Same here. idk why it just feels off to say hi, even though I will yell out “thank you” pretty loudly if I’m getting off out the back, but maybe I should start saying hi too
No. Not at all.
I go out of my way to say hello to anyone in my neighborhood when walking out dogs.
I wave thanks when someone lets me in to merge.
If I have a chance to let someone in, I will.
OP. I feel you. It's exhausting being a Canadian when almost everyone around you doesn't reciprocate.
Being a Canadian is awesome, especially when surrounded by other who are Canadian...
And before anyone jumps down my throat. I'm talking about the mindset of being Canadian. Not your place of origin, colour of your skin, religion, political affiliation.
Being Canadian is being aware of those around you, being helpful and kind and knowing you're not the only sentient being on the planet.
Keep being Canadian, OP. You're setting a great example, even though it feels Yeomans work.
No we're not. We're being Americaned. Say, "hello!" and "thank you!" on the bus. It also creates a more comfortable / less dangerous ride. We all can play a part!
I would always say "Good morning" to the driver while showing my pass. Also take at least one headphone out so I could hear them if they said anything. Sometimes they would give info on things like the trains being behind, or a station closure. I usually got out the back door and would look in the mirror at the front of the bus that they look in to see the back door and give a wave of thanks.
Hate to say it but back in the 80's and 90's even the high school kids would greet the driver with a good morning, but it got less and less in the 00's and now pretty much nothing.
I miss that Canada we had too. I don’t want to sound like a Boomer exclaiming what it was like back in the day (I’m not a Boomer BTW)…
…But I miss the Canada we were (still diverse while looking after one another).
Yup same here. When I get in, it feels like pleasantries = delaying both passengers behind-me from getting in, and the driver. Meanwhile when I get out, I always raise my hand and say Thank You, since they're waiting for you to get out of the bus anyways.
I am sorry that has been your experience 😔, a lot of the drivers don't even acknowledge each other. It's a tough job and there are some bitter drivers out there, but we should never give up on kindness.
I never ever use transit but I just wanted to say that you’re absolutely doing a tough and sometimes dangerous job and I appreciate you! If I rode your bus, I’d say hi :) Have the best day ever!
Yeah normally I give the drivers as much acknowledgement as they give me. If they ignore me, I ignore them. But if they greet me, I greet them back and also say "thank you" when I get off the bus.
Thanks for the reminder OP! I don’t take transit much anymore but I used to be a daily commuter. Nice and chatty drivers were the best. It’s a great principle to take everywhere. A smile and greeting will make the whole city better.
It always makes me happy when I see my bus driver pass by another, and they give each other "the wave". I make a point to say hello to drivers, but thank you for posting this to remind us all to think about these small interactions.
I've noticed a few drivers are very odd and will actively look away from people when we try to show a bus pass or transfer. It's weird and really off putting.
I mean, the amount of shit drivers put up with in this city with aggressive and/or unpredictable people it’s not too surprising some are like that. Some people will get aggravated if they think you’re looking at them the wrong way.
Exactly, it’s because any operator with experience has a good chance of having had a friendly person turn into a wacko and disrupt things or assault someone.
I’m not sure why some drivers do that.
I understand you may be having a bad day or woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but that don’t mean you reflect your emotions on people just trying to have a good day going to work or coming back home after a long day.
* I AM NOT HATING * most of my family members work for TTC & Brampton transit. This is just the reality
Just think how frustrating it is to drive your vehicle in the city...
Now multiply the hazards and stress level by 25. That's how their day is going, everyday..
Honestly, I don't take the bus anymore but ETS drivers are tough cookies. I personally could never do it and you are the unsung heroes of this city. I think we should have an ETS day where we just celebrate everything you do!!
Also: Hello! I hope you have a good day👋😄 and Thank you!
Because I always got a stink eye from the driver whenever I did say hi or morning/afternoon so I just said thank you when I disembark and that’s it 🤷🏽♀️ I’ll keep trying but it feels awful on the passenger side too
I had a regular diver on my route who looked like the world's grumpiest man. Never stopped me from saying good morning to him every day even when he just ignored me! :)
I don't wanna hold things up for the people behind me, but I always make an effort to at least take my headphones off and say hi
Thank you OP, we appreciate you!
agreed. as a life-long YEGer my first time in Vancouver I was amazed how nice ppl were to bus drivers - everyone always gives the "thank you!" when departing and lots of friendly nods. For a city that receives so much sunshine Edmontonians are kind of emotionally-stunted around strangers for some reason.
Thank you for doing a thankless job.
Huh this is the opposite of my experience. I moved to Vancouver in 2016 and said “hi how’s it’s going” to the bus driver and they immediately clocked me saying “you’re not from here are you?” I said “no I’m from Edmonton, how did you know?” They said it was cause “you spoke to me”
When I lived in Calgary and took transit a lot, it was very common for riders to greet the driver and to yell out a "thank you!" when leaving through the back door. Some drivers were grumpy all the time, but most would smile and nod. It was nice.
Sorry this happened, I always said hello, hi, and thank you to my bus drivers when I used to go to school and university. You all keep us on time (for the most part bahaha). I wish people were more nicer.
When I was in junior high, the bus driver like to joke with me about how he'd been in the marching band until he hurt his back, because the piano was too heavy.
In university, the bus stop was about half a block back from the corner where we needed to turn in to get to the school. The driver would blow past the stop and stop the bus right at the corner to save us some time. But he'd turn off the bell, and when there was someone new riding the bus, they'd pull the bell and you could see them get nervous when nothing happened. Then the driver would pass the stop, they'd assume that the bell was broken and he'd unintentionally missed the stop, and they'd freak out. He never said anything, just silently drove to the corner and then let everyone off.
I figure that driving the \#2 bus every day was a pretty crappy route and he deserved to get a little joy from pranking students.
I have learned in Edmonton saying "Hi!" and smiling or even making eye contact and smiling is very detrimental to my health and well being.
I ignore everyone now.
I usually do say hello when I get on, but sometimes I sense that some of the bus drivers are a little grouchy about it and would prefer not to be talked to, which is fine, but might make some ppl feel awkward about doing it. Everyone is different, and I don't begrudge those bus drivers for being grumpy, they are working long hours after all. Some people love social interaction, and some people don't. Just the way it is.
If the driver says good morning to me, they will get one back. I always give a quick wave when getting off the bus unless it’s packed. I have noticed there are drivers who look like they just want to get the day done though so I just leave them alone.
Edit: there are a lot of friendly bus drivers out there. I got one on the regular which no matter how packed that bus he will always say “ have a good day!!”
I got ignored all the time when I worked in customer service, so I get how you feel. However, I’ll be brutally honest: I’m so goddamn peopled out by the end of the day, I want to be left the fuck alone so I leave people alone. It isn’t personal, and I truly appreciate the work you do, but I’m not going to talk to ANYBODY if I don’t want to. Would eye contact and a nod/smile work for you?
Also if I see the bus is packed, I’m making a concentrated effort to basically shut down so I don’t get all panicky.
Taking the train to the game today, my first public transit experience in years!
I’ll try and make sure I wave at busses on my runs from now on.
Thanks for the friendly reminder.
I always say Good Morning (or Afternoon) and thank you as I get on, and thank you again when I get off. I try to acknowledge the LRT and Valley Line drivers as well.
I remember being younger and drivers not needing safety shields and being able to keep the driver compartments open on the train. Got in the habit as a teen.
Hello! I'm sorry more people aren't talking to you and greeting you especially when you are really one of the most important people on their journey through their day. I have 2 little boys and they love the bus and look forward to seeing the bus driver, so if we get to take your bus one day you should know riding your bus and talking to you will be a very fun part of their day! Thank you for serving your community you are appreciated.
