A heated arguement with the bus driver

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This morning, I rode paratransit which is a bus for people with disabilities. I usually ride it to go to and from work. In this case, I ride individually one-on-one. Anyway, I got on the bus happy, and said hi to the bus driver. I usually talk to this guy about everything including school. So, I was trying to tell him about school and I tried to say I have good news and guess what? He answered back, "You found me a new job." "I wish," I replied. "I am looking for another job as well and that I'm bored." His reply was that every job was boring because you're only there to get paid. I then tried to encourage him by saying that you have to find a job that you have fun at. "Don't believe non of that s**t because people get fired if they don't do their job right." I was offended at that and told him that I didn't appreciate his negative attitude. He just kept on talking and I said that nothing seemed to make him happy. I also said that it was all about him and that he was wrong.

"Who are you talking too?" He asked. I said that it was me, and he threatened to kick me off. "You don't talk to me that way because I have kids your age. I'm not your friend, I just take you to and from places."

This guy does nothing about complain about everything and always has a mean scowl on his face. I have also seen him yell at other passengers and shoot the bird at bus drivers, thinking it was funny. He also has no consideration for other people and it's always about him.

However, what do I do if I see him in the future on paratransit? Should I report him for how he acted towards me?

You are at his mercy when you are riding with him, so keep that in mind.

But he sounds like a total douchenozzle who needs to be reported for his behaviors. And if you do not like your job that is one thing, but it is completely unprofessional to tell that to people ... particularly clients or the general public.

However I will say this, since he picks you up then he obviously knows where you live. So if he were to be fired and get very angry and desperate, keep that in mind. That would always be in the back of my mind with a person like him.

"I'm not your friend" sounds like an awfully harsh thing to say.

His boredom with his job likely contributed to what happened.

Over here, many of our buses have signs specifically telling you not to talk to the driver.

You asked for an outlook on life.
He gave you his.
It was negative
You didn't accept it and started arguing... it seemed like you leveled a criticism against him (whether you intended to or not).
He responded with one.

Next time, just get on the bus, get your ticket and sit down.
Let the guy drive the bus.

His outlook is shared by lots of people and he's older and more experienced that you are. Sadly, when you get older, you'll find that the sparkle disappears a bit and you share a similar outlook.

I agree, this guy is very self absorbed, anal and always talks about money. For instance, he was mad because his daughter was getting married in another city and involved a lot of money. He also said that it was not a good city to go to for any reason because people went there to loose money.

From the driver's pov---he might prefer that you simply smile and say hello when entering, and smile and say goodbye [or nothing] when leaving. If he helps you on and off, a simple thankyou may be appreciated. No one enjoys being taken for granted.

Sounds like he doesn't want a conversational exchange or to listen to you talking when he's driving.

This man may have a very difficult home situation. His life may, in some ways, be a lot more challenging than yours. Consider that possibility. Whatever kindness and flexibility we show in our exchange with the universe, is directly proportional to the kindness and flexibility the universe accords us. If you are hard in your dealings with this man, the universe will be hard in its dealings with you.

It appears this is the way it works. We have to live with our decisions. It is generally preferable to err on the side of compassion.

If people are going to say stuff like "I'm not your friend", I'd say don't talk to them. Perhaps he was just having a bad day, but if he threatened to kick you off the bus, it's best not to talk to him. It might be a good idea to report him, a bus driver shouldn't argue with a passenger.

No you shouldnt report him. Get over it and move on. Next time dont try and engage in a conversation with him if you dont appreciate his outlook.