Bus Driver Transports Passengers In Car

August 17, 2011

Following the call for a strike by the Bermuda Industrial Union this afternoon [Aug.17], one bus driver took matters into her own hands.

At approximately 5:40pm, a female bus driver drove her personal car to the bus terminal in Hamilton. She got out of her car, walked over to the passengers, explained that she does not agree with the strike, and offered people waiting a free ride to Somerset.

The bus driver loaded up her personal car with would-be bus passengers and drove away.

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Comments (106)

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  1. Curious says:

    EVERYBODY SHOULD DO IT… Stop at the Bus Terminal, or a bus stop and give people a ride.

    • Black Soil says:

      God speed my sistaas who refuse to take this nonsense anymore. Emancipate yourself from mental slavery!!! Our brothers in BIU need better leadership. Will our brothers & sisters in govt help?? We need leadership!

    • H says:

      Well done! You have much good karma coming your way. We are behind you, please don’t have doubts.

  2. Kat says:

    BRAVO

  3. jumpup says:

    OUTSTANDING… she should be the minister of transport!!!

  4. ppl have small brains says:

    well done!!!!!!

  5. Paw Paw says:

    Class Act !! We could do with more Bus Drivers like her !!!

  6. Helping hand says:

    Let what this bus driver did be an inspiration to us all to help. We cannot afford for our tourists to suffer the consequences to this strike. PLEASE EVERYONE, starting tomorrow morning, go to the bus terminal and do that same thing. I am sure the press will help us get the word out. Even if you can use your car for one hour, please help.

  7. Scott says:

    She should definitely be commended for this!!!! outstanding!!

    • Dee says:

      Good for her! I picked up a family of five from Warwick Long Bay at 5.30pm, three tired kids and Mum and Dad. Took them to where they are staying in Flatts. Unfortunately they had already had experience of this madness because they were stranded in Flatts on Monday when the drivers held the first meeting.

      • Shell says:

        To Dee, that’s excellent you did that Dee. Alot of kind hearted people still are around.

      • PEPPER says:

        How sick is this….we are doing this to our tourist….and the #$%^&*( union members have agreed to go strike !!!!!!!!!! this is a new day and the union has now been broken ,.. thanks to Terry Lister and the present government,we do not need the likes of Chris furbert who thought he had the power over this Island… man you and Lavern are history….. thanks Terry for taking charge..
        Please do not back down from your stand.. you have a lot of people that support you….

      • Scott says:

        very nice!!

      • H says:

        You are a good person Dee, what a great thing to do.

  8. Onion says:

    I live in Spanish Point. And I’m out of work. I’ll drive for an hour on Route 4.

    • Onion says:

      I’ll do it in the morning, so people can get to work.

    • Not Surprised says:

      That’s awesome,:-) I too will be doing similar. We the people who care need to stick together in this one.

  9. late worker says:

    I’ve a similar story. I got to the bus station not feeling very hopeful about finding an alternate way home, just as a driver and bus pulled in to my route’s bay. He seemed a bit furtive about it, he got there and loaded those of us who rushed him and about 4 minutes later took off. It was great!

    I hope people who see those of us who are normally bus passengers waiting at bus stops tomorrow understand we are hoping for a ride, just like these wonderful folks are helping with!

    (I would like to add that most of the bus drivers I have had for the 3 years I’ve been here have been good folks. Sure, some drive fast or a bit loosely, and some are quieter than others, but I’ve had some very helpful, very personable, very service oriented drivers as well. I’ve wished for an easy way to turn in kudos for the good ones, and complaints for the surly ones, on a govt website, even if it is just the route and time of the run when they dont have nameplates up.)

    • Lets help the good people out! says:

      I am purposely driving my car into work tomorrow (normally catch the ferry) to give others a ride into town that I see at bus stops. Stand out there and if your in between Somerset and town I’ll come get you!

      • Onion says:

        Have you seen the Facebook page “Help Give A Ride to Work Bermuda”? If you haven’t please share on your FB page if you have one.

  10. Triangle Drifter says:

    Good for you. Times like this I wish I had a big car instead of a motorised rollerskate.

