Hello Alan! Great piece! I write a lot about riding the Wellington buses so it's good to hear from the driver's perspective. Usually I write about things I see while on the bus, but I gave a shout-out in my last piece to the way drivers will often let people ride for free.
Ka pai Alan, always such a good read! Jumping on and off at strathmore and Miramar I can attest to the characters - a few weeks back I caught a late bus home and the gentleman besides me started to take off his shoes and socks. Then he proceeded with cleaning in between the toes to everyone else’s dismay. I wanted to say something, but afraid of what the man might say in return I stopped myself from saying anything at all.
The experience left me thinking if we as people have become more afraid of confrontation as time has gone by - afraid to speak up (in a friendly manner) when things happen in public spaces like in the bus or in the supermarket. Instead of anyone telling him that he could clean his feet when I got off the bus, we all sat there as a collective, rolling our eyes and giving each other looks.
See, now I got on a tangent - thank you for taking the time to write this and for providing some thought provoking content ☺️
Such a lovely entry, Alan. The embodiment of a little kindness goes a long way. Bus drivers in Canada appreciate a hello and smile (and usually always reciprocate!) though you don’t always tap on at the front so the opportunity to do so is less frequent. But I do enjoy hearing the yells of “thank you” fill the bus when people leave. Still, you would be considered a remarkable driver over here with your extra kindness and warmth - I’m sure of it! 🤍
Good read, and so true Al. I’m pleased you’re enjoying your new role. It’s ALL about the customers. Driving big buses is also surprisingly and mysteriously good fun too. I’ve just recruited 30 drivers from overseas for our new eBus network in Nelson. I coined a term to describe our pacifying role in hectic traffic - “Captains of the Road”.
Foton. 17 of them. All going well, no probs so far. Immigrant drivers are wonderful dedicated people from Morocco, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Fiji, USA. Many have been working in Dubai, separated from their families. Most speak 3 or more languages fluently, and carry harrowing stories of their quest to support children’s education. They adore NZ. Now, finding their affordable forever home is the new challenge. I fear a swing to centre right politics….
Hello Alan! Great piece! I write a lot about riding the Wellington buses so it's good to hear from the driver's perspective. Usually I write about things I see while on the bus, but I gave a shout-out in my last piece to the way drivers will often let people ride for free.
https://rosiewhinray.substack.com/p/sharers-not-owners
Thanks for sharing your post. I like your writing!
Thanks! Here's one that's entirely bus-tales-
https://rosiewhinray.substack.com/p/loser-cruiser-blues
That cheered me up Alan, we'll miss you this weekend, enjoy yours, it's going to be an interesting night, I'm sure!
Brilliant Alan.
Thank you so much.
This was a lovely article to come home and find in my inbox Alan. I think there is a movie in this. Just not sure who'd play the Driver?!
I'm sure Brad Pitt or George Clooney would play a down trodden underpaid bus driver quite well 🤣
Love your work Alan!
Ka pai Alan, always such a good read! Jumping on and off at strathmore and Miramar I can attest to the characters - a few weeks back I caught a late bus home and the gentleman besides me started to take off his shoes and socks. Then he proceeded with cleaning in between the toes to everyone else’s dismay. I wanted to say something, but afraid of what the man might say in return I stopped myself from saying anything at all.
The experience left me thinking if we as people have become more afraid of confrontation as time has gone by - afraid to speak up (in a friendly manner) when things happen in public spaces like in the bus or in the supermarket. Instead of anyone telling him that he could clean his feet when I got off the bus, we all sat there as a collective, rolling our eyes and giving each other looks.
See, now I got on a tangent - thank you for taking the time to write this and for providing some thought provoking content ☺️
Loved reading this, you’re a gem, Alan!
Such a lovely entry, Alan. The embodiment of a little kindness goes a long way. Bus drivers in Canada appreciate a hello and smile (and usually always reciprocate!) though you don’t always tap on at the front so the opportunity to do so is less frequent. But I do enjoy hearing the yells of “thank you” fill the bus when people leave. Still, you would be considered a remarkable driver over here with your extra kindness and warmth - I’m sure of it! 🤍
God, I miss Wellington so much 😭
Thanks Driver, you're a good writer too!
You're a good driver Alan!
Good read, and so true Al. I’m pleased you’re enjoying your new role. It’s ALL about the customers. Driving big buses is also surprisingly and mysteriously good fun too. I’ve just recruited 30 drivers from overseas for our new eBus network in Nelson. I coined a term to describe our pacifying role in hectic traffic - “Captains of the Road”.
Great news about the e-buses Jo. What brand? Chinese?
Foton. 17 of them. All going well, no probs so far. Immigrant drivers are wonderful dedicated people from Morocco, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Fiji, USA. Many have been working in Dubai, separated from their families. Most speak 3 or more languages fluently, and carry harrowing stories of their quest to support children’s education. They adore NZ. Now, finding their affordable forever home is the new challenge. I fear a swing to centre right politics….
Love your tales from the hot seat, Alan. Hope you get the #14 route one day. ;)
A wonderful read! Thank you, Alan. Your positivity and kindness has lifted my spirits. Ngā mihi nui.
This was a lovely read, thank you 😊
Thanks so much for your insights.
I've been travelling in Europe and always say thank-you driver.
Even though the driver doesn't speak English they seem to get it. It's not the words, it's the warmth and acknowledgement they understand I reckon
I reckon you're right.