A year of firsts, come and gone. First full-time work in nearly four years. First glimpse of an old man wearing a mini-skirt. First year of safe driving (a bus) under my belt. First year of blogging. First nearly-naked man riding my bus. First time sticking my finger into a running fan and still being able to type. Yes, it has been a weird, but good, 2013.
Driving the "extra board" has not left me extra bored. Of the 80 or so runs we have in our district, I've driven a grand total of 25. Not a particularly impressive number, but that's only one year's worth! Having the luxury of a day off on Christmas Eve and the grand day itself, I've had plenty of time to reminisce. As usual I wonder how a year could have ticked off so quickly. I'm not nervous at the wheel like I was last December, but even more vigilant. I'm very concerned with safe driving, and constantly strive to improve where needed. I've learned when to say something and when to zip it shut. My temper is not as hot these days, but I still get annoyed at the blatant disrespect bus drivers are constantly treated to on the road.
We are held to a higher standard than the average driver, and that's a good thing. When you're negotiating tight city streets in a 20-ton behemoth of steel and glass, you need to be constantly vigilant. People today are so engrossed in their electronic gadgets they don't pay attention to their own safety. Walking while texting, driving while phoning, riding a bike wearing headphones... these are just a few of the dangers a bus operator has to negotiate. People think of us as "just a bus driver", yet they don't realize all that entails. Behind the wheel, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers AND everyone outside as well.
In one year of driving, I've safely traversed nearly 50,000 traffic signals. The average driver will encounter perhaps a fifth or less of that number. While I'm not sure of an exact number, I've probably ferried 30,000+ people to their destinations. Only one has fallen while boarding, and she bounced right up being the young filly she was, and thank God she wasn't injured. One bicyclist foolishly tried to negotiate the narrow space between my bus and the curb, and failed miserably; as a result I have become super-careful when my bus is near bicyclists. Only two people have called me "asshole" or worse, and I can live with that because I was only doing my job ensuring their ignorance didn't injure or kill them.
All in all, it's been a great first year. From being a tentative and nervous trainee to a full time driver, I've learned volumes about not only driving, but also human nature. The gentleman who trained me was simply fantastic, and I recall his words of wisdom on a nearly daily basis. His patience and passion for the job are something I try to emulate. His fellow trainers are always helpful to me as well, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication and professionalism. My fellow bus operators are amazing, and they teach me little tricks all the time.
This isn't an easy job, but it's a good one. My hopes for the next year center around management's refusal to accept that we are valuable, trusted civil servants who deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Without us, they'd have nothing to do. I hope the contract negotiations evolve from insulting to gratifying, and I trust our union will continue to have our backs.
Mostly, for 2014, I wish you all the best. I truly appreciate each of you reading these humble attempts at literary exercise. May this new year bring you only happiness, may the bad be vastly outnumbered by the good things that happen. Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!
With love and respect, I am
The Deacon in Blue
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