - they certainly shouldn't be. There's many problems with the management of many bus companies and the occasional driver, but without knowing the facts there's no reason to blame the driver. Though, I can understand when people have waited for buses that don't turn up, when one finally does, they'll be in a bad mood.
|
|
|
Post by rodneytrotter on Mar 28, 2024 13:22:05 GMT 1
I'm sick of seeing posts everywhere, on the web, when something goes wrong they always blame the drivers, they insult them calling them lazy or reporting drivers for stupid and the littlest of things! Like the other day bus driver passed out at the wheel, and the public and some bus enthusiasts. attitude to the poor man was an utter disgrace. calling him lazy, demanding him to be sacked, claiming he was drunk and on drugs, even though this was not the case! Hardly anyone was concerned about his health and wellbeing! Bus drivers do a fantastic job, in very difficult times and circumstances, with franchising, ownership changes, anti social behaviour, management who treat drivers like their numbers, horrible shift patterns, driver shortages, vehicle shortages and a lot more. Bus drivers are unsung heroes, they keep people moving clockwork, allowing people to go to Work/School, or wherever they need to go. Bus drivers are treated disgracefully, about time the public showed the drivers a lot more respect, they work extremely hard to get where they need to go. The abuse the public give the poor bus drivers, is horrible, and if bus drivers try to do anything, they'd probably be in trouble, as companies seem to back the public more, even when the public in the wrong, which is a lot of the time. This is from talking to various bus driver friends of mine. Bus drivers do a fantastic job and they work extremely hard, and professional and polite. You have one supporter here. I'm not sure where you're looking - I don't regularly see people treating bus drivers like this - they certainly shouldn't be. There's many problems with the management of many bus companies and the occasional driver, but without knowing the facts there's no reason to blame the driver. Though, I can understand when people have waited for buses that don't turn up, when one finally does, they'll be in a bad mood. Social media pages, Facebook groups, newspaper comments, friends who are bus drivers. But people shouldn't take it out on the driver though, the driver doesn't always know why the bus in front hasn't turned up. Management don't treat drivers that well either of the companies, turnover rate is quite high according to a friend of mine, as soon as something better comes they're off.
|
|
WYBS
Forum Member
Watch-o
Posts: 1,494
|
Post by WYBS on Mar 28, 2024 13:49:27 GMT 1
Whilst I never get mad at drivers for the majority of things, and have found most drivers (with certain companies) to be very pleasant, I do get miffed for a few reasons.
- When I'm waiting for a bus at a bus station, the bus pulls in late and the driver gets off but totally ignores the waiting passengers. A simple "the next driver should be coming soon" or "I'm just nipping to the loo" would be much appreciated.
- When I get on, I always give a smile and a 'morning / hi/ afternoon/ thank you' to the driver, no matter what mood I am in. When I'm then met with a face that looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp then I generally think to myself 'b####cks to ya then'.
- When you notice the bus is suddenly on diversion, but the driver hasn't bothered to shout out any information to the passengers.
You'd be hard pressed to find another customer-facing role that allows some staff to treat customers like dirt.
|
|
|
Post by rodneytrotter on Mar 28, 2024 13:57:09 GMT 1
A face looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp usually means the driver is stressed out or something has happened earlier on in the shift, or he's been treated badly.
You do get a few drivers who are genuinely unpleasant people, but you get that in any industry don't you?
You could argue it's hard to find another customer facing role, where you responsible for a lot of lives, well except a pilot/train driver but you know what I mean.
I don't think I could smile at people all day, especially when quite a few people would just ignore you
|
|
Steve Macz403
Forum Member
Waits at the bus stop for his bus, 2 days later bus turns up :D
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by Steve Macz403 on Mar 29, 2024 21:04:58 GMT 1
Example places like London and Birmingham : The amount of social media Tik Tok and instagram views where you have what we call the urban Roadman ( search urban dictionary for that definition ) doing clout like things for social media views. I do think think drivers do put up with a lot. From a dodging fare paying passenger to ones just downright rude. I had to report a complaint to First bus, though not in the drivers favour. Because my mother boarded an X84 and the driver kept stating he went to Horsforth which the x84 doesn’t go that way. My mum spent 5 mins debating the driver because she wants to get off Otley Road past Weetwood police station. This did infuriate her but also the driver. I had one where I debated with a 110 driver before the £2. Single applied years ago. because I knew his first stage was Hunslet. Driver tried charging me to Outwood and I kept challenging him on his machine to rollback his stages til he got it right. Eventually no quibble but you can imagine. Thats not a good rep. Many bus drivers I’ve encountered have been very good and are notable exceptions. I find it’s a 70 good / 30 bad Like people . You get good eggs and bad eggs.
|
|
mattb7tl
Forum Member
Streetlites 🛐
Posts: 748
|
Post by mattb7tl on Mar 29, 2024 21:29:53 GMT 1
Never had a too much of a bad experience! Back in 20/21, a nice driver beforehand didn't have any of the ticket wallets, or whatever you call them, for my week ticket so he let me on for free. I get to town to get the 370 to NC, asked for an U19 week ticket, with my literal college lanyard on, and got shouted at in front of a decker load of people for not having appropriate ID. That very experience got me to fully switch over to mobile tickets.
