Key Takeaways
- Waving down a bus is not required, but it helps the driver to see you and stop at the bus stop.
- Bus drivers are expected to stop if they see someone waiting at the bus stop, but a clear signal from the passenger is helpful.
- Passengers with disabilities or those who are unable to wave, such as parents with babies, are not expected to wave down the bus.
- Bus companies receive complaints about buses not stopping, but the numbers are relatively small compared to the total number of passenger trips.
- Clear communication and visibility are key to ensuring that buses stop at the right stops and pick up the right passengers.
Introduction to the Problem
Waving down a bus is not a requirement, but it can be a helpful way to get the driver’s attention and ensure that the bus stops at the designated stop. However, many people have experienced the frustration of being left standing at a bus stop as the bus drives by without stopping. Last year, MetLink, a bus service provider in Wellington, received over 1000 complaints from passengers who were annoyed by buses that failed to stop. One such passenger, Jess Gessner, filed a complaint after she and her two young children were left on the curb when the driver failed to stop, despite it being clear that they wanted to get on the bus.
The Importance of Waving
According to MetLink senior operations manager Paul Tawharu, waving is not a requirement, but it can be helpful for passengers to make themselves visible to the driver. While some passengers may not be able to wave, such as those who are visually impaired or have their hands full, the company’s website encourages passengers to wave to signal to the driver that they want to get on the bus. Many commuters in Wellington reported that they tend to wave down their buses, but some have had experiences where they were passed up or saw other passengers left at the stop. For example, Clara reported being passed up by a bus on a number of occasions, while John Nga noted that a simple hand raise was not enough to get the driver’s attention.
Complaints and Response
Environment Canterbury public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon reported that the company received over 550 complaints about buses not stopping last year, although this number is relatively small compared to the over 15 million passenger trips taken annually. Gibbon noted that drivers do a good job of balancing the different demands of their role, including gauging whether people waiting at stops want to get on board. He emphasized the importance of clear communication and visibility, stating that a clear signal from a customer is a great help to drivers. Auckland Transport service operations manager Duncan McGrory also highlighted the importance of clear communication, noting that the company has signs at every bus stop asking passengers to indicate they want to board with a "clear wave of their arm".
Best Practices
To ensure that buses stop at the right stops and pick up the right passengers, it is essential for passengers to be visible and communicate clearly with the driver. This can be done by waving or using other clear signals, such as making eye contact or using body language. Drivers are trained to look for these signals and to stop if they see someone waiting at a bus stop. However, there may be times when drivers cannot stop, such as when the bus is full. In these cases, passengers should be prepared to wait for the next bus or find alternative transportation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, waving down a bus is not required, but it can be a helpful way to get the driver’s attention and ensure that the bus stops at the designated stop. By being visible and communicating clearly with the driver, passengers can help to ensure that buses stop at the right stops and pick up the right passengers. Whether you are a daily commuter or an occasional bus user, it is essential to be aware of the importance of clear communication and visibility when using public transportation. By following best practices and being mindful of the needs of other passengers, we can all help to make public transportation more efficient and effective.