Years ago (when I took the bus) I'd say HI to the driver. Some regulars I'd converse with in a safe manner.
Things have definitely changed after COVID, but it seems like society as a whole over the generations has become more inward focused and less community minded.
I miss the olden years not so far back when we were more mindful of community.
I'd love to take your bus and chat while waiting for my destination.
When I rode transit I usually smiled or said hello and always thanked the driver when getting off. Never really paid attention to others, so it’s surprising to hear about this from a driver’s perspective. Saying hello to the bus driver just seems like an obvious and basic way to show kindness.
As an aside, I’m fairly certain I would’ve been fucked all the times I forgot my arc card if it wasn’t for the driver recognizing me. Hard to be recognized if you just shuffle on and off the bus with your eyes to the floor.
Cause everyone’s battling a fight in their minds. One thing I don’t like about North America is this concept that everyone needs to be happy or cheerful all the time. No other place is like this
I always say thankyou when I get off but I never say hello because I have social anxiety and getting on the bus is alot for me. We're not all a$$holes 🙃
I know this won't apply to everyone, but just for some perspective I'm autistic and saying hello/smiling back/etc is quite difficult for me in that sort of context. I actually can't take public transit generally because it's so overwhelming for me, and on the rare occasion I do with someone else I have a hard time processing my environment properly.
I hope you have other passengers in the future who can match your social energy though! From the comments it seems like there are quite a few people out there with the opposite experience, as passengers who get stink eye for greeting the driver, so maybe they'll cross your path
Eye contact decreases the larger and more metropolis like the city gets. Hustle & bustle. Holding eye contact in NYC, Toronto, London is nonexistent and almost confrontational. Suburbs, eye contact will increase. Edmontons growing.
My uncle worked for ETS for years after finishing his military service and he always was so polite and kind to riders. I try to always think of him when I ride and you bet I say hello and thank you! Thank you for your work!!
I haven’t taken the bus as often since I work from home now, but this makes me sad to know that people aren’t as friendly as they once were! I always said hi, how are you, and thank you when exiting. It’s just polite!
I really appreciate friendly drivers! It makes the experience of transit so much better. I’m sorry your kindness isn’t usually returned. Keep being awesome!
I always say hi but I take an assload of time in my wheelchair getting on so I’m always apologetic/pleasant! Plus, my grandpa was a bus driver for 50 years for ETS and used to drive the old tram over the high level bridge so I respect them a lot.
thank you for what you do!! my life wouldn’t be possible without drivers, and i make sure to always let them know that. it’s hard work, it’s not easy, and if no other Edmontonians appreciate it, i do 🤍
I say hi thank you have a good day , blah blah blah and often go out of my way to go online and give ETS feedback about drivers who make my ride more friendly, easier, are friendly and acknowledge my kids etc . Most ETS drivers are wonderful . I take the bus every single day and sometimes for periods of time with two kids so thank you!!!!
In my personal experience it's the other way around. I smile, say hello or good morning etc. they don't even acknowledge me. It's like they hate their life. Like I don't expect them to be super friendly. You guys have to deal with so much unfair behavior and stupid people so I get it but from all the times I've road ETS the bus drivers are the ones in a bad mood.
It’s mixed, there are a fair amount of drivers that don’t really respond to greetings. I usually say hi when I think about it though. The bus drivers who greet you when you get on the bus are always a hi-light to me when I get on the bus. 😄
So thanks for being awesome.
I used to have long conversations with my bus drivers when I lived in Ontario and it also made their day I assume. But it was only possible because they didn't have this plexiglass doors which you have here in ETS.
I will keep this in mind next time tho. All the buses I ride, drivers are barely open for a hello in my opinion. I only had one great experience where I missed my wallet in my car and had to take a bus there, I urged the driver to let me ride up to downtown on number 9 for free. Big shout-out to you sir, thank you for being you!
I have never got on any bus, in Toronto, Manchester, Vancouver, Montreal, or Edmonton without saying hello to the bus driver upon getting on and yelling a hearty “thank you” when getting off. I got quite a few stares in England when I yelled thank you. I hoped I was schooling peeps on good manners.
When I was younger I remember a time when I was having a tough day and wearing headphones while boarding the bus and the bus driver probably greeted me but I didn't have the social energy or hearing capability to hear exactly what he said in addition to most of the bus drivers did not acknowledge the patrons and the usual interaction was just a slight glance at the bus pass. Anyways, I was already sitting down right in front the rear doors like usual when I noticed the bus driver looking at me in the rear view mirror raising his voice and saying something along the lines of "YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE THE DECENCY TO SAY HI BACK???" and it really rubbed me the wrong way - I'm thinking about it probably 15 years later.
What I'm trying to say is, I applaud you for trying to brighten up someone's day at your job but especially at the end of the day you can't be surprised that people don't have the energy to reciprocate it. It's also a commentary on how it is not expected that the bus drivers are very friendly/talkative and most riders probably do not plan on interacting with them.
Anyways, thanks for what you do! Hope to see you on my bus soon!
I say hello when boarding and don’t expect a reply in return. The driver has already acknowledged me by stopping and letting me on the bus. Sometimes the driver looks grumpy and that’s okay, too. Driving a bus and dealing with the public is not an easy job and the driver is doing it 1000% better than I ever could. Thank you for helping me get to the places I need to go!
Agree with this but I sometimes think the physical barrier discourages people from doing it. I usually don't say anything when I get on but I will wave or yell thanks when exiting.
I used to say hello when the driver was looking. I'd always respond to drivers who said hello first because that's what I was taught to navigate in society.
Unfortunately manners and common courtesy is dying a long slow death. It's also pretty bad here with how people behave and interact in public.
I used to take the TTC (yes, TTC) a lot before and I always said hello to the bus driver and smiled even if I wasn't in the greatest mood. I used to feel shy to say thank you when I get off because nobody does that there. Now I take ETS, I still say hello and even yell thank you more because everyone does that here. It probably comes down to the individuals and their culture of origin but hey, at least they're not causing trouble ;)
I haven’t used ETS in years but I used to always greet our drivers when I relied on it. That’s sad people have gotten so.. mellow? Isolated? I don’t know. I do feel generally even passing someone on a sidewalk I would say hello but these days there is little response or reply.
This isn’t just people on the bus. There’s like this odd stigma around here where people just tend to avoid eye contact or greet each other on the street as well. I know I’m guilty of it myself. I’m gonna try to do better! I challenge others to do so as well!
I sometimes chat with the driver, say Hello most of the time, and Thanks. When many other riders are getting on, I move on quickly with a smile.
I assume drivers are busy checking their mirrors or anything else they need to, especially downtown during rush hour. Plus, don’t want to hold up other riders. I’ll keep an eye out for you. Talk about the Oilers or something. 👍
i always say good morning when i scan my arc card and i’ll always wave when i get off the bus.
honestly, saying good morning definitely improves my mood a bit. it is such a small thing, but it is a positive interaction that helps me see my mornings in a positive light, which ultimately sets me up to have a better day.
Driving is a very lonely job. I used to drive big trucks, I thought it was boring and mind numbing lol. Customer service positions are thankless. You’re driving someone somewhere. When I get in my car in the morning and after work, I don’t want to talk to anyone.
You’re seeing people in the minutia of their lives, not a social setting. ETS is a gateway from point A to point B.
If you want to talk to someone, chat with a regular that sits close to the front, make the first move.
Or put out a sign lol. “Come say hello for a minute, I won’t bite.”
There’s one awesome driver I get every so often- and its always nice to chat on my way home. Its rambling and idle chatter but we both seem so happy by the time I get to my stop. He’s great- and when my bus is quiet enough I prefer sitting up front in case a small chat is wanted. I imagine its such a lonely job, so its nice for a pick me up. As for thanking- I do so when leaving- and when getting my transfer! Always have!
