From Mr Michael Alexander

Friends of mine wanted to pay me a visit. They gave the taxi driver the name of my street. He didn’t know it, and asked them to show him the way. As it was their first visit to Malta, they showed him a street map pointing out my address instead. The driver didn’t even know where he was on the map. How do taxi drivers get a licence without knowing where to go? Can they not

learn how to read a map? Can they read at all?

My friends went to the bus terminus, found the right bus and asked the bus driver where they had to get off. The bus driver told them. When they got out he even told them to follow the street and on the next block to turn left. They found the house. Can you imagine it?

Months ago I had a pleasant surprise. A bus driver asked the passengers to kindly move to the back to keep the exit free and added: “Please.” I had never heard that word before.

Another driver, only some weeks ago, waited until I was seated to start the bus. Being handicapped I appreciated it. When I left to exit, he said: “Wait,” then pressed a button to lower the steps (it was a new bus), so that I could get down more easily. He waited until I was safely on the street and only then started his bus.

People always complain about bus drivers. During the last months I can only praise them, especially the younger ones. Polite, well-mannered, helpful. What more can one ask for?

Michael Alexander

TA’ XBIEX