Thanks Alan and greetings from a fellow 'human trafficker' down here in Dunedin. Love reading your posts because obviously so much of it is shared experience that resonates. The same frustrations and the same joy in the vast spectrum of humanity that rides the bus. Whether it's your regulars that rely on a service that is as regular as possible in return, or the odd outlier that took the bus after a big win at the casino (and a few celebratory drinks) and tries to pay for a $3 fare with a Ngata - even tho we only carry a $50 float! Schoolgirls (and boys) are an enigma as you say - I generally just let them be despite a generally warm greeting as they board. No different to the many pax that have sounds playing in their ears and don't heed your pleasantries anyway. Heiaha. The curiosities are my favourite - those that walk the very edge of social acceptance. I figure if WE can't make their day a bit easier then few others will. I'd love to know a few more names to build those relationships better but once again - we follow an interesting line between professional distance and personal contribution. Everybodys bus is their own environment to steer - some stick to the rules and others cheerfully break them to make that journey a better one for everybody on the bus. Onward and upward, brother!
I live in Northland and use the #4 occasionally. It’s wonderful to have that sevice back. Great to be able to get back home from town at any stop between the Basin and Bowen.
If karma is a real thing you must be collecting lots of bonus points.
Wouldn't that be a great idea. Our mums usually don't understand what we do. I think everyone could benefit. I took my Mum to after-work drinks at Springload once. She was a hit!
My late mum and a couple of her friends used to catch different buses in Tauranga for day trips out. They loved the ones that would take them way over to Mt Maunganui and through new housing areas along the coast. I fully see myself doing something similar when I'm retired. But I'll be sure to not abuse my Gold Card if I have one!
As a Northland resident I love the #4 bus. We always point at it gleefully when it drives past because it was so very exciting getting this new route. It's the small things eh.
I couldn’t love this post more. Tiny acts of kindness knit us together and keep us WARM. Bless your socks, Alan
Thanks Alan and greetings from a fellow 'human trafficker' down here in Dunedin. Love reading your posts because obviously so much of it is shared experience that resonates. The same frustrations and the same joy in the vast spectrum of humanity that rides the bus. Whether it's your regulars that rely on a service that is as regular as possible in return, or the odd outlier that took the bus after a big win at the casino (and a few celebratory drinks) and tries to pay for a $3 fare with a Ngata - even tho we only carry a $50 float! Schoolgirls (and boys) are an enigma as you say - I generally just let them be despite a generally warm greeting as they board. No different to the many pax that have sounds playing in their ears and don't heed your pleasantries anyway. Heiaha. The curiosities are my favourite - those that walk the very edge of social acceptance. I figure if WE can't make their day a bit easier then few others will. I'd love to know a few more names to build those relationships better but once again - we follow an interesting line between professional distance and personal contribution. Everybodys bus is their own environment to steer - some stick to the rules and others cheerfully break them to make that journey a better one for everybody on the bus. Onward and upward, brother!
Thanks Alan. You are a star.
I live in Northland and use the #4 occasionally. It’s wonderful to have that sevice back. Great to be able to get back home from town at any stop between the Basin and Bowen.
If karma is a real thing you must be collecting lots of bonus points.
Keep on Truckin’.
Alan, you are the best. A little kindness in this crazy world we are living in can go such a long way. I have missed your updates!
Krystle, I hope you are well. Just had a wonderful experience on my school run this morning. There's kindness everywhere. ❤️
Brilliant column Alan, well done standing up for the oldies and the bus drivers. Love your writing
Thanks Anne, appreciate it.
Take your mum to work day! Lovely post Alan.
Wouldn't that be a great idea. Our mums usually don't understand what we do. I think everyone could benefit. I took my Mum to after-work drinks at Springload once. She was a hit!
Oh stop it! I'm finding it hard to read when my eyes are so itchy.
I'll take that as a compliment Carol ❤️
It's a bit hard to articulate when one is so moved, but thanks Driver, for all that you do.
Thank you Shelley!
PS well done on your new role. I feel sure you will be great.
I hope so. It's super important that we protect the few remaining rights that were hard fought for. It'll be a rewarding struggle.
Oh my gosh Driver. That was such a moving read! In a really lovely sad but happy way. x
My late mum and a couple of her friends used to catch different buses in Tauranga for day trips out. They loved the ones that would take them way over to Mt Maunganui and through new housing areas along the coast. I fully see myself doing something similar when I'm retired. But I'll be sure to not abuse my Gold Card if I have one!
Let's hope the SuperGold card still exists when we retire. I can see myself doing the same. Thanks for leaving a comment Kate!
I'm sure you won't ☺️🌸
As a Northland resident I love the #4 bus. We always point at it gleefully when it drives past because it was so very exciting getting this new route. It's the small things eh.
The #4 is slowly catching on. I hope more people start to use it, and I hope that one day you hop on my bus Rebecca!
Always a joy to read your stories Alan. Warms the heart on a Monday morning grind
Thanks so much Vicki!
I’ve missed this, thanks Driver ❤️ congrats on the new role Alan, you’re one of the good ones.
Oh, thanks Joya. I miss seeing your smiling face at work. I hope you are well! ❤️
Bless you! Welcome back! And congrats on the new role. Keep fighting the good fight
Thanks Rosie!
Congratulations! on the Delegate role. Thanks Driver 😊
Cheers, Ivan!