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BUS-TED
updated: Oct 23, 2012, 7:47 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

I have seen buses pull into traffic cutting off drivers at the last moment. One stopped at the bus stop in front of Jack in the box on State and completely blocked the driveway instead of pulling up where it was supposed to be. Another on State barely pulled to the curb with its back end blocking the entire lane. I do not believe this is just one bus driver because I have seen this happen many times in different parts of town. Very frustrating to add this to the already overloaded streets of this town.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 334891	2012-10-23 08:14 PM
Get over it! They do this for a living! There are idiot drivers all over this small town. They have a tough job that doesn't pay that well im sure. Dealing with people who ride a bus prob are not the happiest bunch. That's a big bus for these streets full of bulbouts.
COMMENT 334892	2012-10-23 08:15 PM
I drive that route daily in my personal vehicle at 9am, 11:30a-12p, 2pm, and 4pm. I've noticed drivers being impatient and moving around. In fact, I took the bus today and was talking to a driver about this very route. He was pleased with his because there wasn't as much to-do. Buses have a 3 minute leeway when it comes to being late. I find them irritating to be behind when on routes like State because they don't have their own lane and stop frequently. Drivers being vigilant can safely move over when they see one and know that it can merge. I ALWAYS see them turn off their hazards and put on their left signal. I think a little bit of patience from the rest of us could go a long way in making everyone feel better about sharing the road with buses. Did you perhaps observe another bus in front of the bus blocking the driveway? It's possible another line came before this offender and was in the midst of letting off passengers when the bus ahead of it moved forward.
COMMENT 334894	2012-10-23 08:16 PM
My poorly written comment sounds anti-MTD when I was trying to convey I supported them. Long story short, be patient - they might go slowly at times but they aren't blocking traffic for long.
COMMENT 334902P	2012-10-23 08:26 PM
I always give buses and bicycles lots of room, and "you before me" space.
COMMENT 334904P	2012-10-23 08:29 PM
Just the bus drivers? I think not..... A lot of SUV (SAV - suburban assault vehicle) drivers are just as guilty.
CAPTAIN HALEY	2012-10-23 08:41 PM
Personally I think the MTD drivers are quite professional.
COMMENT 334915	2012-10-23 08:42 PM
The bus drivers in this town are a menace. They pull out into moving traffic. They routinely run late-yellow lights. They ignore pedestrians in crosswalks as if it were sport. Last week I was on a certain long-distance route and saw a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The busdriver hit the accelerator. I said out loud, "dude, you're supposed to STOP for pedestrians" and he said, "you can get off my bus if you don't like the way I drive".
COMMENT 334919	2012-10-23 08:50 PM
915: The bus drivers have names displayed. Please report them, especially that one that made the comment to you. I'm a frequent bus rider and I'm amazed at how many drivers drive like idiots during rush hour in the morning heading towards the 101 at Carrillo and San Pascual. The bus drivers there must be aggressive in order to get in the left lane so we can get on the highway.
COMMENT 334920	2012-10-23 08:53 PM
MTD bus drivers in general, rock! SB drivers with their speedy cars and sense of entightlment do not. Please slow down and be cooperative not compettive!
COMMENT 334932P	2012-10-23 10:59 PM
Yes to what has already been said, but at what point did they start turning their blinkers on for a count of two or three flashes and pull out into traffic other vehicles be darned? Why not be a little cautious and not get into an accident that will take out the vehicle, and their bus? I refuse to drive in the right side lane because of them and their careless actions. They will really be past their three minute lag time after they have to stop and dig a car out of their front, side, and or back side.
COMMENT 334937P	2012-10-24 12:33 AM
Frequent bus rider here. I am someone who decided to go carless for one year. Just wanted to see what it would be like, and also felt like I had become enslaved by my vehicle. One thing I have learned, is that everyone I know drives far more that he/she needs to drive. It's one thing if you have to commute and have to schlepp kids from A to B. But even the commuters and the kid-schleppers drive back and forth and all around the town more than is necessary. I could write a book about what I have learned, and about how we should all get out of our cars and start walking/riding the bus/riding our bicycles. But for now I will say only that the drivers should get down on their knees and praise the powers that be that not all of us drive everywhere we go. Praise be for the walkers, the bus riders and the bicyclists!
