Opinion

Eithne Shortall: Why I’m on a drive to bring the simple ‘thank you’ back to Dublin buses

Time was, thanking a driver was an Irish obligation but now the middle door exit is threatening to make it extinct. It’s time to bring it back, before it’s too late

A bus driver in Dublin: Entering through the front door and alighting through the middle door is more efficient – but it comes at a cost. Picture: PA

A few years ago, I found myself living in London. I had never been a fan of the city – so busy, so ruthless – but I was on sabbatical and a friend had a spare room going. No more lugging bags from airports to friends’ couches and back again; I was going to give the city a proper chance. I found a neighbourhood, a local café, a library. And lo, I became fonder of ...