On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed a bus driver explaining why they don’t reopen the door once it has closed at a stop.
Many people have experienced the frustration of missing a bus by mere seconds.
The driver sees you but doesn’t reopen the doors. It feels personal, especially when you’re late.
However, one bus driver has explained why this happens—and it’s not just to annoy you.
A Glasgow bus driver explains the real reason
On the TikTok platform, a user who goes by @fatbusdriver87 shared a video explaining why bus drivers won’t reopen the doors once they have closed.
Stephen, a Glasgow bus driver known as “Fatbus Driver” on TikTok, addressed this common complaint.
He regularly shares insights about the job with his followers.
One of the most frequent questions he gets is: Why don’t drivers open the doors again once they’ve closed?
Strict transport rules prevent drivers from reopening doors
Stephen explains that city bus drivers must follow Transport Regulation Compliance (TRC) rules. These are enforced by Glasgow City Council, SPT, and internal inspectors.
Once a bus stops and the doors close, drivers are not allowed to reopen them. Breaking this rule can result in fines or even the loss of a vehicle’s operating license.
He explained in the video: “If this is in the town, we are under TRC conditions which means they’re enforced by Glasgow City Council and SPT and our own inspectors.”
“The company faces a fine and can have their bus license for that vehicle taken off, which means it costs them money,” he continued.
“And we can get into serious s**t for it into the bargain. So that’s why that is, it’s nothing to do with the drivers.
“Okay, maybe some drivers. I can’t speak for them all, I can only speak for myself.
“So if it’s in the town that’s what it is, if it’s outside the town, chances are I can’t speak because it was not me.”
Bus drivers face consequences for breaking the rule
Reopening the doors could cost the company money. It could also get the driver in serious trouble.
Stephen clarifies, “It’s nothing to do with the drivers. Maybe some drivers, but I can’t speak for them all.”
Passengers share their frustrations online
The video quickly went viral on social media. Stephen’s video sparked discussion among TikTok users. Many people shared their own frustrating experiences.
One commenter wrote: This happened when my son was a newborn. I was raging.
A second wrote: Wait for the poor guy running before shutting the doors.
While a third commented: I’ve witnessed first bus drivers in north east Scotland opening their doors again once after stopping loving having noticed someone, so I don’t believe this can be true of all buses
Another added: In NYC some bus drivers will open the doors, others don’t. That’s why it seems like they’re doing it to be mean.
Someone else said: I don’t believe this, think it’s more of an excuse. I’ve seen plenty of drivers stop and open there doors back up.
However, some supported the drivers. One person explained, “Once the door is closed, the stop is served. Get the next one!”
Next time you miss a bus, don’t take it personally. Bus drivers follow strict rules and risk penalties if they break them. Instead of knocking or shouting, it’s best to wait for the next ride.