Forum Topic

Extraordinary bus driver's attitude

I was totally gobsmacked on Saturday when a driver on the E2 refused to open the front doors until I'd got off via the back ones. Has anyone else come across such a jobsworth?I'd been sat in one of the first seats anyway and usually get off at the front – unless there is a crowd or a pushchair to come on – even if I am going to be heading down the road rather than up it, as I like to say thank you to the driver on the way out. Well, not to this one! He didn't say anything at all and there was an embarrassing pause; a chap outside at the stop was clearly as confused as I. We were both just stood helplessly on opposite sides of the glass. I thought to ask: 'Doesn't this open?' The driver avoided my eyes but indicated the rear doors with a jerk of his thumb. Incredulous, I realised what was going on. Health & safety?! Regulations?!I said: 'You're not serious?' He stared fixedly ahead. The chap outside was tapping on the doors (it was raining slightly). This driver, this poor man must despise his job – and people – so very much. I just had to smile sadly and shake my head as I got off at the rear and walked up back past the now-open front doors...

Stuart Maddison ● 6736d6 Comments

I've had the opposite on route E2. The driver opened the front doors while I was waiting to alight at the rear doors. No-one was getting on.Maybe those drivers should be transferred to route E10 where the buses only have front doors.

Alan Brainsby ● 6736d

I've noticed that drivers on the E3 often don't open the front doors till people have finished getting off at the back. I assumed they were waiting for a bit of free space inside!

Susan Kelly ● 6735d

"I'd been sat in one of the first seats anyway and usually get off at the front – unless there is a crowd or a pushchair to come on"I find that an extraordinary attitude. Buses have two doors in order to speed up boarding and alighting.  If there's anyone at all about to board, your exit through the front door will delay them.  I know it's only a second or two, but if everyone did that, all bus journeys would be several minutes longer.

Richard Jennings ● 6735d

I'm really quite slim and would be sure to in no way delay anyone using a bus' double doors, I assure you  :-]

Stuart Maddison ● 6729d

Maybe closing the rear doors before opening the front doors is to stop freeloaders boarding unnoticed while the driver is engaged in checking the more, but not entirely, honest fare-paying passengers. How often has anyone of us boarded a bus or gone through Oyster gates with some individual trying to sneak in behind?

Alan Brainsby ● 6729d

Stuart,I think it is you who is being troublesome here. Why don't you just abide by the long established and accepted method of getting off a bus?If you were to trip and fall getting out out of the front doors and for some reason sued the bus operator for your injuries,the bus driver would most likely lose his job or at best get a right b******ing over it.It seems to be an increasing phenomenon this...challenging rules for the sake of it instead of realising that they are usually there for a reason.No wonder the driver'despises people'though probably only thoose who give him a hard time,like yourself by the sound of it.

Keith Iddon ● 6729d