Economy Talk

Bus driver theory: you can read the economy from how people pay the fare

I've been driving buses in Osaka for years and I have a theory!

When times feel good, more people top up their IC cards with big amounts. When money is tight, I see more people counting exact coins, and more people walking one stop further to save on the fare!

Also, tourists paying with a 10,000 yen note for a 230 yen ride means tourism is booming (and my change box is empty)!

Totally unscientific, of course! What's your job's secret economic indicator?