  11. Shaking the Head says:

    As Chris Furbert is off the island and returns tomorrow, let’s ask all taxi operators to boycott him and let him walk from the airport with his luggage.

  12. the truth says:

    Well done!

  13. chocolate says:

    I f they dont care about us the passenger!!!, MAybe this time is TIME FOR US GO AND DO A STRIKE AGAINTS THE UNION AND BUS DRIVERS!!!, and show them and goverment how upset we are!!!!!!

    Let do a strike againts the F@#$@#% DRIVERS

    • Smh says:

      I AGREE! STRIKE @ BIU HEADQUARTERS!

      • match-me-if-you-can says:

        Don’t use their Cinema or Gas Station ever!!!

        • The Messenger says:

          Now that’s a great idea….I forgot about the gas station and the theatre.

        • chocolate says:

          is the gas station in front of goslins!!! down town!!!!! EXCELENT IDEA!!!!!, PLEASE NOBODY USE THAT STATION AND THE LIBERTY THEATER!!!!!

          • Onion says:

            I’m on board with that. Theatre boycott 2011 version.

          • A.S. says:

            I may be wrong, but I thought the theatre is privately owned by someone else now and not by the Union. Folks may need to check on that so an innocent business doesn’t get boycotted. Definitely boycott the gas station, though.

            The Union officials need to realise they’re affecting some of their own members working in other divisions-e.g. hotel workers-and their families who also rely on public transportation. They are hurting many of their own people here…did they think of that???

            • pg says:

              You are correct…The Liberty Theatre is privately owned and operated.

              • H says:

                okay, so no boycott please. We do not want to punish an innocent business owner.

        • TMT says:

          Theatre now privately owned so nothing do with Union!

  14. MY DEAR says:

    Good Old Bermudian Hospitality,like it use to be…KUDOS to you…

  15. Jim Garlic... says:

    If you know of any Taxis that are not being used as according to T.C.D regulations don’t hesitate to report said vehicle ;i.e Taxi parked all day in one spot or hidden behind houses or other structures .

  16. pebblebeach says:

    Hey Chris…were are the financials, its been years since they have been filed….

  17. THE TRUTH says:

    Bravo to that bus driver for helping out..I may take a vacation day tomorrow and help those who need transportation I hope that we can all unite against this ignorance and help others who need a ride..I see on the TV news some visitors say they want be returning to the island…Hopefully common sense will prevail..with these knuckle heads.

    • PEPPER says:

      Truth.. that is not the answer to the problem you are only putting a band aid to solve the bigger problem. we need to get rid of the likes of Chris Furbert…he is a very angry man and does not have the ability to solve the problems of what is going on today……but guess what Everest da costa will have Chris Furbert on his show in the near future….and bullsh%t us again….

      • Scott says:

        def right..doesnt fix the problem.. but it mitigates the repurcussions.. and in my opinion, this is the first big topic that all walks of bermuda life have gotten together for..regardless of political orientation.

        imho although it absolutely sucks…. this will do bermudian people some good!!!

  18. Liars says:

    his gotem wiff hiz faam off de ilund, joo no, lay’in laadge up ian is hood out der right. So donk woorry wiff it kay. dos financials er safe seein.

    • PEPPER says:

      Liars, you are worse then maniac Terry,please stop posting with your stupid comments…

      • Terry says:

        Pepper, get a freeking life. I have saind nothing here Ahole….

    • Debra says:

      What the F##k did you say. Write a massage that everyone can understand!

      Why didn’t the driver take the drug test? What did they have to hide!!!!!!!!!!!

      Whole strike is stupid, escpeically in these days of recession!!!!!!

  19. islander says:

    I saw a male bus driver at the crow lane roundabout around 545pm and his bus was full, gave him the thumbs up…cant be easy for some of them to turn their backs on what the others say…know what may happen so I applaud them!

  20. Scriptwriter says:

    All this pressure from the uproar – I bet ace girl driver REALLY needs something now to loosen the tightness in her head! :) Betta hold off chikka…..it’s not ova!

  21. Shell says:

    Wow. what a wonderful act of kindness!!! Bermuda needs more compassionate people around like her.

    • Onion says:

      Thank you for posting this. Have shared on my FB page.

