There are quite a few "pet peeves" the bus drivers would like you to know about. Here are a few:

   Number One! Have your money or tickets ready to use the minute you step onto the bus. The driver is running on a tight schedule most of the time and needs you to be prompt in your attention to the proper etiquette of paying for your fare as you step on board. I've observed that most people arrive at the stop in plenty of time to get the right amount of change or pull out the ticket and have it in hand ready when the bus pulls up.

   Are you hard of hearing? When a bus driver addresses you in a kind way by saying hello, he or she means it. Respond back in a mannerly way by letting them know you are glad they took this job to take you to your next important stop.

   Dr. Phil isn't driving the bus. Some people just have to get somethings off their chest but the bus driver may not wish to hear the unabridged version of your life. They have their own problems too. If you need to say something to the driver, keep it short and then sit down. Don't linger around the driver as they need to see the rest of the people in the rear view mirror.

   You're late! You may be riding the next bus behind this one if you tell the bus driver they aren't on time. They have a boss and be assured the boss knows all about their traffic problems. Let them know you appreciate they may be having an unusually bad day. Don't rub it in.

   Going my way? If you are standing at a bus stop under the sign or sitting on the bench, the bus driver takes it for granted that you are ready to catch his bus. He will stop for you but many times the people are just using the bench to sit on and rest. It's kind of like going to a restaurant and sitting at a table. "No, I just wanted to sit here for a few minutes and rest". That will get you the manager pretty quick. Find some other sign to lean on or bench to rest your butt on.

   Reduced fare? With reduced fares you need to show your identification. If you just run to the back after sliding your card through the machine you may have difficulty picking this bus again because the drivers remember people that take advantage of them.

   Directions please? Where's the nearest McDonald's? Look this up before you get on the bus and know the cross roads where you will need to get off. The drivers know the town fairly well but they expect you to know where you are going and how close the bus comes to that location.

   But it's only one drink. Don't bring food and drink on the bus unless it is in the proper spill proof containers. Too many times you will sit or step in the previous riders mess. Many times the drivers will clean up after you at a long stop only to find that their generosity in letting you on with your drink was rewarded with a mess and you leaving your cup behind. How long would you let this go on in your house?

   Feet belong on the floor. Ed told me his pet peeve was seeing someone put their feet up on the seat or on the headrest. You may be wearing a t-shirt but the next person sitting in the seat may be going for a job interview and wouldn't want to carry your "carbon footprint" with them to that important meeting. Ed is a big guy with a gruff voice so I would do as he says!

   More to come.

   Thanks to Cruz for those he provided from his years of bus driving experience!