On The Politeness Of New Zealand's Citizens

On my recent trip to New Zealand, I traveled quite a bit on the bus system in both Auckland and Christchurch, and got to see how the folks there behave in a regular setting.

One thing that struck me was just how many people thanked the bus driver upon exitting the bus. They didn't have to thank the bus driver, of course - there was no obligation to do so - and many people didn't.

Nevertheless, about half the bus riders - particularly the young - bid the bus driver a thank you. They were genuinely glad the bus driver got them to their destination - safely, and with dispatch - and made a point of expressing their appreciation.