Thanks drivers!

So its easy to complain when a driver misses a stop or brakes too hard.  However, apart from the cursory 'Thanks' on the way out the door, drivers get little appreciation for what they do right.

Last week, I had a couple of rides that brought home how valuable these unsung heroes of public transit really are.  First, I had a driver who I recognized on the 7:30 Oly Express who admitted that she was new to the route and humbly asked for guidance with a cheerful disposition and good sense of humor.  Turns out, it was her second time on the route.  Having observed several drivers silently head off-route and miss stops, I really appreciated this and pitched in by pointing out stops and turns along the way.  I think its safe to say everyone on the bus appreciated this driver and enjoyed the ride.

Just two days later, I was talking to the route 11 driver (I just started on this route since they pushed back the 16 sched., a nice buffer) and found out he had been driving for Pierce Transit for 20 yrs.!  On top of that, there's apparently a guy who has been there for over 40!  Now this driver is very good natured and jovial just about every time I get on his bus.  He knows who rides his bus and waits for folks who are regulars if he can.  In discussing drivers and handling of mistakes, he noted that the best policy is for drivers to admit mistakes and apologize.  In general, he finds that riders are sympathetic under these circumstances.  My (already substantial) appreciation of drivers was raised by learning that there are now over 70 routes that new PT drivers need to learn and often they get a 'mentor' riding along on at most 2 trips with a new route. 

So the next time you feel grumpy because a driver makes a mistake think about how much of a load they take off of your shoulders on most days and instead of grumbling express some sympathy to the tough nature of their job.

Garrett, faculty