Passengers thanking Drivers

[Dieseldriver]

Just before London Midland took over from Central Trains (a loooooong time ago) I remember waiting at Codsall station for a train to Birmingham New Street. As the train came to a standstill I saw that the driver's window was down so I went and asked him about the potential for new trainee conductor and driver jobs. He politely answered and I thanked him for his time. But on reflection, and now better educated in regards to the concentration levels required of the driver, I'm actually embarrassed that I potentially distracted him while performing his job.

It’s not that critical if the train is at a stand. In fact, if I have a relatively long (2 minutes or so) wait at a station I tend to get out of my cab to stretch my legs and quite often get asked questions from passengers on the platform. I like that sort of interaction anyway but I actually think it helps to break up the driving into different ‘legs’ and I welcome the human engagement.

 

[Essexman]

Unusually I walked past the cab at Paddington this evening just as the driver had got out.
I said thanks as I do when the opportunity arises.
He looked at me as if I was acting strangely.

 

[BoroAndy]

Unusually I walked past the cab at Paddington this evening just as the driver had got out.
I said thanks as I do when the opportunity arises.
He looked at me as if I was acting strangely.

Londoners eh..

 

[davidknibb]

In the 'old days' of steam and posh trains - I've read somewhere that it wasn't unusual for passengers to 'tip' the driver - not sure if he split it with the fireman - after a good long distance run.
And the station master - of course in an immaculate uniform - would go and meet the train at a terminus too.

 

[ExRes]

In the 'old days' of steam and posh trains - I've read somewhere that it wasn't unusual for passengers to 'tip' the driver - not sure if he split it with the fireman - after a good long distance run.

Always makes me smile that, taxi and coach drivers have a reputation for standing there tongues and hands out for doing the job you've paid them to do, I could just imagine the reaction to train drivers doing the same, 50p off each passenger on the Brighton to Victoria each morning would be nice ........

 

[irish_rail]

Got a thank-you from a passenger the other day, it does seem since the strikes the public have switched onto the fact rail staff are working hard without payrises and seem to be very much onside (for now). Before the strikes I was dreading face to face public reaction but in my experience it is generally positive (or maybe they are just happy because the sun is shining).