My Advice for Newbies

Deke's Note: Nearing my 13th anniversary on this Bus Operator Odyssey, I am already a crusty transit veteran. Sooner than I hoped. Mostly, I feel a kinship to those whose careers have more recently begun. Many veterans helped me navigate the toughest parts of being a newbie. Maybe because of the intensity of feelings I poured into this blog in the early days, they reached out and offered advice which still resonates. Here's a few tips they gave me. Some gentle, others a bit harsh yet now I realize how vital they remain.

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1) Show respect for your union brothers and sisters, and non-union workers too. There are so many ways to do this. The easiest, simplest way is to wave. Any transit vehicle is driven by someone whose job is directly supportive to ours. Some don't always wave back, but that doesn't matter. My wave is a sign of respect, whether another operator (rail, streetcar, or bus), supervisor, mechanic, whoever. Chances are, many of them began their careers exactly where we are now. It's important to recognize all who support us, whether shaggers in the yard, dispatchers, trainers, station agents, housekeeping in the garages. Each help make our shifts roll smoother. They all have challenges too, and their jobs are often  vital to ours. 

2) Be courteous to others while in uniform. Your presence in public is representative not only of yourself, but a few thousand others. Being kind and respectful can have a lasting impact. Conversely, rudeness or indifference is a negative reflection that can shape the public's impression of us as a whole. Many times someone has been rude to me because they said another operator pissed them off. You can be the epitome of kindness and human compassion and still be reviled by someone who had a negative interaction with a fellow operator. It's very difficult to always be on-point, in "Customer Servicey Mode" but it's important to at least try. Throw back equal negativity and you might be on the unwanted end of expressed anger you don't need. I've learned this the hard way. One day I was angry and stressed when totally out of the blue, a disgruntled person began berating me as "just another asshole bus driver." I spat back with equal fury, defensive and combative. The result was my nearly being assaulted. The next time that happened, I took a breath, turned and smiled. "I'm so sorry that happened, how can I help you?" It stopped their negativity, and the conversation took a hard left turn. We parted amicably rather than at extreme odds. Plus, it helped me feel better to assist someone.

3) Help your leader or follower. Each of us have tough runs sometimes. Circumstances make us late, passengers can be challenging, pedestrians or other motorists can scare bodily fluids out of us. If you catch up to your leader it's probable you have a light passenger load while they are at capacity. When this happens, call Dispatch and let them know you're right on your leader's tail. They will likely put your leader in Drop Off Only. If possible, I will pass my leader and pick up those who have been waiting longer than they anticipated. They often berate me for being "late" when I'm actually not. Knowing my leader, now behind me, will likely be servicing every stop to drop pax off, I can take load off them. Then, at the end of the line, it's respectful to park in the last position. When they finally arrive, I'll take a few moments to make sure they're okay, offering support and letting them know it's okay to take the time they need to recover. Too often, we feel pressured to Turn & Burn. It's vital to take enough time to use the restroom, have a snack and take a few breaths. Get back in the seat too soon and you risk ruining your day, or someone else's.

4) Clean up after yourself. If you drive early in the day, chances are another operator will drive that vehicle later. My shift is mid-afternoon to 1:00 a.m. Nearly every day, I'm treated to another operator's mess, along with passenger trash and lost items. A few weeks ago, I found a small ice chest on the wheel well. Inside was a propane tank. Not only was it a hot day, making the bus very warm, but that item is prohibited on a transit vehicle. Luckily, I found a trainer in the yard who was able to properly handle the "HOT" item. Whoever drove that bus earlier should have cleared the item instead of leaving it for the next operator. Additionally, our transit agency contracts with businesses to provide restroom facilities. While these entities are paid to clean up, it's disrespectful to leave a mess behind. Please leave facilities in better condition than you find them. Your follower will appreciate it.

5) Never assume, always ask. Depending on bullpen discussions can lead to disastrous outcomes. If you're not sure about something, there are many reliable resources. Dispatch, trainers, supervisors, station agents, union reps, all are either able to answer your question or point you to someone else who can. 

6) If you're sick, mark off. Also consider doing so if you have stressful personal issues or don't feel 100% before your shift. It can be difficult enough to work under ideal conditions, but when you're not feeling well, please care for yourself first.

7) At layovers, you don't need 4-way flashers. They're unnecessary unless you're broken down, in an emergency or loading bikes or passengers who use mobility devices. Portland transit has been around over a century. Other motorists usually recognize a bus is parked and not in service. Flashing lights are annoying to those who live in the neighborhood, and especially to your fellow operators enjoying a few minutes on break.

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Hey, it's a tough job sometimes. But we're surrounded by people who are, or have been, in your shoes. We have many options of support. Don't be afraid to ask the question, unless you're willing to sacrifice a career based on an assumption. I've asked many questions I thought "stupid", and the answers saved my bacon.

Safe travels, y'all.