Bus Enthusiast Etiquette.

[Cambus731]

Whenever I happen to see another bus crank taking photos somewhere, I do wonder if to say hello to him or not as while some have the air of not wishing to be disturbed, there is probably nowadays a very real possibility that our paths have crossed somewhere on the internet, so we may know of each other.
Back in summer 1991, I got chatting in Ipswich Cattle Market bus station with another crank who was a few years older than me and taking photos, and we ended up going for a pint. We never exchanged names, so I do now wonder who that may have been.

 

[Statto]

Even then. Buses dont have names or genders. Really grinds my gears when people refer to a vehicle as "she". They are vehicles, tools for business - they are non binary. They also dont have feelings, so saying a vehicle is "poorly" is a cringefest in itself, but when a vehicle is written off, exclaiming RIP is just ludicrous.

GTL in Liverpool did have a habit of putting names on their buses, here's a prime example with the name above the registration plates

mersey - gtl 7302 x 2351 liverpool summer 03 JL

Explore johnmightycat1's 103899 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[hst43102]

people who refer to inanimate objects as “she” are definitely on the registser

Ships?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

the amount of time on facebook groups people say that and ive told them its a vehicle is unreal, people who refer to inanimate objects as “she” are definitely on the registser

Don’t know if that’s quite fair; many people ascribe that sort of pronoun to inanimate objects. Also, I’ve known many women (sadly, not as impressive boast as I’d like) who give names to THEIR cars.

I get that you can have a fondness for a particular vehicle; that bus that took you to school, or something else distinctive. It’s where people anthropomorphise buses so that they have some sort of identity or even emotions that I find a bit much.

 

[Geordie driver]

It’s where people anthropomorphise buses so that they have some sort of identity or even emotions that I find a bit much.

You should never do that, the buses hate it. I'll get my coat......

 

[CN04NRJ]

Even then. Buses dont have names or genders. Really grinds my gears when people refer to a vehicle as "she". They are vehicles, tools for business - they are non binary. They also dont have feelings, so saying a vehicle is "poorly" is a cringefest in itself, but when a vehicle is written off, exclaiming RIP is just ludicrous.

Sometimes I just say it ironically, like when Cardiff Bus SPD 389 was scrapped I posted a mock memorial on an enthusiast page saying it had gone to the bus depot in the sky. I'm sure some people are being serious when they stuff like that though . In this case it was mainly to wind up one of the local veg who was obsessed with it, even having a profile picture of himself next to it.

 

[carlberry]

You should never do that, the buses hate it. I'll get my coat......

Some of them don't mind it. Mostly those with nerves of steel!

 

[carlberry]

Sometimes I just say it ironically, like when Cardiff Bus SPD 389 was scrapped I posted a mock memorial on an enthusiast page saying it had gone to the bus depot in the sky. I'm sure some people are being serious when they stuff like that though . In this case it was mainly to wind up one of the local veg who was obsessed with it, even having a profile picture of himself next to it.

It's a Dart, it would have gone the other way!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

You should never do that, the buses hate it. I'll get my coat......

You’re right.... sometimes I do consider their “feelings” but then just carry on shaving

 

[Mills444]

GTL in Liverpool did have a habit of putting names on their buses, here's a prime example with the name above the registration plates

mersey - gtl 7302 x 2351 liverpool summer 03 JL

Explore johnmightycat1's 103899 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Interesting, were they just random names or did they mean anything?

 

[Stan Drews]

Interesting, were they just random names or did they mean anything?

Weren’t they the names of staff members children?

 

[GusB]

I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with naming vehicles. Many coach companies have done so over the years, and there'e Eddie Stobart which names all its trucks as far as I'm aware. I know friends who have had pet names for their cars (I acquired "Lucy" from one of them, and the name stuck), and I don't think there's any harm in it. I've given my cars names from time to time - usually beginning with the letter B and on cold mornings...

 

[Mills444]

Weren’t they the names of staff members children?

I guess they could have been, maybe an idea to improve staff retention. Were they allocated to the drivers in question as far a possible then?

 

[Mills444]

I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with naming vehicles. Many coach companies have done so over the years, and there'e Eddie Stobart which names all its trucks as far as I'm aware. I know friends who have had pet names for their cars (I acquired "Lucy" from one of them, and the name stuck), and I don't think there's any harm in it. I've given my cars names from time to time - usually beginning with the letter B and on cold mornings...

Nor do I however I guess it depends what the name is I think only one of my local buses has a name and it was named after a driver who sadly lost his life. oh and one more called "Thunderbolt" which is what it sounds like anyway !

 

[Stena Galloway]

When I worked for Stagecoach 50129 was the last Neoplan Skyliner on the Megabus network. The mechanics named her 'Betsy' and used different types of letters to put on her front panel. Then somebody decided to get nicely styled vinyl lettering and replace the old lettering.

 

[Busaholic]

As long as the naming is not offensive I can't see why anyone would be offended by it, but then some people are seemingly looking to be offended at the drop of a hat these days. Just because it may not interest you (and such things hold no interest for me) then why denigrate those for whom it's important? It's all essentially harmless.

