Welcome to Luxembourg City, where the buses are as diverse as the population and the slogan “multiplicity” is not just a branding exercise but a full-blown lifestyle choice. If you’ve ever stood at a bus stop wondering whether the next vehicle will be a sleek city-branded ride or a privately operated mystery machine, you’re not alone.

The city’s official buses are hard to miss. They’re decked out in bright colours and proudly wear the “multiplicity” label like a badge of honour. It’s all part of the city’s effort to show off its multicultural, multilingual, and mildly confusing personality.

But then there are the other buses. The ones that look like they’ve wandered in from another country or perhaps another decade. These are operated by private companies, yet they run on the same routes as the city buses. It’s a bit like having a Michelin-starred chef and a food truck vendor both cooking in your kitchen. Technically it works, but it’s not always seamless.

Now let’s talk about the drivers. There are different contracts depending on who employs them. The drivers working directly for the city are rumoured to be among the best in the world. They navigate narrow streets, unpredictable weather, and the occasional lost tourist with impressive skill. All this sounds great for the brochure, but let’s peel back the gloss and see what’s really underneath.

In fact, some of these world-class drivers seem to have skipped the “customer service” module in training. A few drive like they’re auditioning for a Fast and Furious reboot. Others treat passengers with the warmth of a malfunctioning ticket machine. A smile or a simple “bonjour” wouldn’t hurt, would it?

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Most drivers are doing their best, and let’s face it, dealing with traffic and grumpy commuters all day can wear anyone down. Still, a little refresher course in people skills wouldn’t go amiss. Maybe send them on a traineeship in a city where buses are packed like sardine tins and the roads are a daily battle. After that, they might come back with a new appreciation for Luxembourg’s relatively calm streets and polite passengers.