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LETTER: Some city bus drivers treat riders as 'interruptions'

Let's not forget who pays the wages, rider says
2018-03-26 Orillia transit.jpg

OrilliaMatters has received the following letter from reader Alice Murphy, in response to recent issues concerning transit employees.

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First of all I, was so thrilled as a senior to have bus service extended here in Orillia.

My beef is this - most drivers are very cordial and smile and answer when I say 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' but please tell me why some drivers give that LOOK? Also, it's frustrating when getting a transfer and the bus driver is so busy talking to a friend in the front seat, he/she does not call the transfer in.

Many times when the bus gets to the terminal downtown and we are at the light at CIBC Bank at Mississaga and West for example, the South bus pulls out and we have to wait another half hour for the next bus. Not only South bus, it happens very often with Georgian also. Please tell me why the bus driver does not call the other buses and say 'I am right here. Please wait; I have 5 passengers?'

I realize buses must run on schedule, but does a few seconds matter if the bus is right in sight? Also at this time year there are many tourists in Orillia, why is the voice turned off alerting riders to the name of the street? I heard a driver say, "It drives me crazy."

Also, sometimes when buses get to the terminal, we sometime ask, "Do you know if such and such bus has left?" I do not appreciate the answer. "How should I know?" from the driver.

We do have some very nice drivers, but some, I have to say, treat passengers as an interruption. Who pays your wages? It is us as passengers. Some drivers I feel do not want to be driving; I am sure many are looking for work.

Please, it takes less muscles to smile than frown.

Alice Murphy

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