The skills needed by teachers are helpful in being a transit operator on school trips. I don’t like receiving a coach from relief that has had a morning school trip where fast food wrappers and spilled drink cups litter the floor. I keep in mind the rider on her way to an important job interview, …
Author Archives: driverdoug2002
Not All Stops are Equal
When buses are missing, the time between buses doubles so waiting time increases. It can become very unclear to those standing at or near multiple line bus stops why the bus passes by. The bus is full because double headway means double passenger load. One phrase used frequently by bus drivers are the phrases, “my …
Loading Zone
How long can you stay before you see red?
The Fare Box
Surveys of time use show much time is spent in the bus zone loading passengers. Although this would seem to be a revenue loser as those who board in the rear would be evading the fare, my experience has been most riders are honest and pay their fare share by coming to the front door …
Thank You for Riding
We keep the heat off in the bus so no one falls asleep!
The Overhead
One of the differences our corridor streets have that most cities have lost, are the sets of wires over the center of the lanes. Only nine US cities still have overhead from the 50’s. Newer trams recently built may be increasing this number. In SF, we have numerous utility poles alongside the sidewalk that have …
The Noodle
Pulling out without conflict–an age old dilemma!
Blind Spots
Our New Flyer Trolleys will have an important modification over the first order of motor coaches. The left side of our exterior mirrors will be below our line of sight, and not above. This elevation change means we can turn left and see where we are headed. We still have the stanchion between the front …
In God– In Gold We Trust
Quick—What’s the oldest profession? Nope—not Prostitution. It’s Mining! Sure, after the mine is established, the workers may need the second oldest profession, but we as a Realm, a World, a social-memory complex–have always trusted Gold. Does Russia trust China? Does Iran trust Saudi Arabia? Does Turkey trust Turkmenistan? Who knows–but I wouldn’t put up any …
Sit Back and Watch the Show
When I get into trouble, it becomes difficult to know what action to take, especially if I am in a rush. Paradoxically, it is when I am in a compromise, that my choice needs to be decisive and clear. If I am not in a good space, I am apt to be in “an accident.” …
The Dao of Doug: A Bus Driver's Perspective 