 

[philthetube]

Don't Brighton and hove name their buses?

To be fair, I've met more people supporting Nottingham Forest rather than Nottingham City Transport

Wouldn't have thought there would be much in it

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

As long as the naming is not offensive I can't see why anyone would be offended by it, but then some people are seemingly looking to be offended at the drop of a hat these days. Just because it may not interest you (and such things hold no interest for me) then why denigrate those for whom it's important? It's all essentially harmless.

For most people, it's relatively harmless but for some folk, they do get borderline obsessive. Even then, if they're not bothering anyone then...they're not bothering anyone.

 

[Robertj21a]

Don't Brighton and hove name their buses?


Wouldn't have thought there would be much in it

Not sure that Brighton & Hove naming their buses is quite the same issue. They merely allocate the name of a worthy local dignatory to each of them.

 

[LowLevel]

I don't really have an issue with people becoming attached to vehicles. Anything with an engine, no matter how bland and boring, is a bit of a miracle of science. I spent 20 years using West Midlands Travel Metrobuses from my earliest years with my mum to commuting to my first job - I wouldn't say I was obsessive about them but even now when I come across one of the few remaining with a private operator or at a rally or similar I feel a little bit of excitement pop up. Otherwise for buses I would just say that I enjoy old, noisy machines or curiosities - and I rarely advertise the fact bar posting some well cared for preserved beast on Facebook from time to time. Bus cranks seem to be get the mick taken more than railway enthusiasts.

On the other hand as a railway guard myself I've always found the attitude of some transport employees towards enthusiasts regardless of the interest in question a little bizarre - some go out of their way to be unpleasant towards them for no good reason. It often seems to be the ones who have a bit of a closet interest in their trade who are least pleasant.

Even worse is the attitude of some preservationists who seem to resent interest in their assets from anyone outside of their own "circle", questions or interest in their charge from anyone other than a fellow 'operator' being treated with disdain.

There are plenty of oddballs about and no mistake though

 

[Fokx]

Weren’t they the names of staff members children?

Or pets in the case of “Noo Noo Shimano”
(Who were two cats)

 

[Busaholic]

For most people, it's relatively harmless but for some folk, they do get borderline obsessive. Even then, if they're not bothering anyone then...they're not bothering anyone.

Not too many BORDERLINE obsessives on this forum, of course....

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Not too many BORDERLINE obsessives on this forum, of course....

Perish the thought.... now I must get back to cataloguing my Eastern Counties Setright tickets

 

[LUYMun]

The sort of enthusiasts who wear old uniforms and stuff are part of the reason why I don’t bother with rallies anymore

Quoting from another person, I thought you were there to enjoy the bus, not other enthusiasts!

 

[traction22]

I've just read through this thread, and quite frankly, I'm not sure why some of you are members of this forum.

 

[OmniCity999]

I've just read through this thread, and quite frankly, I'm not sure why some of you are members of this forum.

Because thats exactly why forums exist. People have different views and different interpretations of their hobbies and past times, its hugely subjective.

Thats the great thing, people are allowed opinion and forums exist to share opinion. They exist as a place to ask questions, share knowledge and opinion and different views.

But people are also allowed to not like your opinion, but that is entirely fine, because it is just that, it's your opinion.

There is no right or wrong answer. We dont live in a communist state, no matter how much it may feel like it.

 

[GusB]

I've just read through this thread, and quite frankly, I'm not sure why some of you are members of this forum.

Please do share your views, and maybe offer some explanation as to why others are wrong.

 

[83G/84D]

Perish the thought.... now I must get back to cataloguing my Eastern Counties Setright tickets

Nothing wrong with that, I bet it gives you hours of pleasure.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Nothing wrong with that, I bet it gives you hours of pleasure.

Yeah, especially since the other half left me for her pilates teacher...... (Michelle, come back....I swear, it'll be different, I can change)

 

[Pat1105]

Because thats exactly why forums exist. People have different views and different interpretations of their hobbies and past times, its hugely subjective.

Thats the great thing, people are allowed opinion and forums exist to share opinion. They exist as a place to ask questions, share knowledge and opinion and different views.

But people are also allowed to not like your opinion, but that is entirely fine, because it is just that, it's your opinion.

There is no right or wrong answer. We dont live in a communist state, no matter how much it may feel like it.

I think forums are an excellent way to just talk buses. It’s a place where people understand what you’re saying and a place where you don’t feel embarrassed to talk about your hobby freely. Much of my knowledge has been gained by other people sharing it.
I have to say, this forum has to be the best forum that i’m on. Ever since I joined, I was made to feel welcome. The members here can have civilised discussions (apart from maybe one or two!) and you won’t be put down for having an opinion. People don’t make ridiculously stupid comments (mostly!) and the moderators are friendly, helpful and won’t slate you for doing something wrong. I’ve seen moderators on other forums/groups be quite rude, belittle or believe they are above everyone else. Yes, arguments may arise from time to time, but I think it’s only natural to either defend your opinion, or correct someone for providing incorrect information or making wildly stupid comments!