Smoke on the 63 bus (Lounged)

[jocelyn]

Has anyone else noticed that when you get on the 63 bus in the morning by the FHT where it starts loads of the buses stink of smoke as the drivers must have a cheeky fag in the bus itself while they are on their breaks. Correct me if I am wrong but isn't a bus a "public" place and therefore the smoking ban should be enforced. I hate my early morning, stale smoke bus ride at the moment.

[macroban]

> Correct me if I am wrong but isn't a bus a "public" place and therefore the smoking ban should be enforced.

It's a "working place" and there is a smoking ban.

[Marmora Man]

I've noticed this too. I have idly thought about complaining and then done nothing. I'll follow up with the bus company.

[figgins]

I have noticed this several times. Hate to hassle the bus driver about it though, as he could then make my journey hell.

[lozzyloz]

Is it the same chords as Smoke on the water?

[jocelyn]

Yes but I think it is totally unacceptable so we should report it. Does anyone know who we would need to contact? TFL?

[SeanMacGabhann]

I'm all for the smoking ban in public places, and I get the 63 bus every morning at the start of the journey.. but I wouldn't go so far as to call this "totally unnacceptable" - a bit of a nose-wrinkle at the start of a journey at worst

It would be different if the driver smoked with passengers on board. But as it is.. even tho' it is technically breaking the law.. it just doesn't seem to warrant that much fuss

[jocelyn]

It does when you have asthma and it makes the first ten minutes of your morning into a coughing fit. And yes I do open the window but then that makes people cold.

[Nero]

I have noticed this several times. Hate to hassle the bus driver about it though, as he could then make my journey hell.

For Pete's sake! What could he do? Threaten to paper cut you with a ticket? If you're being shortchanged in any way when it comes to service, complain, there and then! Get real.

[Booboo2008]

I've noticed it too and I also get on at the FHT. The combo of smoke and curry isn't pleasant most mornings...

[MadWorld74]

Absolutely report the driver I say. It may not be a big thing to you SMG, but it bloody disgusting and annoys the cr*p out of me. It was so bad one morning that I had to get off the bus and wait for another one. My clothes stunk of smoke for hours afterwards!

[figgins]

"For Pete's sake! What could he do? Threaten to paper cut you with a ticket? If you're being shortchanged in any way when it comes to service, complain, there and then! Get real."

Ha ha. "What could he do?" Good question. I just like to start my morning without having a row with a bus driver, if that's OK with you.

[Nero]

It's fine with me, but why not just speak your mind there and then rather than bleat about it to strangers? Do you want someone else to do the complaining for you? Such a fear of confrontation is one of the reasons we have poor service in the UK.

[ontheedge]

I don't see what the big problem if people find it that offensive say something, if a little iritated just sit upstairs. I guess none of the moaners ever drank in pubs when smoking was allowed.

[SeanMacGabhann]

jocelyn's asthma complaint I understand (I think) but I cannot believe that clothes can stink for hours after passing through the door of a bus and sitting at the back or upstairs. I mean I get on that thing everyday.. I know what smoky clothes smell like after pubs etc and not once have I ever had my clothes smell of smoke for more than seconds..

And given what ELSE is on those seats anyway, smoke is the least of it ;-)

It's not a big thing for me MW, but I can see it's irritant value. What I can't see is how it could be a big thing for anyone (health notwithstanding)

I mean a BIG thing is getting mugged, burgled, losing a loved one.... etc

[ontheedge]

Hear hear, I don't see how it could exacerbate asthma if you're sitting upstairs & it is perfectly safe to sit upstairs early in the morning.I think we should be grateful for such an excellent bus service and what lukury to be able to get off and know there will be another in minutes.

People need to get a grip and stop being so precious unless it was meant as ironic humour

[citizenED]

Here is what to do: raise your eyebrow at the driver, mutter a little under your breath, find a seat upstairs, cough and splutter for a minute or two, read a few pages of "The Kite Runner" or other such bestseller. In the evening, gripe about it on the Forum. Repeat the next day.

[jocelyn]

Wow why does everyone always get really shirty on here? It's only a friendly discussion forum. The whole point is for you to express an opinion right. I was just saying that it is pretty annoying and yes it does effect my asthma in the morning I'm not going to lie. But hey I'll sit upstairs from now on - good advice.

And yes as a "moaner" I can say I did drink in pubs before the smoking ban. I'm all for the ban btw as many of my smoker/non - smoker friends are. But as was suggested a bus is a work environment too so it should not really smell of smoke.

Maybe Dulwich is making me old before my time. I'm only 25!

[SeanMacGabhann]

I can tell you're young jocelyn - if you think this thread is "shirty" you should see some of the others ;-)

I don't think anyone has gotten too shirty - your first post I basically agree with but equally can't get too worked up about - but as I went on to say re: your asthma that does make a difference and should form part ofthe complaint should you make one

aaaanyway - Summer is coming and all that :)

[jocelyn]

Hehehe cannot wait for the summer - think it's going to be nice on LL then. Ah it's no biggy I will just sit upstairs. Will mention it to the driver too next time. Most of them smoke outside so don't see why they can't all do this!

[SeanMacGabhann]

weell - the straw poll of respondants on here so far suggests you are in the majority so by all means contact them and have a go at changing the situation

As your upstairs however, do have a wave - I'm the Fr Ted figure at the back. the views of the Rye are lovely from up here... (tu)

[cdonline]

There's not much to do at the Bus stop for the drivers except have a swift ciggie, unless they fancy a stroll round the cemetery.

Can somebody sort out the people who think nothing of stinking out the bus with fried chicken carcus?

[KalamityKel]

I doubt you'll get much of a result by approaching the driver except maybe a grumbling (mayb a few norty words thrown at you too) But you should certainly give it a go. Failing that, contact the bus garage or operator or indeed TFL... if u get a nasty response from the bus driver make a point of getting his driver number - if he refuses make a note of the time and stop and if possible the number on the side of the bus.

I once reported some norty behaviour of a community officer on a bus once to TFL and had a very speedy and positive response.

Hope this helps.

[woodie]

they have the fag at forest hill road. read the paper have a fag. dont care myself. bit stinky but windows open goes quick. funny thing tho, I did get picked up by a driver recently (within 2 months) who was smoking a fag and giving you the 'dont even think of it' look.

[Keef]

As cdonline says above, there are far worse things on buses, from smelly food, to shouting school kids, to PLAYING F**KING MUSIC ON MOBILE PHONES!!! Just cos you have the evil smoking ban now, must you really moan if some poor bus driver fancies a fag when there is noone on the bus, before he has to deal with the stresses of driving a bus through London, and dealing with toss pot passengers!