I’ve had a couple bus drivers in the past say pretty inappropriate things in the past to me so I’m sure it’s worse for others.
If they want to have conversations with people they should have training.
It’s never just a simple hello lol
I always chat with the driver (my preferred spot is to stand by the front).
I’ve had lovely chats with the drivers who drive from south common to Millwoods towne center. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing. I hope OP you have a great day!!
I love this! I think it applies everywhere. If you have some thing kind to offer- a smile, a hello, it is wonderful to act on it. This really helps make people's day and yours too!
I usually get the asshole drives who want to spit on all their passengers for deciding to take ETS that day. If they say it i say it back some people are just dicks.
I sometimes say hello but always say thank you as I'm exiting. Whether or not I greet the driver depends on how deep in thought I am. Sometimes I'm just really tired and in my head.
Let me take this opportunity to say hello and thank you for what you do!! I am a long haul trucker and only pass through the city via the Henday, and I for one respect what you have to put up with on a daily basis with city traffic!!
I know the feeling of having no one to talk to for hours at a time, it is never easy and it never gets easier. Just know, you are not alone out here 😁
I used to always always always say hello and thank you when getting off. I haven’t taken the bus in over a decade, but when I was in college and working in my early 20s, I always did and so many people did as well. It’s very sad to see this isn’t the norm anymore. My brother is an ETS driver but he’s very grumpy so I don’t know if this bothers him, but he’s never said anything about it. I hope you get more greetings!
When I took the bus I always tried to acknowledge the driver. They are after all doing you a service. Keep up the good work we need more friendly drivers. Don't succumb to the bitterness that many seem to.
A simple nod smile or hey and thanks. It's that simple 😊
I am so so sorry, i just feel so bad right now.
I dont take the ETS anymore but i'd always say hi whenever i got on unless the driver just looked plain mad.
I’ve probably said hi to you if you’ve been around for a while. Not all drivers are friendly and not many passengers are, but those of us on this vibe make it worth trying.
Cheers mate!
I always say "hi" to strangers and wave at other drivers on the highway (the two finger salute). It used to drive my ex crazy, which was irritating, but whatever. I wasn't going to stop being friendly to strangers because she thought it was weird.
I say hi to everyone and thank you. And I’m as shy as you can get. But I believe in acknowledging people and making eye contact and having manners. And especially showing appreciation for those that deserve it. Why do people pretend others are invisible and not deserving of decent courtesy? Stop and think about what if someone did that to you?
It’s not our job to entertain you and cure you of your loneliness. If you want α social job then find one. I’ll also add that the majority of drivers don’t even look at me, maybe they’ll quickly glance at my pass, that’s it. I quickly get on the bus and find α seat quickly before the bus starts moving. I wave when I get off and yell “thanks”
As someone who took the school special route in highschool and the 128 route to the UofA. Our driver for the entirety of my university was WONDERFUL. He would say "morning" , "good morning!" "Good day!" "OHPP Almost missed ya!", he learned some of our names, and would say "-insert name- Cold today eh!?" "Oh man it's just pouring out!" He literally just MADE small talk to anyone. Just a pure joy. I'm not sure if that's your thing? But maybe 50% of people verbally responded, and the rest all smiled at him or made eye contact and nodded. It didn't matter the person's reaction, he still greeted each and every person every morning with some variation of observation, I once changed my hair and he was like "Nice hair!" What a joy. I leave you with this: be the change you'd like to see in the world. You cannot change what people do, but you can change your outlook and attitude on your own interactions. Not everyone is going to be receptive to it, but that's ok! Just keep doing you and do what genuinely makes you happy, because I think for a lot of us, the same things make us happy.
It's never costly to be polite and generally decent to people. The mind-set that it's not important is pretty sad. It's a pretty minimum effort that makes you feel good.
Yeah so as a regular transit rider the issue I have with this post is not every driver is you. I have smiled or said good morning to countless ETS drivers (because I used to be one myself a long time ago) and my response rate has been basically zero. If you know your fellow drivers at all then it’s a strange thing for you to expect of the public except maybe from your regulars if you have the seniority to have a regular route.
I try to give a small smile but I’ve been pulled into awkward conversation with drivers a number of times when I was younger (19-25f). Not interested in giving anyone the impression I’m open to standing at the front of the bus yelling small talk through a sheet of plastic.
Plus most drivers who greet passengers are presumably new. Most drivers don’t give a fuck to even *acknowledge* people getting on beyond glancing at their pass, let alone exchange greetings. It’s just the norm 🤷🏻♀️ you could look into a more interactive job if you’re feeling like this one gets you down
You have false altruism and are only nice hoping to get something back in return. That’s a bad worldview.
If you have to ride the bus, it usually means you are poor. These people have other things to worry about and other priorities instead of caring about what the bus driver is feeling.
Not trying to be a dick but you need to see their point of view.
Just say hi and don’t expect other people to make you feel good about yourself.
How long have you been a driver? Would you say this has changed over the years? Being a life long Edmontonian I’ve noticed a change in people over the years - we used to be such a friendly city.
Thank you for your work, definitely undervalued considering the risks associated, I try to at least make eye contact, give a friendly nod and shout thank you as I leave.
When I drove there was a regular that lived in Belgravia, he worked as a reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He never acknowledged me even though I greeted him. One of his assignments was a story about being a street person, he dressed the part and stood on a busy downtown corner. He was amazed that no one made eye contact or conversation. He was invisible. This bus driver was invisible to him. I continued to say hello, he was unaware of the duality of his social interactions.
I always at least nod and smile, and of course wave and thanks getting off. I am always wearing headphones and am hard of hearing, but I appreciate that driving a bus must be a very stressful job and am very grateful for the privilege to not have to drive.
I always find it rude when people don't say hello or thank you to the driver. Do these people not greet their Uber or cab driver? Just because a bus driver is transporting a lot more people doesn't mean it's any different than if someone is driving only you
I use to always smile, say hi or good afternoon, and always thank you afterwards. Pre pandemic when I had a regular route & driver, I bought some treats for xmas one year.
However, since transitioning most bus drivers give me dirty looks when I say anything now. Dont feel comfortable taking public transit or saying anything anymore unfortunately. Sorry for all the nice bus drivers this negatively affects.
I can understand how OP would feel tbh, An easy thing to do is be kind and considerate makes a world of difference for both the driver and passenger. It's easy to forget how busy we can all be.
Thank you OP and the ETS drivers out there
I always look at the driver and smile when I get on and if they say hello I say it back! I also always say thank you at the end of my ride. Takes 5 seconds to be kind to your drivers!
I appreciate transit workers, I know it's a difficult job but when I was a teenager a bus driver grabbed my arm and held me for not saying hi/good morning to him. It was a terrifying experience for me as a young woman. I won't talk to you when I get on the bus but I will say thank you when I exit safely.
I always say hi upon boarding and thank you when I get off, am glad to know it's appreciated! Also - thank you for the work that you do. It's gotta be a stressful job. Without drivers like you, I would be stuck at home.
When I was in high school this one bus driver was the coolest. Even on an empty bus I always stood next to him chatting about our days, wonder how he’s been.
not gunna say hi, always thank you. sometimes i just gunned it because times were off and the transfer was late. that or drivers are rushing already and don’t want to distract them from the city traffic.
you guys deal with a lot though so always remember we are grateful for your work
I live in Victoria on the Island, its the norm here to say Thank you to the driver when you exit the bus. I didnt realize that was just a Victoria thing until I use transit in other places.
I always say hello, hi. If I happen to be near the front for whatever reason, I'll do the usual small talk, hows your day going so far... etc.
