Great Expectations

I pick up a runner crossing from the far-side corner after I turn the corner and wait for him to come to the rear door as I toggle the rear door open.  A little boy with tears in his eyes giving the constant low moaning wail of not getting something he wants, lights up and goes quiet when I hand him a transfer for being a big boy. A late boarder slips in a dollar and takes a transfer from the top of the fare box and moves back down the aisle without showing the discount card.  

Sounds like a commendation on the way for being an expert operator, right?  Fat chance.  In fact, these actions may work against me in the long run, especially with my coworkers.  The common thread in these three examples, and many such others is this: I am creating great expectations.  The most cunning baffling and powerful demon facing a transit operator within this City by the Bay are unrealistic expectations from the service provided by the SFMTA.

Allowing large tour buses to use our bus zone for pickup for a dollar a day is an unrealistic expectation from our elected leaders about the value and worth of this curb space real estate, and keeping the city bus running on time. Not reading the head-sign of our coach, and asking questions after boarding and passing the yellow line, create distractions and delays. This need not be if the questions were asked at the bus stop while waiting. Separating yourself from those waiting for ride shares and shuttles, and those who have not bathed for several weeks also helps in getting our front door by your side.

Texting on a phone or wearing earbuds cuts off this important connection between riders.  All of this has a theme: a lack of willingness, coupled with great expectations, leads to failure of service. The failure to make a ride on the bus.

Here are some tips: if you can’t make it to the bus stop by judging the coach speed, don’t run away from where you are. Moving targets are hard to hit! Move to the corner where there is a stop sign. We don’t want to make an extra stop, and if you are by a crosswalk, stay there.  Step down, when safe, and raise your arm to hail us. The biggest mistake is that late runners run toward the coach, shortening reaction time to make a stop. If anything, walk in the same direction of travel as the bus, extending stopping time, and then raise your hand and stand still. Step down where we can see you, and create a fixed point.

You don’t have to run across to a far side stop, just wait at the near side corner, and smile. Most stoplights are short in cycle, and we’ll probably get a red by the time we get there. When you are in the Zen and remain calm and project dignity, you will appear attractive. We don’t want to pickup distracted and annoyed energy. Pounding on the door does not increase your chances if you want to get on the bus.