From time to time, I'll ride a bus with the students after school. Wednesday was one of those days. My intent was to assist the driver with some behaviors as well as to get an idea of the climate of the bus. Normally when the ride is over the driver brings me back to school. Well, the driver and I got in a conversation and the next thing I knew I was at the bus terminal in a town other than where our school is. The last minute of the ride went something like this.
Driver- Thanks for riding along today. It was the quietest ride of the year.
Me- No problem. Just keep me informed if you're having an issues or you'd like me to ride again.
Driver- Do you have a ride back to school?
Me- Yes. My wife should be here shortly to pick me up.
I got off the bus. It's pitch black due to day light savings time so I walked closer to the driveway entrance to stand under the street light. And then I texted my wife and daughter of my predicament. I didn't have the heart to tell the driver that I was expecting him to take me back to school after the last stop. You see, I didn't have a ride back to school. My wife came to pick me up and we had a good chuckle all the way home.
I learned two lessons on that ride.
#1. Be more specific when riding a bus that you will need a ride back to school after the last stop.
#2. Spending a few extra minutes with our bus drivers develops a relationship that allows the drivers to know you really care about the kids and about them.
Next time, I may just drop off my car at the bus terminal, ride a bus to school, and then ride a different bus home. That way I can build a relationship with another driver. And I won't have to have my wife come pick me up.
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