COMMENT 334944P	2012-10-24 01:34 AM
Obviously very long ago, but I rode the bus exclusively from at least 1977 to 1985, work and two colleges. MTD ROCKS. You get to know wonderful drivers who will actually wait for you when they see you running for the stop. Or was that just the good old days? Somehow I doubt it. I've witnessed drivers waiting at stops on State street for running riders very recently. I know, I agree, my bus usage was a lifetime ago. But I've heard great things more recently from bus riders. If drivers screw up, I'll give them a pass. Mass transit is a good thing. I'm just that kind of minor environmentalist who also cares about people, including those who can't afford cars. And being currently unemployed, all the driving I do is errands/shopping/appointments for others (elders) who can't drive, which pretty much requires a car, so don't flame me for not using MTD after defending them. If you have a complaint, just note the time and location, and, if you can, the route number, which is displayed on bus's electric header, and call the MTD to report. If you can't tell route 6 from 11, MTD can if you can provide the time. Oh, I also don't have kids, so don't "have to" rush to drive them around, and grew up walking to school (I took the bus to high school), but please -- consider and observe what driving behavior you model for your children. I knew I'd NEVER drive like my father. He was okay, in that he never had a ticket, but his stress level went way up and he said stuff in the car he shouldn't have. Not cussing, just not good remarks about others. I always wondered: "WHAT is the big deal?" And sometimes, maybe many times, he scared me when I was pretty young. Okay, he WAS aggressive for absolutely no reason but personality; probably thinking he was a better driver than the nincompoops who upset him. He was a "Type A," ya know? Not to mention that I do believe the majority of drivers rush and speed and aren't thoughtful and are certainly are not kind. I'm a defensive driver who also regularly tries to give people a break, especially bike riders & peds (I've slapped my fair share of hoods in cross walks when people turned right in front of me because the light was green, which was my turn to cross State *after getting off the bus!* I do reasonable things, like not block driveways at red lights, try to signal drivers that a turn in front of me, even a left, is okay for them (... [ more ]
COMMENT 334945P	2012-10-24 02:03 AM
(Since the "More" button doesn't work, I'm torturing you possible remaining readers with the rest of my post. lol. I did give a reason for this post in my last sentence.) I do reasonable things, like not block driveways at red lights, try to signal drivers that want turn in front of me, even a left, that it's okay for them (like going down De la Vina today when delivery truck at TJ's had street blocked in both directions), wave & smile at pedestrians and drivers to let them know I see them, etc. I will admit part of this is not being in a rush to get to or home from work, but on streets rather than 101 I really try to be this way. If the light's red going south and traffic is bad, there's really no reason to stop in front of a driveway through which someone going north could make their turn into a shopping center. Provided the person in the lane next to you agrees and stops! I always look out for that. And try to let someone turn onto State and get the heck out of a parking lot in front of you. It might make you feel good to do such a simple thing. As someone said, driving should NOT be a competition! And upper State starting in November? A *horror*! As a non-shopping non-holiday participant, I give drivers all the breaks I can. Turn up some good music and be glad you're not as stressed as they are! Unless you are. And try not to rush yellow lights or make risky left turns. Is it really worth the risk, the anxiety, the injury and possible death to any and all parties, the insurance hassle, your car's damage or destruction and your effect on other drivers and neighbors in the area? For many years and through several jobs, I took a slightly longer way home rather than risk a left turn at a no-left turn lane but left turn allowed, very busy, traffic light controlled intersection that has regular accidents. I never wanted to subject myself to that stress and danger, especially when there were 2-3 very reasonable alternate routes. Mainly because who needs that after a day at a stressful job? Yeah sure, it may be hokey, but what ever happened to random acts of kindness?! Especially when they can so easily save lives, limbs and stress levels? and cars, a big investment for most of us? Thanks to anyone who actually read this manifesto/rant. Writing it took my mind off the bad, scary, depressing things in my life, thus its length.
