Convo with my bus driver changed how I see commutes

I was heading home on the 47 bus last Thursday and this driver named Dave just started talking. He's been driving for 22 years. He said he treats every passenger like a guest in his living room, not just cargo. That hit me hard because I always zone out with headphones on. He remembers regulars' stops and even their kids' names. I asked why he bothers and he just said "it makes the day shorter." Now I actually put my phone down and say hi. Anyone else ever get a lesson from a stranger in a random place?

3 comments

3 Comments

reese_lee91d ago

Makes you realize how much we miss with headphones on.

keith_bennett1d ago

Surprising what you catch without them blocking everything out.

the_anthony1d ago

Dave's been driving for 22 years and he still thinks chatting up every passenger is the way to go? I'd bet money half those people just want to sit in peace after a long shift. Not everyone wants a living room experience on a city bus at 6pm. Some of us have headphones because we don't want to hear about your grandkids or the traffic on Main Street. The guy probably remembers kids' names because he's bored out of his skull and that's the only entertainment he's got. Zone out, ignore the driver, that's your right. You paid for a ride, not a friendship.