SFist: Ask a Muni Driver

mariconsoy

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 08:36:07 -0800

Two suggestions: 1. Supply official MUNI issued diapers. If adult diapers were good enough for that astronut who wore them to save time as she drove cross country to kill someone, they should work fine in our buses. As "Michael" suggested, build more of those cinder block toilet buildings. The city could sell the corporate naming rights! For example: Prius pee station Lexus lavatory Viagra vomitorium Oprah's outhouse... Once again SF would lead the nation!

Shibi

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:38:25 -0800

I have an odd comment: I frequently ride the bus and I see the same driver a lot... and I really like him! He's firm with rowdy people and nice to polite riders. I know it's not a cool rant about a homeless guy who puked all over himself and caused all 150 people on the 71L to cram toward the front of the bus, but I just wanted to tell you all that there are good bus drivers out there. Thanks!

scott

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:22:38 -0800

this guy: sounds like the guy deserved it. However, I have also had a driver close the door on my arm, then wave at me while he drives off. No, I didn't bang on the bus, and no I didn't yell. I was just about to step into the doorway when he decided to close the doors and take off. Thanks buddy!

Ciaran

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:16:05 -0800

A few months ago I had just got on a 22 at Chestnut when someone pulled the slap the bus trick - except he hit the door so hard he broke the glass. So the driver had to throw everyone off the bus and take it back to the depot.

this guy

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:11:30 -0800

speaking of obnoxious passengers, my favorite muni experience began with one: the route is the 33 stanyan heading down stayan towards the haight after stopping at fulton street. just as the bus is pulling out a regular looking normal decently dressed guy comes running down the block yelling for the muni to wait. the driver didn't see him and kept pulling out. so then the guy busted out the smack-the-bus trick. except he smacked it really hard. like, way way to hard and kept doing it. that pissed off the driver who had started to pull back over and then decided not to. so now the guy goes bananas and starts kicking and punching and smacking the side of the bus running along side it. everyone on the bus is watching the guy and annoyed. finally we pull away from him and he stops running and stands there cursing. we all chuckle. then the bus driver drove about 100 feet then pulled over again as if he'd just noticed the guy. the guy can't believe his luck!! he sprints full speed down the hill to get to the muni. the very second he got to the front door the muni driver pulled away. everyone on the bus broke out in applause.

Mark Ballew

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:59:31 -0800

I see all these bus drivers bailing mid-route to get munches, but I totally would understand if a bus driver bailed mid route to take a 702! I'm surprised management hasn't suggested giving drivers catheters!

transit troublemaker

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:53:45 -0800

One is tempted to ask where is TWU250A when the drivers meed them. Seems the union is more effective protecting absentees than kidneys. And yes I am aware that NIMBYs stymie placing more permanent toilets

Michael

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:36:56 -0800

If I remember correctly, there are cinderblock toilets (i.e. permanent portapotties) for MUNI drivers at the Ocean end of the 38 line and the Wharf end of the 49 line. These permanent structures are inexpensive, and they don't get broken into or trashed as easily as the plastic portajohns do. MUNI should build more of these little shacks. The end of the line could be something anxious drivers can look forward to.

Anonymous

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:09:54 -0800

Can't believe someone (not counting unmedicated crazies) would spit on a MUNI driver. Dude. What did they ever do to you?