Were you keeping an eye on your surroundings or just zoned out with your phone? I ask because that one ride could easily be a fluke, and the real question is whether you'd do it again next week. What was your gut telling you at the 11pm stop, that it was chill or that you just got lucky?

Ugh, creepy much? That driver probably has some weird thing for you. Memorizing names is how they get you. Next thing you know he's asking about your weekend plans or saving you a seat. I'd start sitting up front where he can't see me.

Damn that sucks but honestly I feel your pain. My old kettle did the same thing last year, started clicking like crazy then just gave up one morning. I never cleaned the base either, it was all crusty with limescale. Ended up just buying a new one because I was too scared to mess with the wiring haha. Glad you got yours fixed for cheap though, that's a win.