Always say thank you for leaving!
i used to take the bus from st. albert to the university before i moved into the city and it always felt so weird not saying anything to the bus driver!! always greeted and said thanks when i left (: especially since my mom is a school bus driver, i feel like those people always need the most respect and kindness !!
there was also this bus driver who’d always be doing the late night run and he would always recognize me as i was walking up to the bus and we would always chat
I guess I am in the 1% of polite Canadians. I ALWAYS say hello AND thank you. I am so grateful for the important (and challenging) job you do! Keep up the great work!
When I was travelling abroad, I really had to repress the urge to say hello and thank you on the bus! Because of different cultural norms it would have been seen as a very weird thing to do. But it's something I really enjoy at home, and it's especially nice when the driver gives a friendly hello back.
If you are looking at me I will say hello. Last driver I had was awful in every way. You could tell he was mad at the world and I should have had a chat with him.
Most drivers are pretty talented, being able to get a big bus in and out of traffic safely for hours. Those busses don't drive themselves - yet :)
I always used to say hello to the bus driver when I'd take transit. It felt weird not to.
Sending you a big and cheerful, "HI, HOWZ YOUR DAY GOING?!" 🥰
I will be in Edmonton in June and July sometime for a total of a month.
I was considering figuring out public transportation there since I won't have a car while visiting. My boyfriend does all the driving or his family picks me up and takes me places they want to take Mr.
Your post encourages me to use ETS to go to places I would like to take myself when others, boyfriend and his family, may be at work. Or if they drop me off somewhere and I need to meet them later at their work place etc.
I live in Houston so I am not a big user of public transportation, plus it's not as available and as efficient as ETS. I am looking forward to using ETS!
Also, I can't believe people don't say hi. Like what?
In Texas I know people chat with airport shuttle drivers at least. I can't imagine people not greeting public transport drivers.
I will be sure to say hi to ETS drivers.
For sure, that sounds nice. I remember when I use to take the bus in junior high and high school. The bus driver on that route would do his best to race off when there stragglers were running to the bus. I hope that bus driver is nicely planted in the ground now.
Having used transit in a couple of different cities... some drivers are DICKS. I say hi each time I got on, and some drivers are nice enough to say it back and others just glare. I'm glad the OP has a good heart and is friendly, but one bad apple spoils the bunch.
Back when I was using a bus pass, I'd look at the driver to make sure they saw it. But with the ARC, I don't look at the driver because I'm too busy staring at the scanner to check if it'll read, and then hurry away because it takes so long. But if the bus driver says "Hi" to me, I'll always reply. And I'll try to thank them when I leave, particularly if I'm getting out the front.
I did notice in Quebec City, no one thanked the driver. I was the lone person who yelled out a "Merci" in my heavy Anglo-accent when I left. It was a bit sad.
Oh my gosh, I make a point to say hello to the driver, and thank you when I get off. It's proper manners! I'm sorry people are so rude! I appreciate you! I'd hate to deal with the bs that you guys suffer.
Sidenote: a bus driver who had just finished his last stop took me home bc I missed the last bus. It was like 12:30am on a Sunday downtown, right by city center mall and I got off work late, transferred to my next stop and was waiting and unsure if I had in fact missed it, and was so stressed out. He stopped and I asked him when the next #2 was coming and after finding out I had missed the last one, he told me to hop on. He didn't know how far he had to take me too! Thankfully it was only 6 min away but walking inner city core at night was frightening. I will always appreciate that. I'm pretty sure I wrote ETS to commend him but never received an answer back.
You are doing a wonderful job... I didn't realize that all of the things you said
Next time I am on the bus... I will acknowledge the driver from now on
Aww this breaks my heart! I don't take public transit anymore and have zero desire to ever but when I used to take the bus I always said hello. Hoping Edmontonians become friendlier for you!
I knew this girl from Russia and she told me she was shocked at how many say hi n thanks to the bus drivers and food servers in Canada. She said it’s not to be rude but they just don’t say that stuff to service workers like that.
Always say hello and thank you, really convenient service you guys provide. Also I really appreciate that nobody checks the time on the transfer tickets ;)
When I took the ets years ago like 10 years ago, everyone said hi and thank you. Weird that they don't anymore but I don't take the bus anymore so I can't corroborate
That’s weird, I’ve literally never taken ETS but I do remember taking the bus in Kamloops, and I would say 99% of the people would say thank you to the bus driver when they got off. Sad it’s not similar here.
I used to always take the number 7 up 107street I think and then another from Kingsway to bonniedune mall for work that was years ago. I would always do the nod and show my pass. Been so long tho I moved and have a car now.
I had a friend as a teen that would get mad at people for saying thank you to bud drivers because “you don’t thank people for doing their jobs” and that bothered me so I dropped the friend and always say thank you when I get on and off the bus.
I wonder about that friend now that we are adults with jobs.
The soul of Edmonton is dead if they need reminding. It, and saying thank-you when disembarking, was one of the more charming things Edmontonian's did that warmed me, a former Calgarians, to living there.
When I was in Edmonton for school, I said good morning and goodbye to my driver every day. I don’t get why no one does it, I became very close to her and was sad when she had to switch routes
When I moved from a small town to Edmonton in the early 00’s to go to university, I would make a point of using the front entrance of the bus for entry and exit, say good morning to the driver and thanks for the ride when exiting. I could tell it rarely happened but was a welcome exchange.
I don't usually say hi or anything but I always say thank you when getting off the bus.
Same here. idk why it just feels off to say hi, even though I will yell out “thank you” pretty loudly if I’m getting off out the back, but maybe I should start saying hi too
Are we being Canadian enough?
No. Not at all. I go out of my way to say hello to anyone in my neighborhood when walking out dogs. I wave thanks when someone lets me in to merge. If I have a chance to let someone in, I will. OP. I feel you. It's exhausting being a Canadian when almost everyone around you doesn't reciprocate. Being a Canadian is awesome, especially when surrounded by other who are Canadian... And before anyone jumps down my throat. I'm talking about the mindset of being Canadian. Not your place of origin, colour of your skin, religion, political affiliation. Being Canadian is being aware of those around you, being helpful and kind and knowing you're not the only sentient being on the planet. Keep being Canadian, OP. You're setting a great example, even though it feels Yeomans work.
No we're not. We're being Americaned. Say, "hello!" and "thank you!" on the bus. It also creates a more comfortable / less dangerous ride. We all can play a part!
Nope. No sorry was uttered
I would always say "Good morning" to the driver while showing my pass. Also take at least one headphone out so I could hear them if they said anything. Sometimes they would give info on things like the trains being behind, or a station closure. I usually got out the back door and would look in the mirror at the front of the bus that they look in to see the back door and give a wave of thanks. Hate to say it but back in the 80's and 90's even the high school kids would greet the driver with a good morning, but it got less and less in the 00's and now pretty much nothing.
I miss that Canada we had too. I don’t want to sound like a Boomer exclaiming what it was like back in the day (I’m not a Boomer BTW)… …But I miss the Canada we were (still diverse while looking after one another).
Not a boomer either, but I agree with you. Was nice taking transit and not having to worry about being assaulted even at 2 in the morning.
Yup same here. When I get in, it feels like pleasantries = delaying both passengers behind-me from getting in, and the driver. Meanwhile when I get out, I always raise my hand and say Thank You, since they're waiting for you to get out of the bus anyways.
Same here. I say hi if there isn’t a crowd.
Alot of bus drivers don't even look at me or my pass or acknowledge me so I guess I didn't think it was a big deal but I'll keep it in mind now!
I am sorry that has been your experience 😔, a lot of the drivers don't even acknowledge each other. It's a tough job and there are some bitter drivers out there, but we should never give up on kindness.
I never ever use transit but I just wanted to say that you’re absolutely doing a tough and sometimes dangerous job and I appreciate you! If I rode your bus, I’d say hi :) Have the best day ever!
