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Friday Fun Poll: Do you say “Thanks” to bus drivers?

Friday Fun Poll: Do you say “Thanks” to bus drivers?

Photo of a bus driver
Now that's a happy driver... maybe somebody said, "thanks!"

I’m sure many of you notice it. Many of you actually do it yourselves. And many of you wonder why other people do it. I’m talking about saying “Thanks” to the driver before you step or roll off the bus.

It happens all the time. You hear it more on some routes than others. Often, you never know who’s going to say it and who isn’t. Some say that it’s a Metro Vancouver phenomenon; others say it happens in other parts of the world like Sydney. I know I’ve witnessed it on buses in the prairies before, but I’ve never seen it in other cities like New York, Tokyo or London while there.

There are those who think saying “Thanks” to your bus driver is ridiculous. And perhaps hearing the word all day starts being monotonous and annoying for some drivers. Others see it as a polite thing to do, especially it’s heartfelt. Regardless, it happens, and people do notice it. I know I do it even if I’m at the back of the bus and need to holler it. But I also know that I didn’t do it when I first moved here. After witnessing it a few times, I thought I’d do the same, figuring it would be a nice thing to hear, especially if a driver was having a hard day.

In an effort to see how widespread this custom is, I thought it would be a fun question to ask as a Friday Fun Poll. But don’t just stop after answering the poll question. Why do you think people in Metro Vancouver thanks bus drivers before getting off the bus? Leave your thoughts in the Comments section. I’m curious to hear what you have to add on the subject.

Do you say "Thanks" to bus drivers?

  • I sometimes say "Thanks". (51%, 304 Votes)
  • Yes, I always say "Thanks". (46%, 273 Votes)
  • No, I never say "Thanks". (3%, 16 Votes)

Total Voters: 593

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