What Bus Drivers Say

A 2024 international study on “leave-taking” — saying goodbye or thank you between passengers and drivers – found that 90% of bus drivers said hearing thanks had a positive effect on their wellbeing.

“If people don’t, that’s okay,” says Hikitia. “They probably have things on their mind or their headsets on. But I always say to my son — take your headphones off when you get on the bus. Have them around your neck if you like, but say hello. I think that’s important.”

Joshua agrees: “It always starts with you. If you want to get something out of someone, you’ve got to give it first — regardless of whether they give it back. A warm smile can make someone’s day. If they say thank you when they get off — even better.”

And for Jenni-Lee – she’s even been lucky enough to receive compliments! “I love it when passengers say thank you or greet you. I’ve got this lovely pink scarf my mum gave me that I’ve worn all winter — quite a few people have complimented it, and it’s just really nice. Everyone loves a compliment.”

As a parent, she’s also passing those values on: “I teach my kids to be nice to the bus driver — say hello, make sure older passengers have a seat. I’ve been driving five years now and a lot of drivers know my children. If they act up, I’ll hear about it! It makes our day when people say thanks, because we do get some people who aren’t so nice.”