Should we thank our bus, train, and taxi drivers?

IWAS interested to read that March 17 was declared Thank Your Driver Day in Calgary, Canada. This may seem to be of little interest to us here in Cape Town, but I have a daughter living in Calgary, so I do tend to watch for news from that chilly city. It occurred to me that we might consider having a similar day here in Cape Town.

We are all too quick to protest against what we believe to be lack of service, or poor service, and we seldom hesitate to complain about the irritations of modern life, but do we ever think of thanking those who spend their days making life a little easier for us all?

We were quick to recognise the fine work done by firefighters in the recent mountain fire disaster, but it shouldn’t take a disaster for us to thank all the other workers who keep the city running.

More than a million Capetonians travel to and from work every day – in trains, buses and taxis – and the great majority of us arrive safely and on time.

We hardly ever take time to thank the bus driver, taxi driver or train driver who brought us safely to work and back.

The only time we seem to remember the people behind the wheel is when something goes wrong, then we squeal like injured pigs.

I believe it would be a good thing to acknowledge the good work these people do.

On one day a year, let’s make a point of saying “thank you”. It needn’t take a great effort – just a hand-shake and a “thanks” is all it would require to make a difference.

Have you ever even seen the driver of your commuter train? He was probably up and at work long before you got out of bed. Imagine what a smile it would bring to his face if you took the trouble to go to the front of the train and hand him a card saying: “Thanks for your good driving.”

Of course, it’s not only the drivers who make our lives easier. What about the street cleaners who keep our neighbourhoods looking neat? A pat on the shoulder and a few words: “You’re doing a great job. Thanks,” could make their rather boring lives a little more pleasant.

It’s always good to be recognised. And when somebody knows they’re appreciated, maybe they will work a little harder and take a little more pride in what they do.

Ours is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it takes thousands of people to keep it running smoothly.

We should show our appreciation for what they do for us.

Last Laugh

During a big mountain fire, a newspaper photographer was assigned to get aerial shots of the blaze. He was told an aircraft would be waiting for him on the runway of a local airfield.

He rushed out, found an aircraft waiting as arranged, sprang aboard and said to the pilot: “Okay, let’s go! Let’s go!”

When they were in the air the pilot asked: “Where to?” “Well, to the fire, of course,” said the photographer. “What for?” “So I can get photographs.” There was a long pause and then the pilot said: “You mean you’re not my flying instructor?”

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