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A good bus driver

April 25, 2011Dear Sir,This letter is not only to The Royal Gazette, but also to the Director, Public Transportation Board, the Premier of Bermuda, Paula A Cox and the Minster of Transport Terry E Lister.On Saturday morning, April 23, 2011, I was regretting that I had to take the bus to Hamilton. It was a chore I've done on a regular basis since April 8, 2011. Several full buses passed on other days. I figured today would be no different, a grumpy driver, and a busload of passengers.Around 10am, the No. 7 bus stopped near Woody's in Dockyard. The door opened. I was greeted: “Good morning madam, how are you today?” Almost reeling from the greeting, I managed to say: “Fine and how are you?” He then said: “Enjoy your ride.” I thought I'd document this rare and unexpected journey. There are many complaints from passengers (me included). It was only fair to write and commend on the positive attitude of this driver.Mr E A Thompson, is an ambassador for Bermuda. There were not many passengers on the bus that day. He did not race through his route; he drove slowly, allowed the oncoming passengers to be seated before he drove off. He looked out for people who may have missed the bus due to him being early. On two occasions he pulled into the bus lay-by, waiting for the running passenger.The second occasion occurred with guests from Coco Reef, who were just exiting the hotel's entrance. He waited until the elderly couple crossed the street, then boarded the bus.Another couple with children who caught the bus earlier, were going to the Crystal Caves. They needed to transfer to the No 1 bus from Hamilton, but he pulled over by the KEMH Hospital, invited them to get off. His words to them: “You can get off at this stop go across the street. It will get you to the Crystal Caves. The bus should be along in ten minutes. Be careful, go to the crosswalk and wait there (pointing to the stop across the street), remember its No.1 bus, have a nice day.” They would have missed their connection should they have stayed on the bus to Hamilton. I said to a passenger, is he for real? She said: “Yes, all the time.”The final and most unforgettable comment was to the elderly couple he'd waited for at Coco Reef, who did not speak English very well. They wanted to shop and take the ferry from Hamilton. His comments: “This is a good stop if you want to shop, or the next stop is Albouy's Point, if you want to get the ferry, but you look like you want to shop.” There was an uproar of laughter from the passengers on the bus.As they exited the bus, he said to them: “Shop, but save some money for the ferry”. The happy couple descended the bus, with multiple expressions of thanks and waving of their hands to the driver.This gentleman is a son, husband or member of a fine family whose parents taught him the value of manners.My sincere thanks to Mr Thompson, sir, you made my day.MS GJ TROTTSandys