Edit: must add there's more positive drivers than bad, been using buses as my main form of transport since 2020, that has literally been my only major issue
|
|
pricel
Forum Member
Posts: 465
|
Post by pricel on Mar 30, 2024 10:32:07 GMT 1
A face looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp usually means the driver is stressed out or something has happened earlier on in the shift, or he's been treated badly. You do get a few drivers who are genuinely unpleasant people, but you get that in any industry don't you? You could argue it's hard to find another customer facing role, where you responsible for a lot of lives, well except a pilot/train driver but you know what I mean. I don't think I could smile at people all day, especially when quite a few people would just ignore you Not the case all the time, there's always someone who is rude for no reason bus driver or not.
|
|
|
Post by mk2mcw on Mar 30, 2024 11:04:09 GMT 1
There’s a few drivers who really are horrible sods but some lovely drivers too but then again you don’t know what sort of day they’ve had I’ve seen passengers speak to them in the most disgusting manner simply because they can’t use a dayrider which expired 37 years ago
|
|
|
Post by mk2mcw on Mar 30, 2024 11:06:16 GMT 1
And I can remember catching the ftr 4 in Leeds years ago when the conductor was so lovely a woman got on with a toddler he gave the toddler a test ticket and the woman kicked off saying “don’t speak to my child” you can’t do right for doing wrong sometimes
|
|
|
Post by mk2mcw on Mar 30, 2024 11:10:37 GMT 1
Anybody remember when metro lowered the age for half fare passes for kids to 11? There were leaflets on buses there were stickers on buses there were notices in metro bus stations in the metro newspaper there were even radio announcements
People still claimed they didn’t know and kicked off at drivers
Some people only read what they want to read
|
|
|
Post by rodneytrotter on Mar 30, 2024 11:37:14 GMT 1
I've known a few people complain to bus companies before about bus drivers not stopping at bus stops for them.
Question is, Did you put your hand out? In most cases it's no they didn't and they expect drivers to be mind readers, sometimes people really like common sense, I find, if you treat drivers politely and with respect, you should get the same back. S
I have seen the most patient drivers in Yorkshire, lose their temper eventually because they are human after all. Are some drivers rude and obnoxious, yes absolutely.
It's not the public or drivers that are problematic sometimes, it's bus enthusiasts, who like to do stupid and silly things, look at why the Arriva depot tours, stopped, due to obnoxious enthusiasts, some bus enthusiasts can't get it round their head, bus companies aren't there to serve them, they can go to open days, bus events for that sort of thing.
|
|
|
Post by leedsbusman on Mar 30, 2024 12:30:34 GMT 1
I've known a few people complain to bus companies before about bus drivers not stopping at bus stops for them. Question is, Did you put your hand out? In most cases it's no they didn't and they expect drivers to be mind readers, sometimes people really like common sense, I find, if you treat drivers politely and with respect, you should get the same back. S I have seen the most patient drivers in Yorkshire, lose their temper eventually because they are human after all. Are some drivers rude and obnoxious, yes absolutely. It's not the public or drivers that are problematic sometimes, it's bus enthusiasts, who like to do stupid and silly things, look at why the Arriva depot tours, stopped, due to obnoxious enthusiasts, some bus enthusiasts can't get it round their head, bus companies aren't there to serve them, they can go to open days, bus events for that sort of thing. I have to take issue with the customers at bus stop point of view. Surely it’s more likely than not that a customer at a bus stop is wanting a bus and probably the first one. Far better to stop and check than be rude and assume not and get a complaint. Unfortunately some people forget that the buses are for the customers! I travelled the other evening in the rain from a terminus stop where the bus arrived, stopped, changed the destination, programmed the ticket machine and only then opened the doors to let me on after a minute. Didn’t speak, even in response to my greeting!
