Bus driver explains why they don't open the door for you once it has closed at stop
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Many of us will know the frustration of turning up to the bus stop just in the nick of time, only for the driver to stare blankly ahead with the doors closed before taking off.
Not only is it embarrassing, but it always seems to happen when you're late for work.
But it turns out it's not a conspiracy aimed to make your life harder. No, as explained by one bus driver, they've got no choice but to keep driving once the doors have closed.
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The TikTok user, who goes by the delightful username Fatbus Driver (his real name is Stephen), works for the public transport service in Glasgow.
He's also started a pick-n-mix sweets store called Fatmans Treats, and has earned himself nearly 8,000 followers on the platform by sharing his pearls of bus driver wisdom.
One question he's asked quite often is what we're here to talk about today: why exactly do they leave passengers stranded once the doors are closed?
As said, it's not because it's funny - well, in most cases anyway.
"Quite a lot of people don’t know this," he explained in a recent video.
"If this is in the town, we are under TRC conditions which means they’re enforced by Glasgow City Council and SPT and our own inspectors."
Stephen went on to say that as soon as they've serviced a stop and the doors are closed, they're not permitted to open them again.
"The company faces a fine and can have their bus license for that vehicle taken off, which means it costs them money," he continued.
"And we can get into serious s**t for it into the bargain. So that's why that is, it’s nothing to do with the drivers.
"Okay, maybe some drivers. I can't speak for them all, I can only speak for myself.
"So if it’s in the town that’s what it is, if it’s outside the town, chances are I can't speak because it was not me."
Stephen's video received dozens of likes and comments, with some people sharing their experiences with this rather annoying occurrence.
"Happens in small places etc too, not just the town," wrote one person. "Happened a few times when my son was a newborn I was raging."
Another suggested: "Here's an idea, wait for the poor sod running down the street to reach the door before closing them."
But not everyone was unsympathetic towards bus drivers who appear to have a protocol to follow, including this person who said: "Once the door is closed consider the stop served. Get the next one!
"As said City Centre has restrictions... town drivers don't have time to waste."
At least you know for next time - if the doors are closed, as annoying as it is, it's best not to knock and shout obscenities at the driver and instead just wait for the next one.
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