“Pretty much everyone has a smile on their face” thanks to this driver. Tammy gives us faith in the system.
NextMuni.com says my bus arrives in 18 minutes and the next one comes in 32 minutes. Next I check it’s 9 minutes and 23. Then the ETA jumps up to 12/18…then 13/16…and finally 4/4. By the time I get to my stop, both buses are pulling in together. Just another typical morning waiting for the 33 in Upper Haight.
I hop on the first one, frustrated that yet again it would have been faster to drive. The bus driver apologizes, saying the two buses that were supposed to be in front of hers aren’t running today. Then she offers me my choice of wrapped candy from a dish by the fare machine and for the first time I actually look around at bus 2442 driven by Tammy.
As I sit in the bus watching new passengers board, I witness a Muni miracle: a sea of frowns turn into big grins as people enter and see what awaits them. I overhear nearly every newcomer commenting on the scene to either Tammy or their fellow straphangers. “How cool is this,” they ponder aloud. “Is this for Mother’s day?” “Is someone retiring?” “I can’t believe I got candy.” Even the woman on her cell phone discussing how her doctor just found a lump in her breast seemed upbeat, enjoying her Tootsie-Roll lollipop with her lips curled up from ear to ear.
Pretty much everyone who boarded asked Tammy a quick question about the decorations. “I just want to show appreciation for my passengers,” was her standard response. Those who pressed further often heard “If not for the passengers, drivers and managers have no job.” Tammy also was more than happy to advise passengers frustrated by the delay. “I strongly encourage you to call Muni and complain,” was advice that seemed to be doled out at every other stop.
The bus thinned out just before I got to my stop and I had the chance to briefly chat with Tammy and ask her what inspired her display of gratitude. “It’s for all of you. I drive this bus every morning and have the most amazing relationships with my passengers.” She next revealed that her last day is this Thursday, but when I wished her an amazing retirement she responded, “nope, not retiring, just moving to the 24 line.”
So to all you lucky folks who take the 24, please greet Tammy with a smile and enjoy the ride, because she is one of the rare gems in the Muni system who makes the inevitable delays bearable.
Awesome driver Tammy
All photos by Greg
Nice story. I was a driver for three different transit systems. I loved my passengers and loved working with the public.
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Jon: which ones? I’d love to be a fly on your wall.
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I retired from Golden Gate Transit. I went to work for the Detroit Department of Street Railways,
now the DOT, shortly before my 20th birthday in 1973. I drove for Indiana University’s Campus Bus Service from 1980 until 1984. I also drove tours and charters for different companies in San Francisco, mostly driving over the road. In between I had various jobs involving trucking and railroads, but I missed the passengers.
On the bad side, I have had every human body fluid but cerebral/spinal fluid spat, flung, splashed or smeared on me. Come to think of it, I missed out on amniotic fluid too.
On the good side, I worked in an office once for six months. That’s it. It was beyond horrible.
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As a daily rider of the 24, I hope I get Tammy. Though the drivers I have now are pretty fantastic as it is.
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That’s so cool! This almost makes me wish Houston was more of a public transportation city! Now I want candy.
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So how do we go about getting Tammy appointed CEO?
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Wonderful! That’s the kind of spirit and character that we need on Muni. Cheers to Tammy!
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Love this!
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What a nice way to start your day! Always nice to get a reminder that there are some gems on the MUNI crew because the only ones we tend to remember or the ones that cheesed us off.
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Sorry about the typo.
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yes, Tammy is a lovely person. She is always courteous and pleasant and definitely improves one’s day. We need more drivers like her. I wish her all the best in life.
-Ra
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3 Cheers for an ideal driver!!! Minor data point, Muni’s Daily reported only 1 33 not AM 5 May, but also 1 not out on 4 May. If they were both her “leader” she gets an hourly premium for the aggravation.
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great story! there should be more Tammy’s in the world!
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Oh man, I can’t wait to get Tammy on the 24!
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On her bus now in the afternoon and she’s still smiling and the bus looks great.
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Hello everyone this is …..Tammy, I want you all know I thank you for your comments but it”s all about the PASSENGERS………Thanks again my heart is Over Joyed…..
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Hello every one, this is Taina (Tammy’s sister).
I would like to thank ALL of you for seeing the true person that she is every day!! If you do not know she loves being a driver and loves her passengers. You are all awesome for taking the time out of your busy lives to leave such beautiful comments. May all of your journeys be delightful ones. Cheers to you all.
Taina
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Now this is what I like to hear!!! As a city worker, I’m constantly hearing how we’re all overpaid and underworked. It’s nice to hear appreciation for a change. Cheers to Tammy for letting everyone see that some (I like to think most) of us do care about what we do and that we know that the services we provide are not only necessary but appreciated.
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What a wonderful story about such a simple gesture of a smile and taking time to just say hello and thank you. To let people know that even as public servants we value them as customers. How special you are Tammy to see your work beyond just being a job, but a profession where the customer and customer service is important. As your Aunt I know who you are and I happy the rest of the City gets a glimpse of a wonderful sprit and a beautiful person. Keep up the good work.
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hello everyone this is Marilyn(tammy’s reliever) i must say ..she is a very out going person..she keeps me smiling when every i’m feeling down..keep up the good work girl
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what a great story and a great person! i live in socal now but muni was my main mode of transportation and wish i had tammy on my route!!
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This story makes me so happy! Living in Irvine, CA right now makes me miss MUNI so much, and it’s good to see that the system, while not perfect, still has people who care and make it work better than most! keep doing what you’re doing Tammy, and hopfeully I’ll get a chance to say thank you in person on a trip back home to SF!
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As a previous 33 rider, I have to say I always looked forward to this driver. She would smile, announce stops, announce delays and apologize if need be. Everything about that line is rage inducing except the experiences I’ve had with this driver.
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GOOOO!!!!! TAMMY
You are in deed the best!! Keep up the good work..
Your friend, Catherine B.
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See how a little niceness can go a long way? I keep saying, show kindness to everyone and it will spread around and come back to you. SF can be a better place if we are all a little kinder to one another.
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