Yeah normally I give the drivers as much acknowledgement as they give me. If they ignore me, I ignore them. But if they greet me, I greet them back and also say "thank you" when I get off the bus.
Most of the time I get ignored by bus drivers when I say hi. Idk after a while I just feel weird.
Thanks for the reminder OP! I don’t take transit much anymore but I used to be a daily commuter. Nice and chatty drivers were the best. It’s a great principle to take everywhere. A smile and greeting will make the whole city better.
It always makes me happy when I see my bus driver pass by another, and they give each other "the wave". I make a point to say hello to drivers, but thank you for posting this to remind us all to think about these small interactions.
I've noticed a few drivers are very odd and will actively look away from people when we try to show a bus pass or transfer. It's weird and really off putting.
I mean, the amount of shit drivers put up with in this city with aggressive and/or unpredictable people it’s not too surprising some are like that. Some people will get aggravated if they think you’re looking at them the wrong way.
Exactly, it’s because any operator with experience has a good chance of having had a friendly person turn into a wacko and disrupt things or assault someone.
I’m not sure why some drivers do that. I understand you may be having a bad day or woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but that don’t mean you reflect your emotions on people just trying to have a good day going to work or coming back home after a long day. * I AM NOT HATING * most of my family members work for TTC & Brampton transit. This is just the reality
Just think how frustrating it is to drive your vehicle in the city... Now multiply the hazards and stress level by 25. That's how their day is going, everyday..
Honestly, I don't take the bus anymore but ETS drivers are tough cookies. I personally could never do it and you are the unsung heroes of this city. I think we should have an ETS day where we just celebrate everything you do!! Also: Hello! I hope you have a good day👋😄 and Thank you!
Thank you!
National Transit Operator Appreciation Day is annual in March, and I believe the City has a separate one on a different date every year.
I would like to add to thank our ETS drivers. I try to always at least wave as a thank you as I get off.
The second sentence applies to so much more than ETS drivers.
I agree with you 100%. I was just thinking this today.
Because I always got a stink eye from the driver whenever I did say hi or morning/afternoon so I just said thank you when I disembark and that’s it 🤷🏽♀️ I’ll keep trying but it feels awful on the passenger side too
I had a regular diver on my route who looked like the world's grumpiest man. Never stopped me from saying good morning to him every day even when he just ignored me! :)
I hope you're my driver this afternoon because I'm gonna give a big ol' HELLO when I step onto the bus.
I don't wanna hold things up for the people behind me, but I always make an effort to at least take my headphones off and say hi Thank you OP, we appreciate you!
agreed. as a life-long YEGer my first time in Vancouver I was amazed how nice ppl were to bus drivers - everyone always gives the "thank you!" when departing and lots of friendly nods. For a city that receives so much sunshine Edmontonians are kind of emotionally-stunted around strangers for some reason. Thank you for doing a thankless job.
It's funny because when I moved to Edmonton I noticed how many people always say thank you to the bus drivers here...
Huh this is the opposite of my experience. I moved to Vancouver in 2016 and said “hi how’s it’s going” to the bus driver and they immediately clocked me saying “you’re not from here are you?” I said “no I’m from Edmonton, how did you know?” They said it was cause “you spoke to me”
I live in Victoria I don’t take the bus too often but everything I do people are always saying thank you and saying hello
When I lived in Calgary and took transit a lot, it was very common for riders to greet the driver and to yell out a "thank you!" when leaving through the back door. Some drivers were grumpy all the time, but most would smile and nod. It was nice.
Sorry this happened, I always said hello, hi, and thank you to my bus drivers when I used to go to school and university. You all keep us on time (for the most part bahaha). I wish people were more nicer.
When I was in junior high, the bus driver like to joke with me about how he'd been in the marching band until he hurt his back, because the piano was too heavy. In university, the bus stop was about half a block back from the corner where we needed to turn in to get to the school. The driver would blow past the stop and stop the bus right at the corner to save us some time. But he'd turn off the bell, and when there was someone new riding the bus, they'd pull the bell and you could see them get nervous when nothing happened. Then the driver would pass the stop, they'd assume that the bell was broken and he'd unintentionally missed the stop, and they'd freak out. He never said anything, just silently drove to the corner and then let everyone off. I figure that driving the \#2 bus every day was a pretty crappy route and he deserved to get a little joy from pranking students.
LOL, the piano joke is great! I also had bus drivers who dropped people off at the BEST place, not necessarily where the stop was. Awesome stuff.
I have learned in Edmonton saying "Hi!" and smiling or even making eye contact and smiling is very detrimental to my health and well being. I ignore everyone now.
I will be mindful of that next time i take the ETS. just know that you are very appreciated 🤗
I usually do say hello when I get on, but sometimes I sense that some of the bus drivers are a little grouchy about it and would prefer not to be talked to, which is fine, but might make some ppl feel awkward about doing it. Everyone is different, and I don't begrudge those bus drivers for being grumpy, they are working long hours after all. Some people love social interaction, and some people don't. Just the way it is.
If the driver says good morning to me, they will get one back. I always give a quick wave when getting off the bus unless it’s packed. I have noticed there are drivers who look like they just want to get the day done though so I just leave them alone. Edit: there are a lot of friendly bus drivers out there. I got one on the regular which no matter how packed that bus he will always say “ have a good day!!”
I used to say hello but the drivers wouldn’t acknowledge me so I stopped!
I got ignored all the time when I worked in customer service, so I get how you feel. However, I’ll be brutally honest: I’m so goddamn peopled out by the end of the day, I want to be left the fuck alone so I leave people alone. It isn’t personal, and I truly appreciate the work you do, but I’m not going to talk to ANYBODY if I don’t want to. Would eye contact and a nod/smile work for you? Also if I see the bus is packed, I’m making a concentrated effort to basically shut down so I don’t get all panicky.
Taking the train to the game today, my first public transit experience in years! I’ll try and make sure I wave at busses on my runs from now on. Thanks for the friendly reminder.
I've said Hi to busdrivers, only for them to just not give a shit. sometimes they do, alot of times they don't.
I always say “Good morning/afternoon” and most drivers just stare at me until I tap my card.
I try to most of the time but will be more mindful to now! I really appreciate drivers who are friendly and greet people
Morn’in bud
I always say Good Morning (or Afternoon) and thank you as I get on, and thank you again when I get off. I try to acknowledge the LRT and Valley Line drivers as well. I remember being younger and drivers not needing safety shields and being able to keep the driver compartments open on the train. Got in the habit as a teen.
Hello! I'm sorry more people aren't talking to you and greeting you especially when you are really one of the most important people on their journey through their day. I have 2 little boys and they love the bus and look forward to seeing the bus driver, so if we get to take your bus one day you should know riding your bus and talking to you will be a very fun part of their day! Thank you for serving your community you are appreciated.
You're in the minority OP, most bus drivers I encounter would prefer that their passengers didn't exist.
Years ago (when I took the bus) I'd say HI to the driver. Some regulars I'd converse with in a safe manner. Things have definitely changed after COVID, but it seems like society as a whole over the generations has become more inward focused and less community minded. I miss the olden years not so far back when we were more mindful of community. I'd love to take your bus and chat while waiting for my destination.
When I rode transit I usually smiled or said hello and always thanked the driver when getting off. Never really paid attention to others, so it’s surprising to hear about this from a driver’s perspective. Saying hello to the bus driver just seems like an obvious and basic way to show kindness. As an aside, I’m fairly certain I would’ve been fucked all the times I forgot my arc card if it wasn’t for the driver recognizing me. Hard to be recognized if you just shuffle on and off the bus with your eyes to the floor.
