The first was at the symposium in Texas. After our discussion about td and driver relations ship I was told by an ITMI graduate that has been in the field for some time. ( If she gave a driver any recognition that they could add to her tour she would loose a respect of the passengers). She would never do it.

I have been told by a TD not to speak to the passengers at any time on or off the coach. I am not the only driver that has has this experience.

On to the present I was a stepon guide in Seattle at the beginning of the tour I introduced the drive by name. At the end of the tour I thanked the drive for a safe and comfortable tour. Told the passengers to thank him and her (there were 3 tours) as they left the coach.

The result was that the driver got a reasonable gratuity and so did I.

The driver told me that no one had done what I did and that he and the guide had not been getting gratuities this year.

I feel that you have to remind the passengers they will give.

PS do not tell the passengers to give the driver a hand that is all that they will get and maybe all you will get.

I start my first tour with a TD tomorrow I will let you know how that works out.

Alan