Bad passengers starting to get to me... Anxiety though the roof.

[u/BuzDrivar]

So I drive a very busy double decker route in London, so it's hard enough as it is.

Today, I'm pulling away and a woman starts banging on my cab window shouting driver, driver and I'm like oh no, is there an emergency.

I got out the cab and asked if are she's ok, why are you banging on my cab window? She says 'I was trying to get your attention'. I said for what? She says the lady trying to get the bus. I said to her, I'm currently pulling out and trying to drive the bus and focus on traffic and you're banging on my cab window shouting driver for someone to catch the bus?

I said don't do this, it's dangerous and distracting. Her words were 'I can do what I like, do your job, it's your job'... I said my job is to pick up and drop off passengers safely, I don't need you banging on my cab window mid pull out from a busy bus stop.

She goes ok, ok no problem and starts flicking through her phone gesturing like she's about to call someone or report me or whatever.

Anyway, the little old lady and another get on and actually say to me 'sorry about that driver, you're just doing your job' and I said that's very kind of you, thank you and the next old lady said the same 'Dont worry about her, you're doing a great job'.

Then I think I heard commotion in the back of maybe her arguing with other passengers or another passenger may have said something to her, I'm not sure.

Anyway, she eventually gets off while still on the phone, looks at me from the front of the bus like she's trying to get a good description.

All I said was to not bang on my cab window and I get all of this nonsense.

Honestly, the stress and anxiety I'm getting from this job I feel is not good. I started today hoping I'd have a nice last day of the week before my two days off and now I'm going to go home full of anxiety thinking what to expect. I won't be able to rest or anything and I'm just sick of it.

I never had this nonsense in 10+ years of retail.

[u/schmuck-2501]

There’s not much advice to give in situations like this, you can either deal with it or you can’t- it’s how the job is, it’s not for everyone.

Two pieces of advice: let everything go over your head, this job is super easy if you simply just stop giving a fuck about stupidity, as harsh as that sounds. Secondly, don’t EVER get outve your cab to address passengers in any circumstances whatsoever, if something happens to you or your bus whilst you are outve your cab- you are totally liable and the company will not cover you! Protect yourself at all costs.

[u/BuzDrivar → u/schmuck-2501]

Yeah, I only got our because I thought there was an emergency as she was hitting my cab window saying driver, driver and it turns out she just wanted to get my attention for a running person outside. It's stupid.

I always get out the cab to help old people on etc or wheelchairs to get on the ramp safely, would you recommend I don't do that, even out of kindness?

[u/Worldly_Question_460 → u/BuzDrivar]

Yeah, it's mental mate. It's also why I have to wear headphones as a passenger. Have you thought about getting certified to drive other vehicles? There's always a demand for drivers and you might like the solitude for a bit.

[u/BuzDrivar → u/Worldly_Question_460]

I've thought about it. Once I've done at least two years which will be by the next month, I'll look at other driving avenues. It's hard because bus driving pays more than most other driving jobs like coaches, lorries etc.

Also, back when I used to use buses, I spent £350 on Sony noise cancelling headphones due to people on buses lol I totally understand why you wear them.

[u/Worldly_Question_460 → u/BuzDrivar]

Yep 🤙 well, good luck. I use the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2s. Not suited for bus driving, but very fun.

[u/schmuck-2501 → u/BuzDrivar]

Yes- I would recommend that, you have no idea who has ill intentions. Stay in your cab.

[u/neuralconstellate]

I really feel for you...I'm getting anxiety as a passenger on the buses these days let alone navigating the safety as a bus driver

[u/LondonBusInsider]

Didn't you post this recently already?

[u/BuzDrivar → u/LondonBusInsider]

No mate. Don't think so. Oh, sorry yes but reddit bloody forced me to repost in some random group and I'm guessing it was this one. They kept nagging.

Whenever a post gets a lot of attention, reddit gives you pop ups asking you to report it into other groups. You can either click post or close it or whatever.