What Was He Thinking?

BUS ROUTE: 800
BUS NUMBER: 29
BUS SCHEDULED DEPARTURE: 0708
BUS ACTUAL DEPARTURE: 0709
BUS STOP: Oakleigh Train Station
BUS LINE: Grenda's


I catch public transport to work each week day.

It saves me a small fortune.

Yesterday I boarded the Grenda's bus service at Oakleigh train station at 0705.

The bus had arrived before scheduled time so it waited until the next scheduled departure time, 0708, from the Oakleigh stop.

Shortly after boarding the drivers mobile phone rang. He answered and talked a while.

He talked a while longer.

He talked a while longer still.

At 0709 I walked to the driver to ask when he would be departing and just as I got to him he began to drive off, still talking on the mobile phone, driving with one hand.

I told him he should not be talking and driving and he should stop the call.

He did not.

I sat shit scared as I watched him driving single handed, laughing out loud with some one on the other end of the mobile phone line.

He continued to talk and drive single handed right up to the very last traffic lights located on Middle Road in Chadstone.

When he pulled in to the bus stop I told him it was the worst trip I had ever had and I would be reporting him to Grenda's and the Police.

Can you believe he actually tried to convince me he was talking to his sick wife!

Granted I only heard his side of the conversation but it was no indication he was talking to some one sick. Besides he is NOT allowed to drive and talk on the mobile phone.

Simple!

It IS against the law.

I was beside myself and could not think what to do while this dangerous journey continued. I now wish I just asked him to stop and let me off but when the heart has stopped racing from fear and the mind is not processing all the bad stuff that can happen, it is easy to see that would have been the best thing to do.

After stepping off the bus, I called Grenda's and lodged a complaint.

I now have Oakleigh Police Station number in my mobile phone so should some other selfish, careless driver decide to do the same I will call them to catch him/her in the act.

How can a bus driver who is entrusted with the lives of other people be so selfish and care so little for them to continue a dangerous activity of talking on the mobile phone and drive (in peak traffic)single handed.