WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK

I was asked why I wrote a book about being a bus driver in San Francisco. The first reason was in answer to why I am here. "We are all here to do what we are all here to do," as the Oracle tells Neo in the Matrix trilogy. Being of service was and is my first motive to get what I learned down on paper. As a guide for those who follow me at the job, I hope to provide a higher vantage point from which to see what lies ahead on the road. And not just with the drive-cam evidence at a Skelley (disciplinary) hearing! To get us on the same page. And for the public at large to get an understanding, a wakeup call, how to smooth the ride.

Where we place the door seems to baffle most intending passengers. The distraction of showing a transfer at an awkward, unsafe moment also causes complaints to arise from our aggravated tone of voice, with a complete lack of understanding of why. Our passion about safety is a first priority, and the challenge is in trying to relay much experience in a short span of time. This relay is what this book is all about. We have reasons for why we do what we do, and if this is understood, another angel can be with us on the bus, and not in the complaint cue.

When patrons rush to the door, they are just as unsure about what to expect from the bus driver as I am of them. If anything written here stirs controversy (although not my intent), it would be worth it to get into a conversation about what has worked and what has not: To see through eyes of interconnectedness, not isolated in our car with the windows up (except for a hand sticking out with the single middle finger in the air as it passes by the bus) is my hope.

The "caution and reinstruct" love letter from our superintendent after an incident, comes without the necessary clarity about our part, and their part, in causing the conflict. It is the proposed solution for next time and an opportunity, through our Zen-like mastery, to state safety needs without an angry or harsh tone.

Preconceived notions or attachment to something else is what's usually behind a service complaint. It is often not what is said, but the tone in which it was said. In the flash-of-the-pan moment, this becomes almost impossible; but on the pages of this tome, a "space cushion" remains.

This space cushion we are trained to keep around our bus at all times goes a long way toward explaining why we are splitting the lane or driving down both lanes of traffic in the Mission or on Van Ness. We are avoiding car doors, skaters, bike riders, and the person with the door open at their parked car. We can't answer your question right now because we are busy looking at the show in front of, and up to, one-to-two blocks ahead. Now sit down and be still, please. Or as you sometimes say to us, "Shut-up and drive the bus," and "Just do your job." Surprise, surprise. We are and you're not helping!

I am continually returned to the state of abashment at the attempts to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of my integrity and job experience. Someone enters and alights before I have a chance to answer and complains of discourtesy. A motorist rushes ahead, only to block the lane to wait for a parking space. A "fixie" on his bike passes on the right and stands in the crosswalk, preventing a right turn on red. It's an assigned penalty in a love letter that proposes no solution. The other reason for this book is to respond to the continual bombardment from the press, the public, and those in "authority," of our operators' response, "Try a week, a day behind the wheel, and then tell me what you think!"

In the past year, I have received feedback from passengers, coworkers, and other, newer operators, and I hope this follow-up sequel answers the questions I still get about issues or topics not found in book one, Finding Zen. The glossary in the back of this sequel is a tool to help understand words with which you may be unfamiliar. A Skelley, just used above, for example, is that first part of progressive discipline between the manager, the union representative, and the self that tries to follow due process leading to the penalty box.

Fortunately, classes are given on a regular basis in the training department to keep the information fresh. We have AR training (Accident Review), VTT class (Verified Transit Training), and requalification for those who haven't been behind the wheel for sixty days. This Line Trainer's Guide is just another point of information to get us on the same page. When I see the small coincidence of right action and joy around me on the bus and on the street, I get such a smile and a laugh and realize I am in the right place at the right time.

This book, and the stories within its chapters, are from intense passions released in the never-dull moments of driving a ten-ton vehicle on overhead wires in San Francisco. The life of a trolley operator contains all the challenge I ever need in a job. Thank you for reading. Thank you for riding!

THE COLAS AND SALT POSSE

In receiving feedback from new operators who were interested in my first book about finding Zen, they thought that the "guidebook" would contain factual information about passing the tests for getting a class B license. This chapter is a response. One of the more stressful tests in becoming a qualified operator in the state is to pass the air brake test. The air brake test can be stressful, especially if memorization skills are...