For the fun of it

Why is it that when one of the Great Unwashed learn something they don't like the sound of, they choose to automatically think that the bus driver is somehow mistaken or that they've misheard.

"What time is the last bus, mate?"

"5.50 tonight."

"Are you sure?"

"Actually, no I'm not. There's one a 10. I'm glad you told me to double check my first statement!"

The other is when a passenger purchases a return ticket. This, naturally, sees the passenger pay for their outward and return journeys when they board and a discount on two singles is offered as the passenger has chosen to return with us. If a single fare is, say, £2.00, the return will be around the £3.00 mark, offering a saving of £1. The journey allows you to go from A to B and then return from B to A during the same day. Some passengers think it entitles them to get off at Stop Z or Stop Y and then go and see their friend at Stop X before continuing with their journey. It does not. Some tickets on the train allow you to do this, but this is a bus, not a train. Apart from the obvious physical difference, the per mile cost is about 10 times less on a bus, though the way passengers moan about the cost of their fare.

"Alright, mate. With this return, can I stop off at Morrisons on the way back and get back on?"

"No, if you want to break your journey you need to buy a day ticket."

"Oh really? Only I only need to nip into Morrisons for a few bits."

Notice how the fact they only want to buy some batteries or tampax somehow made a difference from their first statement, which they were concerned was worded to imply they'd be getting back on with a trolley full and that somehow this made their de-legitimised their request.

The day ticket is only a few pence more than many of our return fares yet some just don't research the information before travelling. Some routes I drive are OK as they are wholly within certain urban areas which offer a cheaper day ticket. The more rural routes are worse as they only offer the more expensive day ticket which some people seem to, on principle, choose not to buy.

And then there are those who don't look at your destination and flag you down and ask for somewhere that you're not going to. The only time a bus driver can get his own back here is when he/she is travelling 'Not In Service' and the cretin will still flag you down as you glide by...

Common Sense Solution: Sadly, there isn't one. Is is human nature to question anything you're told that you don't like the sound of? I don't do that. I think it is because passengers don't now see a bus driver as holding much authority. He is the guy they begrudgingly hand over their hard-earned money to.