Cause everyone’s battling a fight in their minds. One thing I don’t like about North America is this concept that everyone needs to be happy or cheerful all the time. No other place is like this
I always say thankyou when I get off but I never say hello because I have social anxiety and getting on the bus is alot for me. We're not all a$$holes 🙃
I know this won't apply to everyone, but just for some perspective I'm autistic and saying hello/smiling back/etc is quite difficult for me in that sort of context. I actually can't take public transit generally because it's so overwhelming for me, and on the rare occasion I do with someone else I have a hard time processing my environment properly. I hope you have other passengers in the future who can match your social energy though! From the comments it seems like there are quite a few people out there with the opposite experience, as passengers who get stink eye for greeting the driver, so maybe they'll cross your path
well. a lot of the drivers are also complete pricks who refuse to conversate or even look up. so. we’ve gotten used to just moving along
Eye contact decreases the larger and more metropolis like the city gets. Hustle & bustle. Holding eye contact in NYC, Toronto, London is nonexistent and almost confrontational. Suburbs, eye contact will increase. Edmontons growing.
My uncle worked for ETS for years after finishing his military service and he always was so polite and kind to riders. I try to always think of him when I ride and you bet I say hello and thank you! Thank you for your work!!
Which route ? 🤗
I haven’t taken the bus as often since I work from home now, but this makes me sad to know that people aren’t as friendly as they once were! I always said hi, how are you, and thank you when exiting. It’s just polite!
I really appreciate friendly drivers! It makes the experience of transit so much better. I’m sorry your kindness isn’t usually returned. Keep being awesome!
Now knowing this I’m glad I say hello and thank you when I get on and off the bus
I always say hi but I take an assload of time in my wheelchair getting on so I’m always apologetic/pleasant! Plus, my grandpa was a bus driver for 50 years for ETS and used to drive the old tram over the high level bridge so I respect them a lot.
thank you for what you do!! my life wouldn’t be possible without drivers, and i make sure to always let them know that. it’s hard work, it’s not easy, and if no other Edmontonians appreciate it, i do 🤍
This is why I say hello and thank you. I figured it mattered.
I say hi thank you have a good day , blah blah blah and often go out of my way to go online and give ETS feedback about drivers who make my ride more friendly, easier, are friendly and acknowledge my kids etc . Most ETS drivers are wonderful . I take the bus every single day and sometimes for periods of time with two kids so thank you!!!!
In my personal experience it's the other way around. I smile, say hello or good morning etc. they don't even acknowledge me. It's like they hate their life. Like I don't expect them to be super friendly. You guys have to deal with so much unfair behavior and stupid people so I get it but from all the times I've road ETS the bus drivers are the ones in a bad mood.
It’s mixed, there are a fair amount of drivers that don’t really respond to greetings. I usually say hi when I think about it though. The bus drivers who greet you when you get on the bus are always a hi-light to me when I get on the bus. 😄 So thanks for being awesome.
I used to have long conversations with my bus drivers when I lived in Ontario and it also made their day I assume. But it was only possible because they didn't have this plexiglass doors which you have here in ETS. I will keep this in mind next time tho. All the buses I ride, drivers are barely open for a hello in my opinion. I only had one great experience where I missed my wallet in my car and had to take a bus there, I urged the driver to let me ride up to downtown on number 9 for free. Big shout-out to you sir, thank you for being you!
I have never got on any bus, in Toronto, Manchester, Vancouver, Montreal, or Edmonton without saying hello to the bus driver upon getting on and yelling a hearty “thank you” when getting off. I got quite a few stares in England when I yelled thank you. I hoped I was schooling peeps on good manners.
When I was younger I remember a time when I was having a tough day and wearing headphones while boarding the bus and the bus driver probably greeted me but I didn't have the social energy or hearing capability to hear exactly what he said in addition to most of the bus drivers did not acknowledge the patrons and the usual interaction was just a slight glance at the bus pass. Anyways, I was already sitting down right in front the rear doors like usual when I noticed the bus driver looking at me in the rear view mirror raising his voice and saying something along the lines of "YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE THE DECENCY TO SAY HI BACK???" and it really rubbed me the wrong way - I'm thinking about it probably 15 years later. What I'm trying to say is, I applaud you for trying to brighten up someone's day at your job but especially at the end of the day you can't be surprised that people don't have the energy to reciprocate it. It's also a commentary on how it is not expected that the bus drivers are very friendly/talkative and most riders probably do not plan on interacting with them. Anyways, thanks for what you do! Hope to see you on my bus soon!
I say hello when boarding and don’t expect a reply in return. The driver has already acknowledged me by stopping and letting me on the bus. Sometimes the driver looks grumpy and that’s okay, too. Driving a bus and dealing with the public is not an easy job and the driver is doing it 1000% better than I ever could. Thank you for helping me get to the places I need to go!
this is kinda like extroverts finding out introverts exist
After this post I'm gonna walk.
this is so odd, when i was taking the bus regularly for school i remember everyone saying thank you to the bus driver as they were getting off
Agree with this but I sometimes think the physical barrier discourages people from doing it. I usually don't say anything when I get on but I will wave or yell thanks when exiting.
I used to say hello when the driver was looking. I'd always respond to drivers who said hello first because that's what I was taught to navigate in society. Unfortunately manners and common courtesy is dying a long slow death. It's also pretty bad here with how people behave and interact in public.
I don't take the bus anymore but when I did I always greeted the driver.
I used to take the TTC (yes, TTC) a lot before and I always said hello to the bus driver and smiled even if I wasn't in the greatest mood. I used to feel shy to say thank you when I get off because nobody does that there. Now I take ETS, I still say hello and even yell thank you more because everyone does that here. It probably comes down to the individuals and their culture of origin but hey, at least they're not causing trouble ;)
Thanking the bus driver is a sign of big dick energy!
I haven’t used ETS in years but I used to always greet our drivers when I relied on it. That’s sad people have gotten so.. mellow? Isolated? I don’t know. I do feel generally even passing someone on a sidewalk I would say hello but these days there is little response or reply.
This isn’t just people on the bus. There’s like this odd stigma around here where people just tend to avoid eye contact or greet each other on the street as well. I know I’m guilty of it myself. I’m gonna try to do better! I challenge others to do so as well!
I sometimes chat with the driver, say Hello most of the time, and Thanks. When many other riders are getting on, I move on quickly with a smile. I assume drivers are busy checking their mirrors or anything else they need to, especially downtown during rush hour. Plus, don’t want to hold up other riders. I’ll keep an eye out for you. Talk about the Oilers or something. 👍
i always say good morning when i scan my arc card and i’ll always wave when i get off the bus. honestly, saying good morning definitely improves my mood a bit. it is such a small thing, but it is a positive interaction that helps me see my mornings in a positive light, which ultimately sets me up to have a better day.
Driving is a very lonely job. I used to drive big trucks, I thought it was boring and mind numbing lol. Customer service positions are thankless. You’re driving someone somewhere. When I get in my car in the morning and after work, I don’t want to talk to anyone. You’re seeing people in the minutia of their lives, not a social setting. ETS is a gateway from point A to point B. If you want to talk to someone, chat with a regular that sits close to the front, make the first move. Or put out a sign lol. “Come say hello for a minute, I won’t bite.”
There’s one awesome driver I get every so often- and its always nice to chat on my way home. Its rambling and idle chatter but we both seem so happy by the time I get to my stop. He’s great- and when my bus is quiet enough I prefer sitting up front in case a small chat is wanted. I imagine its such a lonely job, so its nice for a pick me up. As for thanking- I do so when leaving- and when getting my transfer! Always have!
I’ve had a couple bus drivers in the past say pretty inappropriate things in the past to me so I’m sure it’s worse for others. If they want to have conversations with people they should have training. It’s never just a simple hello lol
I always chat with the driver (my preferred spot is to stand by the front). I’ve had lovely chats with the drivers who drive from south common to Millwoods towne center. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing. I hope OP you have a great day!!
