(29 Jan 2014, 7:40 pm)G-CPTN wrote About ten years ago I needed to get to Ashington to pick up a new (secondhand) car.
I waited at the Haymarket stand, but the bus didn't show, then arrived a good twenty minutes late.

The driver 'drove like the wind' (though safely) - taking every advantage possible and slowing for the cameras where necessary.

When we arrived in Ashington he was back on schedule!

There are some good drivers in Ashingtom Depot actually. The X15 was running late by 10 or so minutes so I got of the 43 and jumped on that one and he drove it like the wind and was even brave enough in his coach to overtake a Volvo B10 ALX 300 near Barras Bridge. Excellent driving!

I like the drivers from both GNE and Arriva who:
- Close the doors on time
- Drive quickly whilst being safe
- Don't take pitty on people who turn up at the last minute and start banging on the door
- Have a good moan at the inconsiderate little muppets who turn up with 10 and 20 quid notes for a £1.40 fare during peak times

I remember once this right old school driver from Blyth with a deep voice was driving the 308 and he gave two of the Benfield Road crowd at St Mary's stick. One for running at the last minute with no fare ready and farting around in his bag holding the bus up. And the girl who got on after due to him holding the bus up, trying to pay the £1.40 fare to Benfield Road with a note. I was thinking good on him for doing so and he was spot on. I can totally understand how the good drivers feel though at times.