What Did You Call Me?

Hello world. I am the bus driver.

I'm sorry it took so long to start the first of many blogs about my experiences as a bus driver but I had to make sure I wasn't stepping outside the lines of legality in terms of privacy and job security. Times are tough... I'm not trying to make it any tougher.

So, with that being said I want to give you a little ditty about me so that you don't think I've not put in enough time to tell you some stories. I've been a bus advocate (rider) my whole life but became a professional road specialist (bus driver) more than 4 years ago. Some of my colleagues have upwards to 35 years experience behind the wheel of these 11 ton transporters. Some of their stories (and i know a few) will literally have you laughing 'til you cry or just crying. There are a bunch of us and we all have different personalities and ways of dealing with the wonderfully strange mix of customers that place their lives in our hands if for only a brief moment in their day in an effort to get from point A to point B.

Now, I would consider myself a cordial, friendly and somewhat (or very)accomodating bus driver. You're short on fare this time? I got you. Running to catch me? I'll wait. You get the picture. So, why would anybody want to cuss me out?
Once, while waiting at my layover at Southdale Mall, I realized that my departure time had passed me by by 3 minutes meaning, I should leave at 7:45 and it's now 7:48. 3 minutes doesn't sound like a lot of time but on the bus it can truly wind up being the difference between being a couple minutes late and 15 minutes late.
I pull up to the stop to pick up my customers (3 minutes behind mind you) and the first person who gets on takes his time while looking at me like I didn't deliver on my campaign promises of a better job and less taxes. He slowly pays his fare and walks to his seat (24 seconds). The next young lady gets on. "What time is it!?!", in the snotty-est tone possible. "Ain't you supposed to be here at 7:45!?! Damn!" (15 seconds). I couldn't even offer an apology after that. I mean, who would. The remaining 6 passengers get on the bus promptly (4 seconds each) and sit. I felt sorry for being late for them but not the other two. So we're off, adding 1 minute and 3 seconds to an already late departure. Of course, Murphy's Law takes effect and I will effectively be caught by every light. A few more passengers board as I try to "high-tail" it through Richfield going as fast as legally possible without looking like I'm going fast as legally possible. It's harder to do in a bus than one might think. No matter how hard I pressed I could not get those 4 minutes back. When we reach the first guys stop he disappointedly comes to the front to get off the bus. I stop, open the door and just as he's passing the yellow standee line he stops. He looks at me. Correction, he glares at me. Then, as the teapot reaches it boiling point he says, "Who the fuck do you think you are!?! You made me miss my connection because you up there reading yo' book and shit! Then, you got a fucked up attitude as well!! You ain't said sorry or nothing!! This is bull shit and you ain't shit! I'm a make sure they hear about this!" (2minutes, 17 seconds)
I said calmly, "Sir, you are now making everyone else late."
"Fuck You!!" he says as he walks down the steps.
We reached the final destination only 2 minutes behind. No one else said a word.
Later that week I was called into the supers office for a customer complaint stating that I had a bad attitude and was swearing. Huh? It figures.

Things you should know:
The chances of your bus running on time is slightly less than you winning the lottery. Why? The variables. Wheel chairs, elderly, searching for money, construction, detours, etc.
Don't plan to catch a connecting bus with a 1 minute window. You will be sorely disappointed more times than not. But, if you decide to take that bet, don't blame the bus driver. I told you so.

The Introduction

Hey world. Welcome to my blog.

I'm the bus driver. I thought it would be interesting to start blogging about the wonderful and challenging world of public transportation in Minneapolis, MN. As a bus driver I get to meet a variety of rather unique people from different walks of life. Some are quite a joy to ride with while others... not so much. They all make for engaging conversation so in the days and weeks to come I will chronicle my driving days and the situations I come across. However, to protect the privacy of those who ride and those I work with I will not use anyone's real names but I will report real situations. Some good, some bad, some exciting and some inspiring. Please don't let the niceness of this introduction throw you off because I will report the info in the best, honest and realistic way that I can. So you may see some cuss words and some typos. If I can get some pictures of some situations I will certainly post them as well. I hope you find this blog, when I start it, stimulating, funny, disturbing ,uplifting or any other adjective outside of boring.

Thanks for stopping by and I'll talk at you soon.