Cut a long atory short, just before half term, I dropped DS1 and 2 off at school and was on the bus home with DS3 and DD. DS3 was sat in front of pushchair - he had filled his nappy and obviously wanted out.
In protest, he was making that low level droning whinget that they do when they can't be arsed to cry and create properly (which couldn't really be heard over the general bus/road/engine noise) and I was talking to him trying to distract him from his nappy. He was obviously pissed off with my crap bear impressions and to show his distaste let out 2 high pitched screeches. Now with that, I glanced around the bus - none of the other passengers batted an eyelid - but suddenly, the bus driver glared at me in her rearview mirror and said:
'Love - If you can't keep him quiet you will have to get off the bus!'
Everyone was then looking at me, I was embarrassed and went bright red.
Shocked, I responded 'I'm sorry?' and she didn't reply.
The next stop was home so I got off at my usual stop.
Once off the bus, I was absolutely fuming and seeing as my ticket costs me £4.30 every day I decided to call the bus company and complain.
The woman I spoke to was very nice, apologetic and said she knew the driver concerned and was not suprised by what I had told her. She also said that no matter how much noise a child is making, you can't be asked to leave the bus, children are children. I also said to her that if my children were ever to make a scene on a bus and upset other passengers I would get off the bus myself, without being asked, rather than sit there with people tutting at me. But as he made only 2 loud noises, I thought I was okay for one more stop.
A few days later I recieved a letter from the Operations Director saying they would look into it and thanks for letting them know and today I have recieved a follow up. It reads:
I refer to your recent phonecall concerning the driver of service...blahblahblah... and thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We expect all drivers to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. The driver concerned has now been interviewed and is adamant that she did not suggest that you would have to leave the bus, merely asked if the child could be stopped from screaming. She apologises to you if you felt humiliated or embarrassed as this was not her intention. the incident has been discussed with her at length and in detail and she has been suitably advised for the future. The driver's future performance will be monitored.
I apologise for any embarrassment which may have been caused and trust that you will not have a similar experience in future.
Yours sincerely....
Now correct me if I am wrong, but 'adamant' means 'definately did not' in this situation, no? She is saying she definately did not say I would have to get off.
Secondly, the did not 'suggest' at all, she told me I would have to get off.
I am rather pissed off as I feel she has turned this around on me, making me look like a liar - why the monkeys would I just complain saying she had said I would have to get off if she didn't? With 4 small kids I have plenty of better things to do, but as I said, this time I decided I wouldn't just take it up the tailpipe.
I think I wish to respond. Would you?
Thanks for reading.
Rant over.