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BUS DRIVER DAVE'S BETTER BUSING TIPS
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Greater Vancouver keeps growing but the bus system hasn't kept pace, leaving bus riders facing pass-ups, crowded buses and delayed trips.
Bus drivers - like bus riders - live this situation every day and share many of the same frustrations, but safety concerns usually mean they can't talk to passengers and give them their views or advice.
So Bus Driver Dave - one of Greater Vancouver's 2900 drivers - has given us his ideas and tips on how passengers can cope with our transit crisis and get where they want to go more quickly - and safely.
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Submit your own RIDER TIPS TO BUS DRIVER DAVE!!
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| Bus Driver Tip #1 - Take the 2nd Bus when two arrive! |
Before boarding a crowded bus, look to see if there's another bus following. You will probably find the second bus far less crowded and chances are you will arrive at your stop only a few seconds later than you would have if you had boarded the first bus.
Despite the fact there are two buses running together, passengers always seem to crowd onto the first bus - human nature? - slowing down both buses.
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| Bus Driver Tip #2 - Don't run after or bang on the bus! |
Please do not run after the bus or bang on the side of the bus if you just miss getting on.
Why? It makes the bus late and you could cause a serious accident.
And a bang on the bus sounds exactly the same as a collision. It alarms the driver and passengers and causes stress.
The driver could suddenly slam on the brakes and cause an unprepared passenger to fall. If the passenger is a senior or someone with a physical disability, a fall could result in a broken hip or other serious injury.
And when the bus is stopped to board passengers, cyclists will overtake and pass the bus. When the cyclist is at the midway point of the bus, the driver cannot see the cyclist in the mirror. If the bus is leaving the stop and the driver is suddenly distracted by a bang on the bus, the consequences could be fatal for the cyclist.
While running for the bus, far too many passengers have suffered heart attacks, slipped and injured themselves, fallen under the bus, knocked over seniors, been struck by cars, collided with cyclists, street poles and other objects.
Running for the bus can literally be deadly - it's just not worth it!
And that's why bus drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers after they have left a stop - it's a Coast Mountain Bus Company safety policy.
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| Bus Driver Tip #3 - Tell the driver what you want! |
When paying cash, tell the bus driver what type of transfer that you want as you board the bus. For example "two zone adult" or "single zone concession ticket, please driver" etc.
Telling the driver what kind of transfer you require before paying your fare gives the driver time to program the farebox so the correct ticket is dispensed without delay to you and everyone on the bus.
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| Bus Driver Tip #4 - Lend the driver a hand and get there quicker! |
Sometimes passengers are new to an area and require lengthy, detailed directions to get to places that are easily seen from the bus.
Other passengers can help speed up the service by offering visitors the personal attention the driver doesn't have time for. This kind of assistance is greatly appreciated and speeds up the trip.
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| Bus Driver Tip #5 - How to not miss your bus at night! |
If it's late at night or you are in a suburb where bus service is infrequent here's how to safely make sure you don't miss your bus.
As the bus arrives, wave to catch the driver's attention. At night it is more difficult to determine if there is anyone waiting.
If the bus driver closes the doors just as you arrive you can call out or wave.
Give the driver a chance to get a good look at you and assess the situation.
Remember, the driver has to make sure it is safe before he or she opens the doors.
Please do not bang on the doors however - as stated above, that can cause a serious accident and bus drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers after they have left a stop - it's a Coast Mountain Bus Company safety policy.
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| Bus Driver Tip #6 - Arrive early to catch your bus and get there on time! |
Some riders tell me: "Whenever I arrive at the bus stop, the bus is just leaving! I always miss the bus!"
It's simple - try to arrive at your bus stop five minutes early. You can check the schedule (http://www.translink.bc.ca) to find out when your bus is supposed to arrive at your stop. And if you try to catch an earlier bus you allow extra time for unscheduled delays - so you arrive on time!
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| Bus Driver Tip #7 - How to help get better service on your route! |
During rush hours, buses operate more frequently so the chances of missing buses are increased. In theory, the next bus is supposed to arrive within a few minutes (depending on your location).
But use your watch and time how long it actually takes. Long, unscheduled and repeated delays should be noted and reported to Coast Mountain Bus Company, so they can try and fix the problem with better service.
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| Bus Driver Tip #8 - What to do if you don't have sufficient change to get home! |
If you do not have sufficient change to get home start by telling the driver if you require a transfer and what type - for example "single zone adult fare, please."
Give the driver a chance to program the farebox and then pay your fare. If you have paid insufficient fare, the farebox will hold your cash and no ticket will be issued. Then tell the driver you don't have sufficient change.
The driver may tell you what the correct fare is. Do not argue with the driver, as informing passengers of the correct fare is his or her job. Acknowledge the driver's instructions and request a transfer if you need one. Follow the driver's instructions.
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| Bus Driver Tip #9 - How to get better service and more buses now! |
Frustrated with the lack of buses in Greater Vancouver? Tired of long bus rides caused by heavy traffic congestion?
So are your bus drivers.
So let's work together. You can send letters and emails asking transit authorities to construct bus lanes and bus priority facilities to get transit vehicles out of traffic jams.
And you can lobby the provincial government and transit authorities to buy more buses now. Send an email to the Transportation Minister, the Premier and your local MLA through this website! |
Thanks for the hand - Driver Dave |
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Rider Tips