|
|
|
Post by rodneytrotter on Mar 30, 2024 12:36:00 GMT 1
I've known a few people complain to bus companies before about bus drivers not stopping at bus stops for them. Question is, Did you put your hand out? In most cases it's no they didn't and they expect drivers to be mind readers, sometimes people really like common sense, I find, if you treat drivers politely and with respect, you should get the same back. S I have seen the most patient drivers in Yorkshire, lose their temper eventually because they are human after all. Are some drivers rude and obnoxious, yes absolutely. It's not the public or drivers that are problematic sometimes, it's bus enthusiasts, who like to do stupid and silly things, look at why the Arriva depot tours, stopped, due to obnoxious enthusiasts, some bus enthusiasts can't get it round their head, bus companies aren't there to serve them, they can go to open days, bus events for that sort of thing. I have to take issue with the customers at bus stop point of view. Surely it’s more likely than not that a customer at a bus stop is wanting a bus and probably the first one. Far better to stop and check than be rude and assume not and get a complaint. Unfortunately some people forget that the buses are for the customers! I travelled the other evening in the rain from a terminus stop where the bus arrived, stopped, changed the destination, programmed the ticket machine and only then opened the doors to let me on after a minute. Didn’t speak, even in response to my greeting! Sorry bus drivers should not stop at every stop especially when multiple services serve a stop, that is up to the passenger to flag a bus down, not the drivers responsibility, too many people glued to their phones to pay attention. If they miss their bus, because they wasn't paying attention, no sympathy for them whatsoever
|
|
|
Post by leedsbusman on Mar 30, 2024 14:09:29 GMT 1
I have to take issue with the customers at bus stop point of view. Surely it’s more likely than not that a customer at a bus stop is wanting a bus and probably the first one. Far better to stop and check than be rude and assume not and get a complaint. Unfortunately some people forget that the buses are for the customers! I travelled the other evening in the rain from a terminus stop where the bus arrived, stopped, changed the destination, programmed the ticket machine and only then opened the doors to let me on after a minute. Didn’t speak, even in response to my greeting! Sorry bus drivers should not stop at every stop especially when multiple services serve a stop, that is up to the passenger to flag a bus down, not the drivers responsibility, too many people glued to their phones to pay attention. If they miss their bus, because they wasn't paying attention, no sympathy for them whatsoever I really hope you don’t work in a customer service industry
|
|
Steve Macz403
Forum Member
Waits at the bus stop for his bus, 2 days later bus turns up :D
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by Steve Macz403 on Mar 30, 2024 19:28:21 GMT 1
I've known a few people complain to bus companies before about bus drivers not stopping at bus stops for them. Question is, Did you put your hand out? In most cases it's no they didn't and they expect drivers to be mind readers, sometimes people really like common sense, I find, if you treat drivers politely and with respect, you should get the same back. S I have seen the most patient drivers in Yorkshire, lose their temper eventually because they are human after all. Are some drivers rude and obnoxious, yes absolutely. It's not the public or drivers that are problematic sometimes, it's bus enthusiasts, who like to do stupid and silly things, look at why the Arriva depot tours, stopped, due to obnoxious enthusiasts, some bus enthusiasts can't get it round their head, bus companies aren't there to serve them, they can go to open days, bus events for that sort of thing. Speaking of putting your hand out for the bus. I have a friend from Hebden Bridge. He got so used to the bus always stopping for him. Was a shock when he came to Leeds and realised he needed hand out to stop the bus Sometimes it’s where you come from and what to expect.
|
|
|
Post by jdodger08 on Mar 31, 2024 11:11:02 GMT 1
This is what the Metro website says about this.
"When the bus arrives
Check the bus for its route number and destination to ensure its the right one. As your bus approaches the stop, please signal for it to stop by raising your arm, if you're able.
The bus may not stop unless you indicate to the driver that you wish to board.
Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors are fully opened before stepping on board.
The bus stop plate on or near a shelter indicates to customers where they should wait for the bus. It's also a marker to show to the bus driver where the bus should stop."
|
|
pricel
Forum Member
Posts: 465
|
Post by pricel on Mar 31, 2024 12:57:24 GMT 1
This is what the Metro website says about this. "When the bus arrives Check the bus for its route number and destination to ensure its the right one. As your bus approaches the stop, please signal for it to stop by raising your arm, if you're able. The bus may not stop unless you indicate to the driver that you wish to board. Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors are fully opened before stepping on board. The bus stop plate on or near a shelter indicates to customers where they should wait for the bus. It's also a marker to show to the bus driver where the bus should stop." I get it when the area has multiple other bus services, but when the area has one bus service there's no excuse for skipping people.
