Tony Blair – my favourite bus driver
Today I was treated to a bus ride home by a guy who I could swear is Tony Blair if I didn’t know any better. He looked identical. He had a huge big cheesy but genuine smile the whole time and sparkly eyes. As I approached the bus door to get off I noticed a metal pail hanging over the railings near his seat, poking right in the direction of passengers as they would board. I was thinking this is a novel new way to get tips from passengers and as I was passing him on the way out I thought I might give him a tip just for looking like Tony Blair. But then I glanced inside the pail and it was filled with lollypops and assorted colourful candy! Clearly he had bought these from his own pocket just for us.
What a great bus driver!
Jonathan
Melbourne, Australia, where I grew up. The thing is, half of me just wanted to be left in ‘peace’ as I trundled off to my boring work – and the other half admired this man who broke through all these silly little barriers we artificially put up between each other.
olivia
Where was this?
Jonathan
I love it when people in ‘public’ jobs do this stuff. Years ago, when Melbourne had its old trams, there was this crazy conductor who would entertain the passengers all day with jokes, acrobatics on the bars, etc. He was famous. I still wonder what happened to him.
lola
Reconfirms one’s faith in good people!
Peabody
There should be awards for people like that. Although the saying that no good deed goes unpunished is perhaps applicable. Just wait for his dismissal for having non-standard equipment fitted to the bus (the pail), distributing foodstuffs in a public place without a license, soliciting smiles without authorisation…
Jam
Catching a bus…novel concept in South Africa! What a pleasure. It’s great to see, though, that even bus drivers consider good customer service.