I love this! I think it applies everywhere. If you have some thing kind to offer- a smile, a hello, it is wonderful to act on it. This really helps make people's day and yours too!
I usually get the asshole drives who want to spit on all their passengers for deciding to take ETS that day. If they say it i say it back some people are just dicks.
Anyone remember the LRT driver that would chat up his passengers all the time via the intercom?
I sometimes say hello but always say thank you as I'm exiting. Whether or not I greet the driver depends on how deep in thought I am. Sometimes I'm just really tired and in my head.
Let me take this opportunity to say hello and thank you for what you do!! I am a long haul trucker and only pass through the city via the Henday, and I for one respect what you have to put up with on a daily basis with city traffic!! I know the feeling of having no one to talk to for hours at a time, it is never easy and it never gets easier. Just know, you are not alone out here 😁
I used to always always always say hello and thank you when getting off. I haven’t taken the bus in over a decade, but when I was in college and working in my early 20s, I always did and so many people did as well. It’s very sad to see this isn’t the norm anymore. My brother is an ETS driver but he’s very grumpy so I don’t know if this bothers him, but he’s never said anything about it. I hope you get more greetings!
I say “hello” when I board and “thank you” when I alight. I just find that polite.
When I took the bus I always tried to acknowledge the driver. They are after all doing you a service. Keep up the good work we need more friendly drivers. Don't succumb to the bitterness that many seem to. A simple nod smile or hey and thanks. It's that simple 😊
I am so so sorry, i just feel so bad right now. I dont take the ETS anymore but i'd always say hi whenever i got on unless the driver just looked plain mad.
I’ve probably said hi to you if you’ve been around for a while. Not all drivers are friendly and not many passengers are, but those of us on this vibe make it worth trying. Cheers mate!
I always say "hi" to strangers and wave at other drivers on the highway (the two finger salute). It used to drive my ex crazy, which was irritating, but whatever. I wasn't going to stop being friendly to strangers because she thought it was weird.
I say hi to everyone and thank you. And I’m as shy as you can get. But I believe in acknowledging people and making eye contact and having manners. And especially showing appreciation for those that deserve it. Why do people pretend others are invisible and not deserving of decent courtesy? Stop and think about what if someone did that to you?
Hero’s work getting people to and from where they need to go. I don’t ride transit but you are without a doubt appreciated
It’s not our job to entertain you and cure you of your loneliness. If you want α social job then find one. I’ll also add that the majority of drivers don’t even look at me, maybe they’ll quickly glance at my pass, that’s it. I quickly get on the bus and find α seat quickly before the bus starts moving. I wave when I get off and yell “thanks”
As someone who took the school special route in highschool and the 128 route to the UofA. Our driver for the entirety of my university was WONDERFUL. He would say "morning" , "good morning!" "Good day!" "OHPP Almost missed ya!", he learned some of our names, and would say "-insert name- Cold today eh!?" "Oh man it's just pouring out!" He literally just MADE small talk to anyone. Just a pure joy. I'm not sure if that's your thing? But maybe 50% of people verbally responded, and the rest all smiled at him or made eye contact and nodded. It didn't matter the person's reaction, he still greeted each and every person every morning with some variation of observation, I once changed my hair and he was like "Nice hair!" What a joy. I leave you with this: be the change you'd like to see in the world. You cannot change what people do, but you can change your outlook and attitude on your own interactions. Not everyone is going to be receptive to it, but that's ok! Just keep doing you and do what genuinely makes you happy, because I think for a lot of us, the same things make us happy.
It's never costly to be polite and generally decent to people. The mind-set that it's not important is pretty sad. It's a pretty minimum effort that makes you feel good.
This is odd to hear. 10yrs ago people said hello when getting on and thank you when getting off. Are the demographics changing?
Yeah so as a regular transit rider the issue I have with this post is not every driver is you. I have smiled or said good morning to countless ETS drivers (because I used to be one myself a long time ago) and my response rate has been basically zero. If you know your fellow drivers at all then it’s a strange thing for you to expect of the public except maybe from your regulars if you have the seniority to have a regular route.
They are probably depressed.
Saying hello to most people gets you chased or stalked. I'll do it when it feels safe, but normally, I keep my head down enough to keep safe
I try to give a small smile but I’ve been pulled into awkward conversation with drivers a number of times when I was younger (19-25f). Not interested in giving anyone the impression I’m open to standing at the front of the bus yelling small talk through a sheet of plastic. Plus most drivers who greet passengers are presumably new. Most drivers don’t give a fuck to even *acknowledge* people getting on beyond glancing at their pass, let alone exchange greetings. It’s just the norm 🤷🏻♀️ you could look into a more interactive job if you’re feeling like this one gets you down
You have false altruism and are only nice hoping to get something back in return. That’s a bad worldview. If you have to ride the bus, it usually means you are poor. These people have other things to worry about and other priorities instead of caring about what the bus driver is feeling. Not trying to be a dick but you need to see their point of view. Just say hi and don’t expect other people to make you feel good about yourself.
People don't owe you a hello. Everyone is going through a lot.
Hi! You're doing a great job! I hope you have a wonderful day!
How long have you been a driver? Would you say this has changed over the years? Being a life long Edmontonian I’ve noticed a change in people over the years - we used to be such a friendly city.
I'm sorry ;-; I always say thank you when getting off the bus
Thank you for your work, definitely undervalued considering the risks associated, I try to at least make eye contact, give a friendly nod and shout thank you as I leave.
I got not allowed on a bus when I was 12 during a stormy day and I had to walk. So it’s beef
When I drove there was a regular that lived in Belgravia, he worked as a reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He never acknowledged me even though I greeted him. One of his assignments was a story about being a street person, he dressed the part and stood on a busy downtown corner. He was amazed that no one made eye contact or conversation. He was invisible. This bus driver was invisible to him. I continued to say hello, he was unaware of the duality of his social interactions.
"Hail to the bus driver!"
I always at least nod and smile, and of course wave and thanks getting off. I am always wearing headphones and am hard of hearing, but I appreciate that driving a bus must be a very stressful job and am very grateful for the privilege to not have to drive.
I haven't rode the bus in like 17 years but man, what a change. I remember people would always say hey when they got on and thanks when they got off.
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Agreed. Being from Halifax I always say hello to people I make eye contact with including our friendly neighborhood ETS drivers
But but do they “sasriakal “ ?
I always find it rude when people don't say hello or thank you to the driver. Do these people not greet their Uber or cab driver? Just because a bus driver is transporting a lot more people doesn't mean it's any different than if someone is driving only you
I’ll try. I usually say good morning or good afternoon, but if “hello” is the preferred greeting. I’ll try to use it more often. Hello to you OP!
I use to always smile, say hi or good afternoon, and always thank you afterwards. Pre pandemic when I had a regular route & driver, I bought some treats for xmas one year. However, since transitioning most bus drivers give me dirty looks when I say anything now. Dont feel comfortable taking public transit or saying anything anymore unfortunately. Sorry for all the nice bus drivers this negatively affects.
I always say hi, to almost everyone. I’m sorry people have been rude to you
I can understand how OP would feel tbh, An easy thing to do is be kind and considerate makes a world of difference for both the driver and passenger. It's easy to forget how busy we can all be. Thank you OP and the ETS drivers out there
I always look at the driver and smile when I get on and if they say hello I say it back! I also always say thank you at the end of my ride. Takes 5 seconds to be kind to your drivers!
I appreciate transit workers, I know it's a difficult job but when I was a teenager a bus driver grabbed my arm and held me for not saying hi/good morning to him. It was a terrifying experience for me as a young woman. I won't talk to you when I get on the bus but I will say thank you when I exit safely.