|
|
joseph
Forum Member
Posts: 1,141
|
Post by joseph on Mar 31, 2024 14:29:42 GMT 1
This is what the Metro website says about this. "When the bus arrives Check the bus for its route number and destination to ensure its the right one. As your bus approaches the stop, please signal for it to stop by raising your arm, if you're able. The bus may not stop unless you indicate to the driver that you wish to board. Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors are fully opened before stepping on board. The bus stop plate on or near a shelter indicates to customers where they should wait for the bus. It's also a marker to show to the bus driver where the bus should stop." I get it when the area has multiple other bus services, but when the area has one bus service there's no excuse for skipping people. They could be waiting for a taxi or a lift, seen this done many times especially in rural areas as a bus stop next to a landmark like a pub for example is easier to find for drivers not familiar with an area. I'd stick my hand out every time as the driver then knows you are actually waiting for the bus and not just having your lunch on the bus stop bench for example.
|
|
|
Post by jdodger08 on Apr 1, 2024 11:56:54 GMT 1
Operators would have to put too much padding into their timetables to allow the bus to stop at every stop.
If you've got your head in your phone watching TikToks and miss your bus, that's your problem, not the drivers problem.
It's the passengers responsibility to indicate to the driver that they wish to board the bus.
|
|
|
Post by Craig on Apr 1, 2024 18:42:54 GMT 1
Definitely agree that bus drivers can’t be expected to stop if the person waiting hasn’t indicated to them. This is an age old practice that shouldn’t need changing. For anyone who complains that the bus sailed past them without stopping, I would hope after the first couple of times they would realise that all they have to do is a simple hand signal.
My pet hate is when drivers wait for someone who is running for the bus, for the person then to just get on silently with no thankyou given to the driver.
|
|
|
Post by Burnside on Apr 1, 2024 19:58:43 GMT 1
I think part of the problem in regards to people not signalling is that there is a whole generation around that seem to have no clue about personal responsibility and therefore just expect a bus to stop without them even having to go to the effort of raising their hand or even looking up from their phones.
Personally, if i'm approaching a stop, i'll take my foot off the accelerator and hover it over the brake, but if they don't signal or even look to see if i'm coming, i carry on going and that's their look out, particularly if the stop in question is served by more than one route or operator.
I've had it once where i've passed a stop that is literally just a flag on a lamppost and there was a bloke stood there. I pulled up a short distance further on, he toddles up and as he's getting on says "Didn't you see me?" to which i simply replied "Obviously not, but if you hadnt been stood between 2 transit vans, i might have stood a chance!".
|
|
|
Post by Burnside on Apr 1, 2024 20:04:52 GMT 1
I think part of the problem in regards to people not signalling is that there is a whole generation around that seem to have no clue about personal responsibility and therefore just expect a bus to stop without them even having to go to the effort of raising their hand or even looking up from their phones. Personally, if i'm approaching a stop, i'll take my foot off the accelerator and hover it over the brake, but if they don't signal or even look to see if i'm coming, i carry on going and that's their look out, particularly if the stop in question is served by more than one route or operator. I've had it once where i've passed a stop that is literally just a flag on a lamppost and there was a bloke stood there. I pulled up a short distance further on, he toddles up and as he's getting on says "Didn't you see me?" to which i simply replied "Obviously not, but if you hadnt been stood between 2 transit vans, i might have stood a chance!". I will add that in terms of being treated disgracefully, it's not something i've come across too often (other than the odd few, mainly younger generation, who get on, scan their mobile ticket, sit down and get off later without saying a word). Even on journeys round the less desirable estates it tends to be at least 90% will say hello or hi mate as they get on and thanks as they get off, while the majority of the elderly are happy to see my smiling mug (and why wouldn't i be, getting paid to do what i have wanted to since i was knee high to a grasshopper?) and happy to have a bit of a natter or a chuckle. These kind of passengers far outweigh the odd bit of negativity and are definitely one of the reasons i love the job.
|
|
|
Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Apr 2, 2024 13:51:31 GMT 1
A few years ago I saw someone get on a bus to swear to the driver about the bus BEFORE not letting him on!!
|
|
|
Post by leedsbusman on Apr 2, 2024 14:43:24 GMT 1
Operators would have to put too much padding into their timetables to allow the bus to stop at every stop. If you've got your head in your phone watching TikToks and miss your bus, that's your problem, not the drivers problem. It's the passengers responsibility to indicate to the driver that they wish to board the bus. Poppycock. Are you seriously suggesting people are being ignored at bus stops to an extent that it would slow the bus down if it picked them up! I wonder if there is a correlation between this viewpoint that a potential customer waiting at a bus stop can be ignored if they don’t beg for the bus to stop and the op’s viewpoint that the general public treat bus drivers disgracefully. Contempt breeds contempt sadly and it’s tragic to see.
|
|