Whether or not you thank a bus driver who is always late can depend on personal preferences, cultural norms, and the specific circumstances. Here are some considerations:
Professionalism and Respect: Regardless of the bus driver's punctuality, it's generally a good practice to treat service providers with respect and professionalism. Saying "thank you" acknowledges their role in providing a service and shows appreciation for their efforts.
Empathy and Understanding: Being consistently late might be due to factors beyond the bus driver's control, such as traffic congestion or unexpected delays. Expressing gratitude can demonstrate empathy and understanding for the challenges they may face in their job.
Encouragement: A simple "thank you" can serve as positive reinforcement. It may encourage the bus driver to continue providing their service diligently and professionally, even if they encounter difficulties with timeliness.
Social Norms: In some cultures, expressing gratitude and being polite to service providers, including bus drivers, is considered a social norm and a part of good manners.
Constructive Feedback: While saying "thank you" is a positive gesture, if you are consistently affected by the lateness and it causes inconvenience, you might also consider providing feedback through appropriate channels (e.g., contacting the transportation company) to raise awareness of the issue.
Ultimately, it is up to you how you want to respond to the situation. If you feel that the bus driver's lateness has caused significant inconvenience and frustration, you can still choose to express your gratitude politely while also addressing the concern through appropriate channels if necessary.