I've found commuters never even acknowledge drivers but leisure travellers sometimes say thank you, it can cheer you up on a long shift.Stand in the door at the terminus as passengers walk by and usually someone will say thanks. People generally won’t go out of their way to thank you though, if you’re waiting on that then it can be months or years.
I always thanked the driver when alighting at the westbound platform of Eastbrook station (verbally if their window was open, otherwise a raised hand) as I'd be at the front of the train anyway, and have to walk along the platform to exit the station. This is the only place where I've regularly had the opportunity to see the driver before they pull off.How often does a Train Driver get thanked by passengers? Especially at terminals?
My experience is it's rare as hens teeth unlike bus drivers ?
It feels as though many passengers find it odd to thank a train driver ?
Exactly. My grandfather (whose father and grandfather were engine drivers on the Taff Vale/GWR) always made a point of thanking the driver and guard, and instilled the practice as good manners in his family.It depends. If they're in their cab, then no (cos they're not looking at the door like a bus driver would be, and I'm not going to tap on the cab window). If they're exiting the cab as I disembark at the front of the train, and they're not preoccupied or looking the other way, a polite nod and thanks is always in order. Same with the conductor or other on-board crew if I pass them. Just basic politeness, innit?
I suppose the nature of the enclosed cab makes such a practice difficult?How often does a Train Driver get thanked by passengers? Especially at terminals?
My experience is it's rare as hens teeth unlike bus drivers ?
It feels as though many passengers find it odd to thank a train driver ?
How often does a Train Driver get thanked by passengers? Especially at terminals?
My experience is it's rare as hens teeth unlike bus drivers ?
It feels as though many passengers find it odd to thank a train driver ?
If the unit used on the Llandudno to Manchester route is not a 175 you will sometimes see a driver pop their head out of the cab window, they don't hide away in the cab. Most drivers will smile or wave back if you acknowledge them from the cab side window.But on most buses you enter by the driver, interact with the driver, and leave literally walking past the driver who is visible and open (except for possibly a perspex screen).
If I get on, say, the Llandudno-Manchester train in Chester and get off at Warrington, I won't see the driver at all, and everyone knows the area around the driver is off limits.