[nabs-l] bus driver frustrations

Tue Apr 19 06:28:21 UTC 2011

Homberto,
  One thing I always do is sit in the very front of the bus, or as
close to it as I can.  That way it's easier to talk to the
driver...although, if he's being an ass, I guess that doesn't make
much of a difference.  (or, rather, if he/she is being an ass.   I
gotta be politically correct.  Wouldn't want to offend anyone.)  If
you were farther back it's possible the driver couldn't hear
you...although he still definitely should've told you the bus number
regardless.  The only advice I can give is to make sure you ask the
people on the bus to help you out if the driver's being an idiot.
And, if you're dealing with a bad driver, don't be afraid to file a
report with the bus company.  Sometimes they take things like that
seriously...and, even if they don't, it's good to let them know.
  And remember most bus drivers are pretty ok.  Don't let one crappy
experience ruin it for you...just cause there's a bad apple in a bag
it doesn't mean you throw all of them out.  Keep riding, don't be
afraid to ask strangers to help if you need to...and always remember
that, if all else fails, parents or friends can help bail you out of a
really tight spot.  And there's always a cab, or if you miss your stop
it's not really difficult to catch a bus going back the other way.
Annoying as heck, but doable if you really have to...and it's ok to
ask for help finding the bus stop or whatever, especially in a place
you don't really know all that well.  So...basically, if you miss your
stop for whatever reason, it's not the end of the world.  You can ask
directions, or maybe even ask someone to help you find the nearest bus
stop to catch a bus going back the way you came if you feel like you
need to.  (and, I'm pretty sure lots of really independent travelers
ask for that kind of help, particularly in areas they aren't really
familiar with)
  Anyways, sorry for the rambling.  Happy riding!
  Take care,
Kirt

On 4/18/11, humberto <humbertoa5369 at netzero.net> wrote:
> Yes, he just ignored me, either that, or he just shook his head
> maybe. He shd've at least that I'm blind and that I can not hear
> his head rattle. He should have at least told me something!
>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: <bookwormahb at earthlink.net
>>To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>Date sent: Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:05:52 -0400
>>Subject: Re: [nabs-l] bus driver frustrations
>
>>Humberto,
>>What did he do? Just ignor you?
>>That's a bad experience; I'd try and get his name to report him
> next time;
>>report to the transit company I mean.
>>If you don't know his name, but you still have the bus number and
> street you
>>were at, you could probably still file a complaint.
>>Yes drivers are supposed to tell you verbal info like this as an
>>accomodation; yes they should be nice to all people; after all
> they are
>>supposed to serve the public!
>>But sadly, they don't always do their job. If I were you, I'd ask
> before
>>getting off the bus to a passenger to ensure you were at the
> right stop.
>>If you are lost and cannot find your way, I'd just go to a
> business where
>>you know you're at an address and then call a cab to get you home
> or to your
>>destination.
>>You cannot just call a cab though on a city block. You got to
> have an
>>address; that is why I suggest going into a store.
>>Of course if you can ask questions and figure out your location,
> you may be
>>able to get a different bus or something to get un-lost.
>>But if Not, IMO, a cab is a safe and reliable alternative.
>
>>Ashley
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: humberto
>>Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 10:29 PM
>>To: nabs-l at nfbNet.org
>>Subject: [nabs-l] bus driver frustrations
>
>>Hello dear students:
>>Today I had a bad experience while riding the city bus on my
>>town.
>>Well, Bus drivers are usually quite good about letting me know
>>which bus number I am getting on, and sometimes they call on my
>>stop when I want to get off. But today, I was trying to tell the
>>driver what bus number I was getting on, and he did not answer. I
>>kept telling him and telling him over and over and he * will not
>>* answer my question.
>>Once again, I was trying to tell him where I wanted to get
>>dropped off, which street and bus stop and everything, and he **
>>ABSOLUTELY DID NOT ** respond to my questions and so I kept
>>insisting and insisting over and over. The ones who helped more
>>where strangers who were on the bus rather than this stupid bus
>>driver that will not communicate with me and will not answer my
>>questions of whether it was the right bus and the right stop and
>>did not even call out bus stops! I'm sorry if I sound a little
>>too blunt, but what can I do? I felt so frustrated! Had anyone
>>have these issues before? Any other terrible experiences that you
>>might be willing to share? Again I'm frustrated about this bus
>>driver and I'm afraid that it will happen again in a near future
>>and get dropped off at the wrong stop possibly at the other side
>>of the city or perhaps at other city. Aren't bus drivers supposed
>>to be nice? Any thoughts? Ideas? Concerns? Tips? suggestions?
>>Cheers, Humberto
>
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