City vs Countryside
Interestingly, international research shows there are differences in how often passengers thank their drivers. A recent study found that in rural areas, people are more likely to say goodbye or thank you – especially when exiting from the front door, travelling alone, or if they’re older.
Do you think the same applies in New Zealand? Do you still acknowledge the driver when exiting through the back door? Do older passengers thank drivers more often?
Ultimately, saying “Thanks, driver!” is more than good manners – it’s an acknowledgment of our shared experience on public transport.
That simple act can lift morale, create a chain of kindness, and make every ride a little better.
Internationally, research by the Confederation of Passenger Transport found that nearly 40% of drivers receive over 50 expressions of thanks daily — far more than in other sectors like healthcare or retail. About 80% of British passengers thank their driver, and 90% of drivers say it improves their wellbeing.
Thanks Driver is a project with a simple purpose: to remind us that buses aren’t just about timetables and routes, but about the people – behind the wheel and in every seat -each with their own story to share. A bus is a unique shared space, and small gestures – whether a nod or a smile between passengers, or the simple words “thanks, driver” – can make all the difference.