  22. Watching! says:

    Here is the irony, she will probably lose her job or more like get blackballed and that other beeoutch will get her job back! Well done for standing up and doing what is right.

  23. D'REA says:

    Must admit first time been so fired up to write comments…

    Absolutely baffled how we got to this. I applaud all those bus drivers who are taking a stand against the strike. I call on all Bermudians to take their own stand. Make a commitment to car pool. Get creative and display your own signs to legitimize your ‘shuttle services’. Don’t forget the hotels, drop off your number at bell desk/concierge as know there will be many who can not afford taxis everywhere. If I could get off work tomorrow would be worth it to me to travel the island to accommodate.

  24. Michael W. Branco says:

    Well done for this great act of kindness! Let’s get everyone giving rides to work!

  25. Shaking the Head says:

    Private cars driving round and picking up visitors. Wow, this is 1981 all over again! So sad that Bermuda has been transported back 30 years.

    • check says:

      30 years ago Tourism was at its height. So what so sad about that? Maybe thats what the visitors liked. Bermuda’s friendly people.

  26. Liars says:

    its almost 9:00pm Chris and the buses are still running all over the island…haha……

  27. free up says:

    whooo de cap fits…….let em wear it…………..

  28. PDB says:

    Yup, until the BIU files audited financial statements they should have their status as a representative of the workers revoked. The BIU’s whole point seems to be that the Ministry did not follow the rules yet they blatantly ignore them. It’s time they were held accountable for THEIR actions as opposed to taking action against everyone else. Bunch of frauds. They’ve got some nerve acting like they hold some sort of moral high ground and that they have a right to hold others accountable. Unions were started because business leaders ignored the rights of the working people, yet these guys do the same thing.

  29. Hate to say it says:

    Sad to say it. But its situations exactly like this, clearly shows why Bermuda is in the state that it is presently in.

    Be REAL !! OVER A DRUG TEST?? A ILLEGAL DRUG !! ??? Your gonna stop Public Commute??
    She prolly is like every other Bermudian who has a draw to ellivate the stressfull measures that we currently face. She shud have taken the test… !! and tell em ya I SMOKE !!!!!!!!!! but not on the JOB !

    IF I HAD MY WAY !! I WOULD FIRE EVERY DAMN One of the BUS DRIVERS and THE UNION.. TRUST ME !! THERE ARE ALOT OF BERMUDIANS WHO NEED JOBS !! that ( W.A.N.T.) to WORK !!!

    • Empress J says:

      lol I was thinking that too regarding just taking the drug test

  30. Doug says:

    great story

  31. Truth (Original) says:

    I’ll be stopping to pick up individuals at the bus stop tomorrow morning coming out of the west. Hopefully, others join in.

    • Marcia says:

      Otheres are taking part, see the Facebook link above. And it is expected that those vehicles will be flying pink and blue ribbons so those need a ride can identify them.

  32. Hudson says:

    Kudos to this driver for taking a stand – this is the sort of thing that gives me faith in Bermudians. May there be more like her that have the fortitude and strength of character to stand up for what THEY believe is right – not what what others around them say they should do. To the others like her that don’t support the strike and are bus drivers, go to work, get in the bus, and get to work. Bermuda needs you.

  33. Harmony says:

    Finally one with a brain!!!! This is the second strike over someone being fired RIGHTFULLY!!
    Kudos to her for having her own brain and a bright one at that!

  34. Wise Up says:

    As a Bus Operator there are about 80 percent of us that do not agree with the stance taken today but because there was a last minute meeting called today and the majority we’re on the line and did not know what was transpiring at the time that the union meeting was called the ones that were there out ruled the operators that were against any type of stoppage. (allied workers majority) therefore majority rules. Most of the operators would have rather taken a work to rule as we would still have been able to work and at least get a paycheck because as of now we will not be paid by being out on a strike. Most importantly the public would have been able to still have service as we would just be able to work our seven and half hours per day hence the visitors and locals alike would have no problem moving about the island via Public Transport. There are many comments that we have to see and hear that is really unfair to us especially when there are so many of us that are so accommodating to you all when you expect us to transport you when you are late and running for the bus, no correct fare and even no fare at all, not to mention no bus pass as it has expired. You love us when we accommodate but curse us when we say no. Can I say dammed if we do, dammed if we don’t!! We like you have rent, mortgage, children in school and our hands are tied. Even if we did want to work management
    will not sign us on. Please stop the name calling because most of us are on your side and you would still want us to smile at you when you do board the bus. Wishing for things to change REAL SOON!!!

