The Dao of Doug: A Bus Driver's Perspective

Why I Wrote This Book

I was asked about why I wrote a book about being a bus driver in San Francisco. The first reason was in answer to why I am here. “We are all here to do what we are all here to do,” as the Oracle tells Neo in the matrix trilogy. Being of service, was and is, my first motive to get what I learned, down on paper: As a guide for those who follow me, at the job, to have a higher vantage point with which to see what lies on the road ahead. And not just with the drive-cam evidence at a disciplinary hearing! To get us on the same page. And for the public at large to get an understanding, a wake up call, to learn how to smooth the ride.

Where we place the door seems to baffle most intending passengers. The distraction of showing a transfer at an awkward, unsafe moment, also causes complaints to arise, from our tone of voice, with a complete lack of understanding about why. Our passion about safety is a first priority, and the challenge is in trying to relay much experience in a very short attention span. This relay is what this book is all about. We have reasons for why we do what we do, and if this is understood, another angel can be with us on the bus, and not in the complaint cue.

When a patron rushes to the door, they are just as unsure about what to expect from the bus driver, as am I, of them. If anything written here stirs controversy, though not my intent, it would be to get in to a conversation about what has worked, and that which has not: To see through eyes of interconnectedness, not isolated in our car, with the windows up, except only for an arm with a hand sticking out with the single middle finger in the air as it passes by the bus: Over the double line, at an unsafe speed, just missing a head-on with an oncoming car, or a person in the next crosswalk up ahead!

It is the “caution and re-instruct” love letter from our superintendent, after an incident, without a hearing of the necessary clarity about our part, and their part, in causing the conflict. Or the solution for next time and our Zen-like mastery to state our needs for safety without an angry or harsh tone. Preconceived notions or attachment to something else is usually behind a service complaint. Usually it is not what is said, but the tone in which it was said. In the flash of the pan moment, this becomes almost impossible; but on the pages of this tome, a “space cushion” remains.

This space cushion, with which we are trained, to keep around our bus at all times, goes a long way in explaining why we are splitting the lane, driving down both lanes of traffic in the Mission, or on Van Ness. We are avoiding car doors, skaters, bike riders, and the person with the door open at their parked car. We can’t answer your question right now, because we are busy looking at the show in front of, and up to, one to two blocks ahead! Now sit down and shut-up, please. Or as you sometimes say to us, “Shut-up and drive the bus.” and “Just do your job.”

Surprise surprise. We are, and you’re not helping!
I am continually returned to the state of abashment: to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of: my integrity and experience of my job: Someone that enters and alights before I have a chance to answer, and complains of discourtesy. A motorist that rushes ahead only to block the lane to wait for a parking space. A “fixie” on his bike that passes on the right only to block a right turn on red. An assigned penalty in a love letter that proposes no solution: The other reason for this book is to respond to the continual bombardment from the press, the public, and those in “authority,” of our operators’ response, “Try a week, a day behind the wheel, and then tell me what you think!”

In the past year, I have received feedback from passengers, co-workers, and other newer operators, and I hope this follow-up sequel answers the questions I still get about issues or topics not in “Finding Zen.” The glossary in the back of book one, and here in this sequel, helps in understanding words with which you may be unfamiliar.
Fortunately, there are classes on a regular basis in the training department that keep the information fresh: we have CAC training (Collision Avoidance Class); VTT class (Verified Transit Training); and Re-qualification, after not having been behind the wheel for 60 days. This Line Trainer’s Guide is just another point of information to get us on the same page. When I see the small coincidence of right action and joy around me on the bus and on the street, I get such a smile and a laugh and realize I am in the right place at the right time.

My mission in writing about the art of driving a bus is to create a willingness to take public transportation and give up the car—at least for many trips that could reduce traffic and live cheaper.

That this book, and the story within its’ chapters, are from intense passions released in the never dull moments of driving a ten ton vehicle on overhead wires in San Francisco. The life of a trolley operator contains so much challenge I don’t ever need look elsewhere to stay on my toes. Thank You for Reading! Thank You for Riding!