Gourtto STORY (Winter 2024)

The "Work Station" introduces people who work on subways and buses. This series focuses on the backside of municipal transportation, which is hard to know in daily life. We will deliver interviews that did not fit in the magazine as a web-only article!　This time, we have an interview with Mr. A, a Bayside Blue crew member belonging to Takigashira Sales Office.

I would like you to enjoy it.
Bayside Blue, Japan's first domestic articulated bus that has been operating since July 2020. It features a body with a total length of about 18 meters, equivalent to two buses, and gathers the eyes of people who go town. It is a route bus that goes around sightseeing spots in Yokohama with metallic blue and Yokohama-like coloring.

Mr. A has been in office for 11 years. A veteran with the title of "Silver Mustard Leiber" given to crews who excel in customer service and driving skills. He gained experience as a bus crew member at a private company and went to City of Yokohama, Transportation Bureau in 2014. After working at the Wakabadai Sales Office and Honmoku Sales Office, he continues to the present.
Mr. A has liked working vehicles since he was a child. In particular, I longed for the appearance of a railway driver making a unique inflection. He says he chose the profession that best suits him because he likes such childhood and driving a car.

Mr. A is full of hospitality spirit, as a bus crew around sightseeing spots, as a public affairs official. Mr. A is focusing on announcements to customers.
"Beiside Blue goes around only tourist attractions, so we will guide you to various tourist attractions such as Akarengasoko and Yokohama Marine Tower. When a cruise ship is entering Osanbashi, I will tell you the name of the ship and its route. Customers are surprised that they know that. There are many people who come for sightseeing, so I hope you will be happy. Wouldn't it be nice if I could do that too?"
The spot A recommends is Bankokubashi Bridge, which goes down from Yokohama Station. On the right side, you can see a view of Minato Mirai, such as a Ferris wheel and a landmark tower. Not only that, but Mr. A is willing to make further efforts.
"I sometimes laugh on a sharp curve like an amusement park attraction, saying," I'm worried about turning here, "I'm worried about turning." When you turn quickly, some applauds and others say "Congratulations". I would like you to enjoy it especially on weekends and holidays when there are many children."
"It's bent. Mr. A, who also makes announcements that entertain customers, as well as regular announcements such as "Please grab me." Be prepared to welcome customers, such as going to work early in the morning and cleaning the Bayside Blue.

I want to show this back to my child

Of course, high driving technology is required to operate safely with Bayside Blue. Of the nearly 1,100 municipal bus crews, only 35 Bayside Blue crew members are narrow gates.

In 2022, a Bayside Blue crew was recruited within the station, and Mr. A also participated. I passed the in-house exams and practical exams, and after that, I continued my practical training. At first I didn't know which one to cut the handle. From such a situation, I got used to driving while learning from a senior crew member of Gold Mustard Leiber, who described Mr. A as "the elder brother and respect." "It's bad to step on the brakes and accelerators when turning. That's why customers fall over." There were some harsh words from the senior crew. Still, Mr. A recalls the time in a modest condition, saying, "I was honored to be able to learn from my respected seniors."

It is not the first time that Mr. A has been asked for a bus for sightseeing spots. About eight years ago, when I was working at the Honmoku Sales Office, I was asked, "Would you like to become a flight attendant?" But at that time, I was not confident and refused. Over time, it was the presence of my child who pushed Mr. A's back to Bayside Blue crew.
"I also wanted to show my child being born and driving this cool two-car bus. I wanted to improve my skills and level, so I decided to try it."
Mr. A's child also loves working vehicles, and it seems that train and bus drivers are kind on a daily basis. That's why Mr. A says, "I want you to enjoy when you see a child of the same age or a child in a stroller. "It's not a reward," he said.

Happiness as a crew member
Mr. A, who joined Transportation Bureau from a private company, feels that "the perspective of citizens is harder than when they were in the private sector." Still, he said, "If you work hard, you can say" Thank you "or" good voice "." Some of them are fans who support us, such as customers with familiar faces and staff at Yokohama-Chinatown stores who always wave their hands from the roadside.
"I'm happy as a crew member who rides and those who support me from the street like that."
The rewarding thing is that a lot of people ride. During the interview, Mr. A said several times, "It's best to be pleased with safety," and gives top priority to customers. "I would be grateful if you could continue to support me." It was impressive to fold the waist low on that tall back.