COMMENT 334946P	2012-10-24 02:23 AM
sorry for the gigantic thread jack about how to drive nice! (blush)
COMMENT 334960	2012-10-24 07:18 AM
I agree we need to get over it! The bus drivers in this town do an amazing job - not only are they professional drivers they are expected to be able to deal with up to 50 individuals - and their needs - ON the bus! Never mind the road, they are also dealing with wheelchairs, bikes, people with baggage, babies, strollers, tourists, people from other countries who need guidance... It never ends. I ride the 6am number 11 out to UCSB every day. Right now we have a lady driver who endures a lot of nonsense each day from some of us regulars, and she drives us to our destinations ON TIME in spite of it all. She deals with many idiotic drivers on the way! Ride the bus occasionally - then get back into your car and appreciate how great it is to only have to worry about your car load on the road. The bus drivers are very good drivers!
COMMENT 334964P	2012-10-24 07:28 AM
good benign hijack. well done.
COMMENT 334966	2012-10-24 07:33 AM
In other cities (Portland for ex) It's ilegal to pass a bus that has it's left tun indicator on when it's trying to merge back into traffice after a stop. When we know what to expect from each other on the road, things go more smoothly.
COMMENT 334977	2012-10-24 07:54 AM
Usually, the bus drivers actually seem fairly courteous and patient. I ride past them on my bike all the time and haven't had any close calls with them, as they always seem to look and be attentive. There was one time, though, when I was driving to SB in the morning that one MTD bus was tailgating a car doing 65 on the freeway in the middle lane. There was probably less than half a car length. Probably should have reported it, but I'm sure if the driver does that often, they won't last too long. No reason to demonize all bus drivers for one bad one. If you really want to see pushy drivers, go up to San Francisco. They cut right out into traffic. They really have to though, they have a schedule to keep and traffic doesn't let up very much on the busy streets.
COMMENT 334988	2012-10-24 08:18 AM
MTD Bus Drivers are safe and courteous in their daily duties... Yes I'm sure there are a few bad ones in the bunch, but what employer has 100% good employees? if your unsure just how good they are, go ride the buses in LA or anywhere and you will see a huge difference in many ways... then you'll appreciate our drivers a little more
COMMENT 335006	2012-10-24 08:50 AM
I, to, have witnessed runners trying to catch the bus and an MTD driver wait. I was even on a route yesterday where one passenger requests for the bus to wait for her for 4 minutes. The driver waited about 3 and needed to take off to the next stop, but he wanted to. Being car-less now myself and having the luxury of UCSB's free pass, I plan on riding MTD more often. In fact - I had a driver yesterday who showed me a bit of compassion that I really, really needed. Thanks for the reminder to call MTD and COMMEND this particular driver for their professionalism and humanity. Don't drive in the right lane on a narrow street when you see a bus. Problem solved.
COMMENT 335012	2012-10-24 08:56 AM
MTD drivers are far better drivers than the drivers that complain about them. Be part of the solution, not the problem, by leaving your car at home and taking the bus, walking, or pedaling.
COMMENT 335022	2012-10-24 09:10 AM
My experience with bus drivers has been wonderful. They drive expertly and are very willing to assist anyone. They do have a schedule to keep and if they are sticking out in the road, hey! drive around them when the lane is clear. Patience, patience. You will feel so much better when you practice patience.
COMMENT 335032	2012-10-24 09:18 AM
OP please be aware that the roads are PUBLIC throughfares and that means they are not there for your personal benefit alone. Please share the road with other users who may not be in as much of a hurry to get to their destination as you are. Leave a little earlier so you're no so rushed and so easily inconvenienced. Life is full of inconveniences - get over it and keep in mind that membership to the entitlement club is voluntary and does nothing for your peace of mind or make you a better person.
COMMENT 335057	2012-10-24 09:47 AM
I was hit by a bus on Milpas st. They took my driver's side car door clean off and would have KILLED me if I'd been 2 inches further out of my car. Bus swerved into me where I was legally parked. The cops came and deemed the whole thing MY fault. It was SO WRONG.
