Be A Good Passenger
If you're someone who takes public transportation regularly, when was the last time you reflected on your passenger etiquette? Bus drivers often get overlooked, seen only as people who help you get from point A to B, but they're workers who deserve to be respected. So to make sure you're as good as a passenger as you can be, here are 10 things to avoid that bus drivers hate and 10 things to make sure you do.
1. Not Moving To The Back
It can be frustrating always having to remind passengers not to crowd at the front just because they want to get off first. All this does is create a hazard, with people pushed up against each other despite there being plenty of seats and room in the back. Always move to the back of the bus to create more space for incoming passengers.
2. Try To Avoid Paying
Don't try to be sneaky with it - your bus driver is a lot more attentive than you might think! Trying to sneak on board without paying will only end up with you getting caught and wasting everyone's time. Surely you can scrounge up some change to pay for the ride.
3. Ask To Get Off At Random Stops
Bus drivers are not your personal chauffeurs. They have specific routes they have to follow and being asked to stop in the middle of the road just because you forgot to press the stop button can be a hazard for everyone on the bus and outside of it too.
Sandy Ravaloniaina on Unsplash
4. Not Holding On To Handrails
Why do some people feel the need the test their balancing skills the moment they step onto a bus? Bus drivers find it very stressful watching those without seats struggle to stay standing simply because they refuse to hold onto the rails. They're there for your safety so use them!
5. Being Distracting
If you know distracted driving is incredibly dangerous, why doesn't that apply to your bus driver who is handling a massive vehicle with numerous people on board? Bombarding your driver with questions and doing silly things that catch their eye only put everyone on board at risk.
Aji Maulidio Indra Rukmana on Unsplash
6. Using Their Phone While Standing
If walking with your eyes fixed on your phone is dangerous enough, why would doing that while balancing on a moving bus be any different? Potentially falling over isn't just harmful for you, but for others around you too.
7. Blocking Exits
At every stop, people likely get off and on the bus, meaning passengers should know they need to make way for this movement. Standing in front of the exiting doors just takes up extra time and halts the flow that should be running seamlessly. Don't be that guy who stands mindlessly by the doors, refusing to move out of the way.
8. Leaving Behind Garbage
Bus drivers aren't janitors, and they most certainly aren't in charge of cleaning up after their passengers. It's incredibly rude and disrespectful leaving behind your snack wrappers, crumpled paper, and empty coffee cups expecting other people to clean up for you. All it does is create a dirty environment no one wants to be in.
9. Asking Questions They Can't Answer
It's one thing distracting your bus driver with too many questions, and it's another asking questions they have no idea how to answer. No, they can't help you answer what the best restaurant is in the area and how to get there. You've got a phone with Google - use that instead.
10. Complaining The Bus Is Late
This is the perfect example of "I just work here." Bus drivers can't control the flow of traffic, maintenance issues, or other spontaneous events that might delay the arrival of a bus. If your bus is late, don't take it out on the driver - he's already doing the best he can.
1. Saying Thank You
No matter what situation you're in, never underestimate the power of saying thank you. You never know how much these two little words can make someone's day! And for bus drivers who deal with hundreds of people on the daily (many of who can be rude), expressing your gratitude for their safe driving can put a smile on their face.
2. Giving Up Their Seat For Those In Need
Always be aware of your surroundings and be kind to those who need your seat more than you. In a busy bus, seniors, disabled individuals, or pregnant women should never be expected to deal with the struggle of balancing. Bus drivers always love seeing people who know when to put others first.
3. Using Headphones
Remember, buses are public spaces meaning you still need to be respectful of the people around you. Blasting your music, playing your videos on speaker, or even having calls for everyone to hear is just plain rude. No one wants to hear anything that you're doing - including the bus driver who doesn't want to be distracted.
4. Keeping Their Space Clean
This point is simple: keep your area clean as you would anywhere else. If you bring a drink onto the bus, avoid spills and leaving the coffee cup behind. If you eat a snack, don't leave crumbs and bits of your food all over your seat. Be mindful that other people will be sitting where you are the moment you leave.
5. Waiting Patiently In Line To Board
You'd be surprised by the number of rude passengers bus drivers have to deal with on a daily basis. Show your respect and kindness by lining up patiently for your turn. This means waiting until the driver says you're allowed to board, not shoving past others, and making sure you arrive to your bus stop on time to prevent any delays.
6. Having Their Payment Ready
Whether you're paying with card or coins, making sure you have your form of payment ready when boarding the bus is the best way to do your part. This ensures things run smoothly and that the bus can get on the road as quickly as possible. Bus drivers will always appreciate a line-up that's ready to go.
7. Clearly Signaling To Drivers At Stops
Many bus stops are built for different routes, meaning drivers aren't always able to tell if you're waiting for their bus or not. To prevent any random stops, bus drivers always love it when passengers clearly signal if they're looking to board their vehicle. Whether it's making eye contact or a clear waving gesture, these simple actions can make a world of difference.
PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay
8. Keeping Their Kids In Check
Bringing kids along anywhere in public can be difficult, but remember, that's your problem not anyone else's. If you're taking young children on the bus, make sure you keep them in check. That means ensuring they don't run around, that they're seated respectfully, and not being a hinderance to anyone else.
9. Keeping Belongings Close To Them
Bus drivers really love passengers who know to keep their personal belongings close to them without taking up space for others. Instead of putting your massive backpack or bag on the floor and preventing people from standing there (or creating a potential hazard), putting it on your lap and holding it just shows you have an awareness of your surroundings.
10. Using Inside Voices
There's nothing wrong with boarding the bus with friends or family, as long as you know you can't treat the space like you're the only ones there. Using your inside voices and talking without being too loud is a small yet important detail you'd be surprised many people forget. Do this without being asked and your driver will thank you.
