I live in Sheffield, where almost everyone says "thank you" or "ta" to the bus driver when he gives them their ticket -- as well as when they get off the bus. I'm sorry to report that I see bus drivers NOT waiting for people much more often than they do wait; when they do, the person always says thank you. And I always get a "thank you" or at least a nod & a smile when I hold the door for someone.

Sounds like it has a lot to do with the size of the city you live in...