COMMENT 335083P	2012-10-24 10:09 AM
Bus drivers do a great job keeping their passengers safe in an environment where most of the drivers do not know the rules of the road. Don't believe me? 1) Watch what happens at a 4 way stop, people's hands wave so much that you'd think we were in a heat wave and their A/C broke. 2) Watch how many drivers come to a full and complete stop at a stop sign or stop light! Yes, you have to come to a FULL & complete stop before entering a cross walk before you make that right turn on RED. Drivers turning right onto South bound 101 from North Bound Storke/Glen Annie are major violators. 3) Watch how many people make illegal U-turns! U-turns are illegal in commercial areas unless a sign is posted at an intersection allowing you to make them. You can only make a U-turn where you can make a legal left turn. You live in a large apartment complex? These are high density residential units and you can't make U-turns there, either. 4) Talking on your CELL PHONE while HOLDING IT IN YOUR HAND, even with the SPEAKER PHONE on, IS NOT HANDS FREE! 5) Only motorcycles can share lanes with other vehicles, non-motorcycles can't share lanes with other vehicles. If, when a bus stops at a bus stop, if the bus is in the traffic lane, you can't legally go around it unless you change lanes. That's enough ranting, but if any of these rules are new to you, get a drivers' handbook and review. Especially if you ride a bicycle, you are a vehicle and can be ticketed for violating the "rules of the road", too! Now for you PEDESTRIANS . . . jaywalking, impeding the flow of traffic, crossing against the light & TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN TO BREAK THE LAW . . .
ROGER DODGER	2012-10-24 10:12 AM
I almost became a bus driver once for MTD I wanted to just clean them but they wanted me to drive, I convinced them I wouldn't be a very good driver..:)
COMMENT 335097	2012-10-24 10:19 AM
966: That seems totally reasonable. I always try to nlet buses in front of me if they have a signal on (I think the exception is when I'd be stuck in an intersection). Passing a huge bus when they are just trying to pull out is a jerk move. I drive my little econobox & enjoy the mobility - driving a huge bus is NOT easy, and I'm not jealous of them. But, admittedly, I do see them occasionally not use signals, and turn in front of people. And I see cops blow through crosswalks with pedestrians more often than I see buses do the same, so I'll call that a wash.
COMMENT 335109P	2012-10-24 10:28 AM
So what is the implication? The bus drivers got together and decided to be aggressive? The bosses got together and told them to go faster? The fall season raises their aggression? How can something as vague as this generate so much silliness?
COMMENT 335112P	2012-10-24 10:36 AM
I yield to buses and give them a lot of space simply because they are bigger than I am. I will get taken out. I just wish bicycles, pedestrians and people who drive a Prius gave me the same respect...
COMMENT 335140P	2012-10-24 11:10 AM
109P, I think it generated a lot of good press and praise for MTD and especially the drivers, which I'm sure they'll appreciate, and may have raised awareness in some drivers of better ways to treat buses on the road. I'm thrilled to see all the positive responses, which may well make some feel more comfortable about using MTD even if it's not their only alternative. I reread the Opening Post. The best part is the last sentence! Ah, irony.
YIN YANG	2012-10-24 01:02 PM
I guess we now know why the OP's identity isn't published by Ed.
COMMENT 335250	2012-10-24 01:57 PM
Drivers in general as well as bus drivers aren't that good in my opinion. It's a lot harder driving a bus, tho. Especially with the impatient, ie 90% of drivers, trying to squeeze in and scoot around and bypass the obviously large bus. Bus vs. vehicle, bus wins. Bus vs. pedestrian, bus wins. I won't hop on the bus, Gus until they make a new plan, Stan to get rid of idiotic bus drivers. :)
COMMENT 335340	2012-10-24 04:33 PM
Some MTD drivers don't seem to have the ability to fully slow down and crank their steering wheel (hard!) to make right turns on downtown streets. Instead, they make wide sweeping turns that take them into the opposing traffic's lane and expect all oncoming traffic to disappear, get out of the way or stop and wait for them to complete their turn. It's rude, and dangerous, and indicates some serious laziness on their part as we know busses are designed to be able to make turns on city streets while maintaining their own lane, and plenty of other larger trucks manage to make the same turns without holding up traffic. People who drive for their profession should be held to a higher standard than other drivers. MTD drivers are being paid to be courteous, legal and safe drivers, they should be happy and willing to wait a few seconds in order to be courteous to the other people on the road who are trying to get to their paid jobs.
COMMENT 335373P	2012-10-24 05:36 PM
OP here. I guess I should have clarified that when I witnessed these instances I was a passenger on the offending bus. Yes I am one of the few people that uses public transportation that doesn't view those who don't as the enemy. I'm not certain what the road being public has to do with bus drivers or their lack of driving skills. Nor do I see how sitting at my bus stop 10 minutes earlier is going to help the situation. It is good to know that others have seen similar situations. I never thought of reporting the driver but that is a great idea since it is obviously a problem.

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