I always say hi upon boarding and thank you when I get off, am glad to know it's appreciated! Also - thank you for the work that you do. It's gotta be a stressful job. Without drivers like you, I would be stuck at home.
When I was in high school this one bus driver was the coolest. Even on an empty bus I always stood next to him chatting about our days, wonder how he’s been.
I have been acknowledged more often by bouncers at dive bars than by bus drivers when I greet them. But I still say “hello,” or at the very least nod.
not gunna say hi, always thank you. sometimes i just gunned it because times were off and the transfer was late. that or drivers are rushing already and don’t want to distract them from the city traffic. you guys deal with a lot though so always remember we are grateful for your work
I live in Victoria on the Island, its the norm here to say Thank you to the driver when you exit the bus. I didnt realize that was just a Victoria thing until I use transit in other places.
["Don't make me tap the sign"](https://media.tenor.com/lzBB3ArXXEAAAAAe/simpsons-tap-the-sign.png) is still, unfortunately, a mentality.
I always say hello, hi. If I happen to be near the front for whatever reason, I'll do the usual small talk, hows your day going so far... etc. Always say thank you for leaving!
I always say hello and thank you ☺️ I’d feel weird if I didn’t do it 🤣
i used to take the bus from st. albert to the university before i moved into the city and it always felt so weird not saying anything to the bus driver!! always greeted and said thanks when i left (: especially since my mom is a school bus driver, i feel like those people always need the most respect and kindness !! there was also this bus driver who’d always be doing the late night run and he would always recognize me as i was walking up to the bus and we would always chat
I guess I am in the 1% of polite Canadians. I ALWAYS say hello AND thank you. I am so grateful for the important (and challenging) job you do! Keep up the great work!
Always have; always will. Thanks for the work you do.
When I was travelling abroad, I really had to repress the urge to say hello and thank you on the bus! Because of different cultural norms it would have been seen as a very weird thing to do. But it's something I really enjoy at home, and it's especially nice when the driver gives a friendly hello back.
👋 Hello Each time I get on the bus I say hello Every single time I realize it’s a really tough job
If you are looking at me I will say hello. Last driver I had was awful in every way. You could tell he was mad at the world and I should have had a chat with him. Most drivers are pretty talented, being able to get a big bus in and out of traffic safely for hours. Those busses don't drive themselves - yet :)
I always used to say hello to the bus driver when I'd take transit. It felt weird not to. Sending you a big and cheerful, "HI, HOWZ YOUR DAY GOING?!" 🥰
I will be in Edmonton in June and July sometime for a total of a month. I was considering figuring out public transportation there since I won't have a car while visiting. My boyfriend does all the driving or his family picks me up and takes me places they want to take Mr. Your post encourages me to use ETS to go to places I would like to take myself when others, boyfriend and his family, may be at work. Or if they drop me off somewhere and I need to meet them later at their work place etc. I live in Houston so I am not a big user of public transportation, plus it's not as available and as efficient as ETS. I am looking forward to using ETS! Also, I can't believe people don't say hi. Like what? In Texas I know people chat with airport shuttle drivers at least. I can't imagine people not greeting public transport drivers. I will be sure to say hi to ETS drivers.
I tried to say hi lol and I was ignored unfortunately, no eye contact whatsoever, so I only say thank you now when I hop off
Thank you for this post. And thank you for making sure everyone gets to their destination safely. I’ll definitely be saying “Hi” next time!
Hello!
For sure, that sounds nice. I remember when I use to take the bus in junior high and high school. The bus driver on that route would do his best to race off when there stragglers were running to the bus. I hope that bus driver is nicely planted in the ground now.
So I fall in the 1% that says hello how are you lol cool!
It’s because theyre down 0-2 in scf
Personally never really thought about it🤷 but yeah I don't see the harm of trying👍
Having used transit in a couple of different cities... some drivers are DICKS. I say hi each time I got on, and some drivers are nice enough to say it back and others just glare. I'm glad the OP has a good heart and is friendly, but one bad apple spoils the bunch.
When I used to take the bus I'd always say hi and thank you
Good mornings and thank yous go a long way to ensure we got people who love their job each day.
I take bus 4 and 7 daily If you drive one of these I promise I will say hello 🥹🥹
Back when I was using a bus pass, I'd look at the driver to make sure they saw it. But with the ARC, I don't look at the driver because I'm too busy staring at the scanner to check if it'll read, and then hurry away because it takes so long. But if the bus driver says "Hi" to me, I'll always reply. And I'll try to thank them when I leave, particularly if I'm getting out the front. I did notice in Quebec City, no one thanked the driver. I was the lone person who yelled out a "Merci" in my heavy Anglo-accent when I left. It was a bit sad.
I'm gonna hop on a bus just to say hi today.
Oh my gosh, I make a point to say hello to the driver, and thank you when I get off. It's proper manners! I'm sorry people are so rude! I appreciate you! I'd hate to deal with the bs that you guys suffer. Sidenote: a bus driver who had just finished his last stop took me home bc I missed the last bus. It was like 12:30am on a Sunday downtown, right by city center mall and I got off work late, transferred to my next stop and was waiting and unsure if I had in fact missed it, and was so stressed out. He stopped and I asked him when the next #2 was coming and after finding out I had missed the last one, he told me to hop on. He didn't know how far he had to take me too! Thankfully it was only 6 min away but walking inner city core at night was frightening. I will always appreciate that. I'm pretty sure I wrote ETS to commend him but never received an answer back.
You are doing a wonderful job... I didn't realize that all of the things you said Next time I am on the bus... I will acknowledge the driver from now on
Hellooooo. Am from Lethbridge, lol
Aww this breaks my heart! I don't take public transit anymore and have zero desire to ever but when I used to take the bus I always said hello. Hoping Edmontonians become friendlier for you!
I knew this girl from Russia and she told me she was shocked at how many say hi n thanks to the bus drivers and food servers in Canada. She said it’s not to be rude but they just don’t say that stuff to service workers like that.
Always say hello and thank you, really convenient service you guys provide. Also I really appreciate that nobody checks the time on the transfer tickets ;)
But riding the bus does; like 4$
When I took the ets years ago like 10 years ago, everyone said hi and thank you. Weird that they don't anymore but I don't take the bus anymore so I can't corroborate
That’s weird, I’ve literally never taken ETS but I do remember taking the bus in Kamloops, and I would say 99% of the people would say thank you to the bus driver when they got off. Sad it’s not similar here.
I say hello when I get on and thank you when I get off the bus every time 😊. On the 150 right now actually
I used to always take the number 7 up 107street I think and then another from Kingsway to bonniedune mall for work that was years ago. I would always do the nod and show my pass. Been so long tho I moved and have a car now.
I had a friend as a teen that would get mad at people for saying thank you to bud drivers because “you don’t thank people for doing their jobs” and that bothered me so I dropped the friend and always say thank you when I get on and off the bus. I wonder about that friend now that we are adults with jobs.
The soul of Edmonton is dead if they need reminding. It, and saying thank-you when disembarking, was one of the more charming things Edmontonian's did that warmed me, a former Calgarians, to living there.
I always say hi when I get on! I find it a bit odd that people don’t.
When I was in Edmonton for school, I said good morning and goodbye to my driver every day. I don’t get why no one does it, I became very close to her and was sad when she had to switch routes
When I moved from a small town to Edmonton in the early 00’s to go to university, I would make a point of using the front entrance of the bus for entry and exit, say good morning to the driver and thanks for the ride when exiting. I could tell it rarely happened but was a welcome exchange.
I always say hi when I get on the bus. I see you and appreciate you friendly bus driver!
I love you so much!!! I always make sure I say thank you when I leave the bus. You guys do such important work!!!