    • late worker says:

      I’m so glad to hear this!
      The vast majority of the drivers I have any regular contact with (and I commute and grocery shop by bus) are wonderful (tho there was an extreme sourpuss driving the 5.25 to St. David’s Monday, nastiest woman I’ve come across in a while). I’m happy to buy them a morning coffee, as I do when they come across to City Cafe when I am there. But the bad ones do a lot of damage to the reputations of the drivers and Bermuda generally.

    • Onion says:

      Thank you for your post. Union members need to make a change happen not wish for change. Change doesn’t happen without action. Boot Chris Furbert out!

    • Mother of a bus driver says:

      Please remember there are those bus drivers who are in the same frame of mind who does not support the strike but unfortunately is getting licked with the same tar brush. Kudos to that lady bus driver who picked up those unfortunate people. Everyone let’s be mindful of those “other” bus drivers who would rather work than strike! I too ride the bus……

  35. henny says:

    All praise to you lady bus driver!!! thats what we call genuine “public service” in the Philippines. Doing so makes your family and countrymen very proud. Having a Union is good, for their members only, I find them selfish when in most situation they dont care whats the result of their actions and the effect after. sadly its the public that gets the hard blow.

  36. Terry says:

    Not in my car, I just cleaned the my mats!

    • martin says:

      lets hope the people loosing out on jobs do to this domino affect do not take away those priviliges you take for granted bermuda as one has worked for united

  37. smh!!! says:

    sad how people going on strike for the dumbest reasons just for more money & yet you have half the island with no jobs tryna find a way to make money! I know full well they would be gladly to take your job & make whatever money these people are making now….”half a loaf is better than no loaf” smh #imjustsaying

  38. Get Real says:

    I saw a loaded bus this evening turning into St Mary’s Rd from Middle Rd Warwick. This was at 8 pm. Wish I had the chance to give the driver a thumbs up at the time. Thank you to the drivers who did their best to provide service after the strike vote! Tomorrow may be more difficult as I doubt they will be able to cross picket lines.

    • martin says:

      I agree !bravo! and let the island lead by example making all politicians take the same pay cut as everyone else and not be paid for more than one ministry or be able to hold jobs in the private sector simultaniously as no attention is giving to the security of the government post, lets all vote to make it law that all government jobs be sbject to a least 4 random drug test per year doing away with this stupidity.

  39. THE TRUTH (One & Only) says:

    Now that we know the knuckle headed bus drivers name and if or I should say when she gets her job back and your about to board her bus catch the next one. Also boycott the Liberty Theatre and that slow service Union Gas Station..But I know Bermudians want do that. We have shown that we enjoy a good cut a**.

  40. Jester says:

    Yes Folks the Liberty Theatre is privately owned.. The owners don’t deserve to have their business impacted. But boycotting the gas station yes.

  41. What on Earth? says:

    @Wise Up says.. if the vote included Allied Workers and 80% of Bus Drivers were against having a strike something is wrong with tht picture. By the way Kudos to those drivers who continued to work and got the tourists from the beaches, I noted
    ‘several buses well after 6.00 pm.making their way back from the west end. I’m with all who plan to pick up ppl from the bus stops. Its for Bermuda lets do our part.

  42. KUDOS says:

    @ Wise up I want to appalud you for your temperate explanation about the good drivers and we know you are legion. It can be dificult to ignore the bad comments, but rest assured there are many positive comments about the very best of you. Peace!

  43. 1minute says:

    I would like to thank my wife’s boss for being so understanding if my wife cannot make it to work today. My wife’s boss is an elderly person who finds it difficult to get around their home and needs help. My wife cannot drive, due to a disability, and relies on the buses, as taxis are to expensive compared to the amount she makes from her elderly clients.
    The questions from my 10 year old.
    If that lady driver has nothing to find, why won’t she take the drug test?
    His answer: She must be using drugs
    Second question: Why is the union supporting a bus driver that does drugs?
    Neither he nor I can andwer that question

  44. second says:

    What an example for others to follow!! And she is sending the right message to our youth who in the next coming years will feel the ill effects of this nonsense because tourism will have dwindled even more, if it exists at all. Great work and we commend you! God Bless!

