In October, I was in Vancouver for a week for a conference. On Friday evening, at about 6:00 pm, 19th of October, I was at the University of British Columbia and wanted to return to Downtown Vancouver. I asked a waiting passenger if the bus that had just pulled in (No. 99) was going Downtown; I was told yes. What I wasn’t told, it appears, was that I would need to connect to another service. I sat on the bus for quite some time oblivious that everyone else had left at earlier stops—I was half asleep!

Eventually, the bus driver, Patrick, told me we were at the last stop. It was then I realized, I was actually somewhere in Burnaby—a long way from where I thought I should be. This was a problem as I was meant to be at a dinner near Canada Place at 7:30 pm.

Patrick started to explain how I might get back to Downtown Vancouver, but he quickly realized this would be a complicated and lengthy process. The time was already was about 7:00 pm in the evening. He was kind enough to say I could stay on the bus and accompany him to the bus depot; then, he would drive me to the nearest Skytrain Station on his way home.

He explained to me that it was actually against the rules to bring me to the depot. (I hope he doesn’t get into any trouble from this story.) But he did so anyway. After a short wait, he checked in the bus and completed his paper work before he took me to his car and drove me to the Skytrain Station.

Not content with merely dropping me off at the station, he insisted on coming up to the platform with me to ensure I got on the right train. He further continued to carefully explain where and how I needed to change trains to arrive at Waterfront Station. He even stayed with me on the platform until the train arrived to ensure I got on safely.

To add to his ‘heroism’, this night was very wet (as most of the week was!); Patrick escorted me from his car to the platform in the rain.

Throughout the entire experience, Patrick was very friendly and polite. I cannot commend his efforts enough. He certainly made a travel-weary tourist feel very welcome and reassured in Vancouver. He is an outstanding ambassador for your city.

I hope you can pass on my sincerest thanks Patrick and to the Coast Mountain Bus Company. I made it in the end to my dinner a little late, but just in time for the first course!

Nominator’s Name and Address:

Glenn Pass
Stirling, Western Australia