I feel bad for the bus driver. Arrive too early and people are upset if you miss the bus because it goes by before you arrive. Get to the stop late and others are frustrated because you’re behind schedule, they’ll miss their connection, they’ll be late for work or an appointment, or they’re left standing in the cold wondering if they somehow missed the bus.
Apps like NextBus for smartphones fill a niche when it comes to finding out if you’ve missed a bus or it’s just running a few minutes late. If you fall behind schedule, as the bus driver, it seems highly unlikely that you would be able to make up time at any one point. Especially for city buses, it seems as though the proverbial deck is stacked against you. Between vehicular traffic, passenger drop off and pick up, weather conditions (as is the case here in Minnesota), and city speed limits, there’s an awful lot preventing drivers from being able to find a few extra minutes to shave off the commute.
In the end, there are so many factors causing the bus to be late potentially that it’s hard to blame the driver. Really it’s not their fault. Navigating the multitude of obstacles is not something I want to do; and that, is one of the main reasons I take the bus. Consider my outsourcing of driving. Put me on an open road and I’m good to go. Stick me in congestion and slow moving traffic and I’ll pass.
In short, thanks bus driver. I don’t envy you, but I appreciate you making my commute a little easier. I just wish I knew if you were running ahead, behind, or on time.
