Jodie Leigh Fox, 24, lives in Brentwood and has been a bus driver for five years. In an interview with the New York Post, she reveals what she really thinks about drunk passengers, but also the most rude comments she has heard!
"We have people's lives in our hands"
Says Jodie: "People think it's easy, but there's a lot to think about before you decide to become a bus driver - just think we have people's lives in our hands. However, driving a bus is not much more complicated than driving a car. However, you have to be more careful, given the length and weight of a bus, as well as the responsibility you have towards your passengers. "We have our daily checks to be completed, checking everything to make sure the bus is operational."
While driving in the sights of London sounds like a wonderful day, as a driver you also have to deal with constant traffic jams. Says Jodie: "I would say the hardest part is trying to work under pressure when you are running on a tight schedule and there is movement. "Sometimes it gets stressful, especially in the summer as you sit in a hot sweaty seat."
Unfortunately, drivers can also encounter some unreasonable passengers, which can increase stress. Jodie says: “I have a lot of rude passengers who always have something to say because I'm a woman. I had a lot of inappropriate comments like that… I wear "too much makeup" or "I'm fat" or I have "puffy lips". However, you just have to let it go, otherwise it will affect the rest of your day. I also see a lot of drunks, but I like it because I was like that too! It does not really bother me. "
Of course, with the negatives come the positives, so not everything is bad at this job. Jodie says: "The best experience I had with a passenger with mobility problems. "He took my bus every day and then thankfully he gave me a gift that was a small set of wine - we have been best friends ever since."
Being a bus driver is obviously not the standard 9-5 job, which can be useful depending on the circumstances.