Driver2165

Yesterday on the 46, I was driving along and I was paying close attention to a blind intersection on a curve. In fact, my attention was too close and I nearly passed up an elderly gentleman who was on the opposite side of the street. I had to brake hard, and made him walk about 80 feet, but he made it. I felt real bad, actually. Nine times out of ten when that happens, it's not the driver's fault (if you act like somebody who's just walking down the street guess what happens) but this was completely my fault. It turned out to be a very animated French guy who held out that morning's paper and said "For you." What a sweetie! He only rode for about a mile, but he was awesome. I was all set to give him the special 6 hour transfer that I reserve for special people (OK I've never given one out), but he declined.

Tonight we had free rides from 4pm to 9pm on account of the Holidazzle parade. First of all, you'd think that if your bus driver is saying something, you might pay attention, especially when what he is saying is "Free Rides Tonight!" In the time it takes an average person to put money in the farebox, I can say "Free Rides Tonight! Excuse me, the ride is free! Have a seat, there's no fare!" How many people put a dollar in before looking at me with an expression that looked too similar to one that goes with "Look! The monkey is trying to say something! OMG Bus drivers talk! What's he saying? I wasted a dollar?" Seriously, it's like pulling teeth to get people to not pay on no fare night. I shit you not, I had to sit there and argue about it with a few people. I actually ran late all night because people would not sit down. All of this brings me to the second point. When I started driving five years ago, we used to have these black vinyl farebox hoods. They were brand new. We used them for one day. They were awesome. We ran on time that day. Seattle has little cardboard dealies that you block the coin and bill slots with.

It was a good night anyway.