Do you commute by bus or use mass transit? It can be a rat race getting to work on time. Bus drivers don’t have it easy. This is what kills me: A lot of drivers have a lead foot (meaning that they stomp on the gas pedal) from one stop to the next and don’t take into consideration the passengers on the bus. You have to wonder if they are properly trained. Not to mention that we are living in troubled times where individuals are struggling to make ends meet — vulnerable and marginalized passengers who may be “rough” around the edges.
Drivers need better training
City bus drivers need to be on schedule, but that can be challenging. The skill level may differ from one city bus driver to the next! One would brake hard and then accelerate hard. Enough already! I watched an elderly gentleman swinging like a monkey from one pole to the next trying to get to the door being careful not to lose his balance. Not cool.
One driver who was filling in for relief, crawled from one bus stop to the next, falling 10 minutes behind schedule. Either get a rushed, impatient driver or one that is slow and overly cautious. Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) has its pitfalls and challenges in getting enough recruits and keeping on schedule.
Let’s be respectful and exercise patience
Let’s find some middle ground…. proper training of drivers and more respect and courtesy towards passengers. We have a growing city and more budget-conscious individuals who choose to commute by bus and train. These marginalized individuals are in difficult circumstances so please avoid using labels, stereotypes, or assumptions that may be hurtful, offensive, or inaccurate. Let’s be kind and empathetic towards them and also realize that city bus drivers have a bad rap. I certainly wouldn’t want their job.
