In the UK when I would leave a bus by the front door I would say “cheers” to the driver. I would do this for providing me with a service just as I would say thank you to a shop assistant. People, including the driver more often than not, would look at me as though I was some kind of freak (but at least a polite one 
)
In NZ 90% of passengers say “thank you driver” when they get off the bus – even saying it loudly from the back door.
One small difference between the two countries.
I learnt the little known but invaluable practice of Subtle Elbow Barging whilst living in London.
Certainly makes a niave Kiwi kid assertive, if nothing else…
Our bus driver (John) greets us all with good morning Len,Harry etc and how are you today. A nice way to start the day. On the way home at night, if the weathers bad he will turn off his route and stop at the end of the drive.Hows that for a bus service.
i always say “thank you driver” when i get off the bus, from the back door and loud enough for the driver to hear me.