(Non-UK) In Northern England we tend to say “thank you” to the driver when we get off a bus, however Southerners seem to think this strange. What is the bus exiting etiquette in your country?

In New Zealand, we generally thank the driver.

When I leave from the back door, I lightly call, “Thank you.”

Leaving from the front door, I lightly say, “Cheers.”

I live in a small city, so the drivers and I sometimes recognise each other, and they may even know where I am going.

I do this thanks/cheers for both local buses, and for intercity buses.

This habit might be waived if there is a big crowd getting on or off.

This is normal in Palmy and Welly, and probably the rest of New Zealand.