I was walking to the bus stop a couple of weeks ago. As I was crossing a sidewalk with a walk sign on Oxford Street, some absolute moron whose windows were fogged-up blew through the oncoming traffic, narrowly avoided hitting a school bus and almost ran me down. I was furious, because in the last few days prior to this I've had way too many close calls with distracted drivers in the Quinpool area. After trying to chase down the guy, I walked back up the road to where my bus stop was, and discovered you had been pulled over waiting to ask if I was alright. It was a very kind gesture, so I wanted to say thank you very much, and I hope you never end up in an accident because of the fault of someone who shouldn't have a driver's license.
—Just Trying To Get To School In One Piece

Let’s think about all of the common reasons why drivers get frustrated with pedestrians—they’re slow, they’re erratic and unpredictable, they’re distracted or inattentive, they don’t obey traffic signals, they don’t wear visible clothing and so on. (There are good pedestrians too, but we don’t complain about them.) Now let’s imagine those people driving the way they walk. A slow, erratic, inattentive driver who doesn’t follow the rules of the road, is WAY worse for everyone who uses the roads; drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.

You never know why someone has chosen to be a pedestrian. For many people it’s for financial or sustainability reasons. It could also be that they have an intellectual disability making it difficult to understand the rules of the road; they might be responsibly staggering home while drunk; they might be on a medication that affects their response time; they might be rushing inattentively to get out of bad weather or home to a sick dog; they might be a teenager whose brain hasn’t fully developed the protective awareness measures that adult brains (typically) have; or they might be a terrible driver whose license has been suspended.

As drivers, we are assumed to have adequate reaction times, have committed to minimizing distractions in our cars, to follow road rules,and to look for erratic pedestrians (or cats, or stray children). We have the onus of government-issued responsibility, a pedestrian doesn’t have the same—and might not even be capable of assuming this responsibility. So to all the pedestrians out there who aren’t walking because it’s cheaper or more environmental—THANK YOU! You keep walking, and I’ll pay attention so as not to scare or squish you if you’re walking irresponsibly, even though you might frustrate or startle me. I hope other drivers do the same.

TLDR: Some pedestrians are better off walking; drivers please be patient and attentive to this, and thanks for keeping our roads safe(r) by not driving if you can’t or shouldn’t.
—Pedestrian-compassionate Driver

I want to shout out the driver of the 3 who always stops for people when they’re running to catch his bus. You’ve saved my roommate and I from being late for work numerous times, and I’m sure there are others who can say the same! In all my years of being a Halifax Transit passenger, he’s the only one I’ve seen do this, which is why I’ve named him the best bus driver in HRM. Love!
—I’m Usually On Time I Swear

“Oh, Fortuna, you capricious sprite!” I always tell people about our lovely, spontaneous encounter on the bus. About how it was a perfect rom-com set-up, and how I was so stupid to let you go without asking for your number.
—Find Me

You were reading the same book as me on the bus, back in March I think. You had just finished writing an English proficiency test for your permanent residency, and we talked about the book. I have regretted not asking you what your name was since, and am wondering if we will ever cross paths again.
—Ignatius

Sorry for stepping on your heel! I was obnoxiously distracted by my phone, not paying attention to my surroundings, and didn't even see you in front of me. I wanted to apologize, but you kept on walking and had headphones in. Hope your heel is healthy and your shoes are not scuffed up.
—Distracted Student

Just another Tuesday evening, laughing with a friend on the #1. We probably looked like fools. But still, some of you accepted the memes we airdropped, and the laughter grew from just us two, to a community of passengers on transit as a whole. Some of you even airdropped memes back. We were all strangers, still are, but in that moment I think we all felt the strength of our community, coming together, to laugh at funny photos.
—Anonymous Airdropper

You were driving us on the route #7 down Robie Street towards downtown at around 10:30 Sunday night, and you stopped at the bus stop in front of the Esso at Young and Robie. You then got up and walked towards the back of the bus, and politely woke up the guy to let him know that the grocery store he was looking for was just down the street! Our world needs more of you, thank you!
—Frequent Bus Rider

Looking for a sweet-looking guy who gave me a quick smile on the #2 bus to Mumford 18/08/19. He had long hair in a low pony, a septum piercing, metal tee, green shorts and grey backpack. I sat across from him (you) and was chatting excitedly with my sis. This seems crazy to even me, but thought I might try. Not too many people feel like home when you look at them.
—RM

To the random chick on Barrington Street at around 1pm today: Thanks for actually stopping to help when I epically face-planted because Mother Nature likes ice in winter. It was really kind and I appreciate it! Please continue to be a kind genuine human being (there is not enough out there).
—Epically clumsy