10/6/10 PM

I get on the early departing 854C Northbound. As I enter through the rear door, Doreen is smiling and beckoning for me to come sit in the seat behind her. As I sit down, she says, "I was hoping you were going to be on this bus." She smiles, continuing, "This morning (ARLF) missed the bus." Quick background: we recently had a pick change. Every 8-14 weeks, Metro Transit allows drivers to choose different route assignments. Drivers choose routes that are available based on seniority. With new drivers on a route, you encounter new driving methods, new driver personalities, and a fresh way of running the route. Well, apparently, the new 6:32 morning driver was not having anything to do with waiting for ARLF to cross the street at the last minute. "As (the husband) ran across the street, the driver kept on going. He stood there, stunned" as Doreen got on the bus two stops later. In the end, they had to drive to the next nearest 'park and ride', which was the Northtown Hub. Classic!

Later, as we exit 694 onto University. My seat is right across the aisle from the back door. While we're waiting for the light (more than 1/2 way up the off-ramp), the driver opens up the back door. Several bus patrons look out, then up at the driver, then back at the door. Um, yeah - what's the deal? The driver adjusted his rear-view mirror and after about 15 seconds, closed the door. The light turned green and we were off. The funny thing is? We don't pay until we get OFF the bus, so he wouldn't be using the back door for the route anyway. Puzzled...