  45. Young Observer says:

    ??

  46. Fanilyvgirl says:

    Kudos to the driver. To the other bus drivers who were against this latest action, you have a choice- withdraw your membership from the BIU. Why continue in a situation that is not benefiting anyone in the long run. Leaders should have counseled Ms. Harvey to do the right thing. That’s their job. Sucks to be Ms. Harvey and Sucks to be BIU! Unions are meant to represent all in the face of injustice. I just don’t see the injustice here. I don’t see it!

  47. SWEETBLACK says:

    i just think this whole thing is really getting way out of control. is this what we want to teach our young children coming up,that if you can’t get your way strike. this female driver should be ashamed of herself,if you have nothing to hide than take then damn test so the buses can start running again. my thoughts are that she has something to hide.this strike is affecting the whole island. i was watching the news last night and tourist came on the news and said that they would never come back to the island beacause of thas strike. that puts bermuda in a bad light. i am also outrage at the biu beacuse is this how you solve issues by calling a strike? you folks at the biu should be ashamed of yourselves.

  48. Down de toilet says:

    Good for you- standing up and believing your union is wrong for what they are doing! Where are the rest of your co-workers who believe the same way? Actions speaks louder than words!

  49. Lili says:

    One more right-thinking person who did the right thing in the face of all this insanity! I applaud this person and thank her for stepping up to the plate at the risk of being bullied by all the other lemmings. And where is Chris Furbert by the way? Family business I hear? Perhaps he is taking care of his out of control child who decided to punch out someone at Ice Queen, because her friend got water sprinkled on her? The brotha needs to be removed from his position. Where is the leadership and what happened to common sense?

  50. Down de toilet says:

    Anyone who has transportation and isnt working today or the rest of the time the buses are on strike head to dockyard and charge the tourists a small fee to taxi them around or do it free if you can afford to, but go out and show them that we will not let their visit to our island be disrupted by a stuiped rediculous bus strike and ruin it for them. Let them see that yes Bermudians are still friendly and not out to rip them off.

  51. Down de toilet says:

    I wish I had some time off as I wouldnt mind driving the tourists around and giving them a free tour of my island!

  52. Just Curious says:

    Let all meet today at 12.00 pm at the BUS stop and walk to the BIU and protest!!!!!

  53. ridiculous says:

    Jennifer Harvey, I don’t have all the facts. You were put you on blast. Yes, accidents happen and in these economic times, a job is required. If you have nothing to hide, you should have given in and not been so stubborn. It may now be hard for you to find another job as employers will see that you are stubborn and one who disregards company policy. What message are you sending to your grandchildren? Sh!t, middle age woman…that’ sad. Gotta start looking at things differently during these times.

  54. Jai says:

    I can take one or two from or to the east end!

    Cheers

  55. Bold Enough says:

    This is definitely a wonderful act worth commanding…we need more people like this in our community. When I her/read/see things like this it makes me proud to be Bermudian all over again. Well done and to all those helping out today, keep up the good work.

  56. Coach Spencer says:

    This has restored my faith in THE BERMUDIAN PERSON…
    Now let’s get all the GP# cars out there picking up people at the bus stop too.
    MP’s serve the NEEDS of the people.

  57. kiskadee says:

    Bermudians are united and we will beat this union. It gives me such a good feeling to see how kind people are in helping others. I admire the bus driver who transported people to Somerset in her car and to all the bus drivers who are helping people out.My daughter was going in for surgery at 11:00 am to-day but she was out on the road at 7:00 am giving people lifts in to work. I am so proud of her and all the kind Bermudians out there.

  58. Kathy says:

    This woman makes me proud! Paying her own gas money to do so! So proud of you! You go, girl!

  59. Rich says:

    Maybe all residents leaving town at rush hour should chip in and stop by. If every one picks up one person from the terminal, we can deal with the strike easily.