Hello and welcome to my Blog, my name is Chris, a bus driver for First West Of England based in Wells, Somerset. I am Chair for the depot branch of Unite the Union. Married to Fiona, we live in Midsomer Norton near Bath, with Boots the cat. My main hobby is Amateur Radio and I hold the call sign G4KVI. I am the repeater keeper for GB3UB and MB7UB. I have a fascination for the weather and all things to do with nature and science. As a Christian I worship at St. Nicholas Church in Radstock. These are my observations on my life, both at work and at home.

9 Sept 2011

I can see your pants

You have probably all noticed that many young, and not so young people wear their trousers round their bums exposing their pants, and more. I always wondered why, and how they walked without falling over. A search on google brought up a couple of ideas, but that one that now makes me smile whenever I see the half mast brigade is this one.

In prison, men tended/tend to have sexual relations with each other since female companionship is lacking. One way men "showed interest" in relations was to sag their pants, letting other men know they were willing. So, basically, its root stems from a request for gay male sex in prison. Every time I see a man sagging, I burst out laughing. If they only knew.

30 Aug 2011

The Return

Well, the time has come. I return to Bath on Sunday, the notices have gone up explaining to customers that the Park & Ride contract has transferred to another operator. They will now have a less frequent service which starts later and finishes earlier, and all this for an increase in fares. Still I have thoroughly enjoyed my few months at Hengrove and have been made to feel part of the team. So from Sunday I am back to having to work for my living!

16 Aug 2011

Using a Bus

Most days I get comments from passengers saying a bus did not stop where they were waiting. I always ask 'did you signal/put your hand out?' the reply is often 'we don't need to do that the bus should stop if someone is at the stop' I remind them that at some stops more than 15 services use the stop!! Anyway came across this on the company web site.

Travelling by bus throughout the country, this simple step-by-step guide will help make your journey as easy as possible. If you have any questions please contact us.
1
Plan your journey - To plan your journey, simply go to journey planning section. Find the service number you need and the timetable for your bus will be worked out for you. You can then print this for the service or just the stops you need.
2
Choose a ticket - We offer a range of tickets to suit different types of trips, whether you are travelling every day or just once a month. Details are available in our Tickets section. Day and lower value tickets can be bought on the bus from the driver. Season tickets are best purchased before you travel and are available at local outlets or you can buy online - (Opens in a new window).
3
Locate the correct bus stop - Bus service numbers are generally displayed on bus stop signs or on the timetable panel. Services can be displayed together, so check the sign for your service number. Each bus stop has a code, by texting this code to 84268 you will receive details on the next buses due at the stop. Or find your bus stop at www.traveline.org.uk - (Opens in a new window).

Catching your bus

4
Signal the bus to stop - As the bus approaches, check the route number and destination displayed on the front of the bus. Raise your arm as a signal to the driver that you want the bus to stop.
5
Buying your ticket - If you are unsure which ticket you need, just ask the driver who will be happy to advise you which ticket is best for your journey. Having the correct fare available will help reduce delays when getting on the bus.
6
When you want to get off - Simply press the bell once, as you approach the stop where you want to get off, stay seated until the bus stops. If you are unsure where your bus stops ask the driver for help when you get on the bus.

Easy access, comfort & safety

To make it easier for you to get on and off, most buses can lower their suspension. Special seating areas are available on many of our buses for passengers who are disabled, elderly or using a buggy. Please bear in mind that special seating areas can get full at busy times of the day.
 


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