Tipping ME drivers?

[areno79]

I'm sure this has been asked, but I'm heading out to the bank in a few to get cash and know you all can provide me a quick answer. Are we supposed to tip ME drivers? I know tipping isn't mandatory for most service people, but I don't want to NOT tip if everyone else does.

TIA

 

[tam626]

I give then a few bucks for handling our luggage.

 

[Lewisc]

A tip of $1-$2 /bag is appropriate if the driver stows your bags under the bus. Remember the larger roller bags that we carry on the plane wind up going under the bus.

 

[nu2dvc]

We always tip the driver $5 for the few bags he handles and for getting us to our destination safely.

I've noticed on past trips that it only seems like about one in every three people tip the ME driver.

I know there is a sign at the front of the bus stating, "Gratuity permitted for exceptional service"

I also know that this position makes less than $9 per hr. and that a few extra bucks here and there (or lack thereof) would really make or break the driver's day...

 

[Missytara]

I just bring my carry-on, so they don't handle my bags - but if they give some really great information on the ride there - I always tip them.

Funny story, the first year, I was the first person placed on my bus, so I put my carry-on/backpack on the front seat and then got off the bus to talk to the driver, while we waited for the bus to fill up. He was so nice and so funny - but he yelled every question to me.

The bus was running and I noticed how loud it was at the rear of the bus where the exhaust was located - I said, "Hey Mike, do you stand too close to the exhaust by the bus?" He said, "No, why, am I not making any sense?" I said, "No, you are yelling. It is very noisy back there and I thought you might stand too close to it, where you have to raise your voice."

He says, "Good grief, I thought you meant I was daft or something."

 

[goofy4tink]

A tip should never be expected...it should be provided if you feel someone did an excellent job for you. Should you tip the ME driver? Here's how I come down on this one....
I have taken the DME many, many times. I have tipped and not tipped. I had one driver who was extraordinary. He was pleasant, greeted every single person that came to his bus. He told funny anecdotes about the area as he drove. He was a safe driver. I had no bags with me on that trip, but that driver got a $5 bill from me. It boggled my mind to see so many people taking their bags from him and just slinking away..and yes, some actually slinked.
But...there was the one driver I had who never greeted one single person as they boarded the bus. I had a largish carryon bag that was too large to go on the bus with me, so handed it over to the driver..who took it from me without even glancing up. We finally pulled away from the curb, after waiting close to 25 mins. That driver never said a single word, not one word, until we got to the first stop. At that point, he stopped the bus, told everyone to stay on the bus until he had unloaded the bags for that stop and that gratuities are always gratefully accepted! Are you kidding??? You never say a word except to tell everyone you want a tip??? And you hold all those people on the bus until you have their bags out so they have time to rummage around and get a tip ready for you?? He got nothing from me, not one dime.

So....do as you please. The driver is paid to drive you safely to your resort. But, if he/she gives you out of the ordinary service, or does something that you feel is above and beyond, by all means, hand over a tip. If a driver has to stow and then unstow a bag for you, a tip is recommended. Yes, I know...I had a bag and didn't tip. I will not tip someone who asks for a tip. There is signage at the front of each bus telling the passengers that tips are allowed.

 

[areno79]

Thank you all for the feedback. I'll make sure to have some money out and tip depending on how the ME driver is.