The bus driver swapped for a new one at one of the stops. The new driver proved to be very curt to an elderly gentleman who was a bit confused about how buses work. He treated him with some disdain and what I would consider disrespect, had he spoken to me thus.
I sat wondering how I could say something to the driver... thoughts like 'are you always rude to the older men on buses or just the cute ones?' that really weren't going to go anywhere except around my head.
Then it was time to get off. I was the sole exiter, and to accomodate me, the driver leaned out of his seat to address me, asked me 'would you like a hand with the pram love?', gave me assorted affirming comments possibly verging on a flirting attempt when I proved able to manage alone, and farewelled me with various warm phrases before the door closed and he pulled away.
I don't mind at all that a driver recognises the challenge of having a pram on a bus. In fact, had I not seen his earlier behaviour I would have thought he was one of the friendliest and most accomodating drivers towards a young mum. But I felt uncomfortable receiving this treatment, because there was such a marked contrast.
Where is the bus driver who waits for the old nona to sit down before he moves off. Where is the bus driver who treats the man with a walking stick as a person, not a hindrance.
This one will get my respect.
