Bus Drivers

I have quite a few elements from daily life which regularly remind me of what I honestly believe in but sometimes seem to doubt. One of those "elements" is bus drivers.

Let's face it, we have all been in a situation where we have ranted and raved about bus drivers, bus services, and what nots. Most often, said drivers appear sour-faced, unfriendly, short tempered, impatient... Who wouldn't, in their shoes? Stock brokers who complain of stress at work should have a a reality check with these guys/gals: driving all day in circles with few and far-between toilet breaks at set times (rather than answering to immediate need). Not only that, they have to do so while struggling to keep up with a fantasy-inspired schedule that inevitably brings frustration and complaints from both passengers and supervisors. To top it all up, they have to spend all that time trapped in traffic jams surrounded by aggressive SUVs, unexpected motorbikes and vulnerable cyclists.

Still, I have yet to meet a driver who does not respond in kind - except for the surprised, even grateful, look - every time I get on and greet him/her with a genuinely cheerful, open-smiled, 'Good morning/afternoon/evening!' In fact, if you make a minimal effort so that it becomes a habit, you will begin to realise that your bus rides become a great deal more pleasant.You will also notice the interaction between drivers who see each-other across the road is truly playful. Or how, on the other hand, one venting, rude and/or selfish person (a passenger, a suicidal pedestrian...) can ruin everyone's day in a snap.

So, THANK YOU, BUS DRIVERS! These men and women are fabulous examples of how our treatment of people we "randomly" meed creates the world we live in. It is only a matter of being the one to take the first step, to 'be the change you want to see'.

Give a smile, have a great ride.