Showing results by narrator "Douglas Meriwether" in All Categories

Take a ride in a San Francisco trolleybus to the Painted Ladies and the Ferry Plaza with Driver Doug, a transit operator with the SFMTA for 20-plus years. Doug enjoys giving directions to get around the city in public transportation - and to share stories and tips on taking the Muni when you visit.

In this third installment of the Dao of Doug series, this 2019 audiobook, narrated by Driver Doug, Douglas Meriwether, continues the anecdotal essay style storybook describing the life of a transit operator in San Francisco: the ways in which to handle problems on the electric bus as an operator, more information about the streets of San Francisco, and how to save time while riding mass transit.

There is much to know about being a bus driver. It takes about 35 days to train a new employee. But as Doug points out, some skills come through experience that takes years to develop. This "guidebook" or "rule book" contains material needed to choose your style on how to pay at the fare box and where to stand while waiting for the bus. Plus a philosophy on how to maintain dignity and peace when the going gets tough.

Today's car number is 5481. I get a new car every day, and I can hold up to 50 people at once! I get to take you where you want to go, and I get paid to do it. I don't have to worry about parking, because it is free. I don't have to pay for gas, because this car uses free city hydroelectric power. I have a camera to send a bill to someone blocking my parking space. I am kind of like the ultimate in ride share, without any carbon emission.

Inside these sections are anecdotes from years of experience behind the wheel as a transit operator - which can lead to stable paychecks without suffering a merger, buyout, and having to start all over again with gaps of income between jobs. Take this precious time of peace and quiet and light traffic to reflect on what works, and why being a driver might be a good fresh start with good benefits and stable hours.