Hello Lori.
Thanks for sharing this experience.
I can understand how you could think it would be you that has caused the smell. However, kids also fart on the bus and would be unlikely to own up to it, so first of all I would be checking (when you have privacy and time) that the smell did come from you, rather than one or several of your passengers. If it was you, then there are a number of ways to prevent (or mask) it in future. Obvious answers are things like making sure your bag is empty before a journey; There are bags with filters that work quite well for me; Deodorants, in several forms can mask smells but the kids are still likely to comment on 'the smell' even if it's not pooh (because that's what kids do!).
I was a welfare bus driver/escort for a while and it was just the same, except anyone on the bus might well have caused the smells and most times we could all have a laugh about it.
I will end with a rhyme from my welfare bus driving days, written to read out to my passengers when and if any 'difficult' situations arose.
Fortunately, they got used to me reading rhymes aloud to amuse them on the journey.
Best wishes
Bill
WHEN SOMEONE FARTS UPON THE BUS.
Let me tell you from the start.
I don’t think people mean to fart.
And, as far as I can tell.
They’ve no control on sound or smell.
When someone farts upon the bus.
This is a subject to discuss.
When people will their wind uncork.
Most folks might find it hard to talk.
Many reactions I have found.
Are simply to that trumpet sound.
Such sudden surge of sentiment.
I think it’s called embarrassment!
Once a fart’s within earshot.
People do not say a lot.
The fart will tend to mesmerise.
As if one’s thoughts are galvanised.
An instant instinct like an itch.
Make noses like a rabbit’s twitch.
Expressions on their faces tell.
That they await an awful smell.
Instinct tends to make us think.
That every fart will always stink.
When someone farts we cannot tell.
If it will come with its own smell.
If our own farts don’t smell one bit.
We’re glad we’ve got away with it.
We can sigh with great relief.
That we’ve not given others grief.
Some may giggle, some may smile.
Some might show that they’re hostile.
But when it comes right down to it.
All our farts can smell like shit.
So if the fart’s not one of yours.
I hope that you will try to pause.
Try not to scold or to indict.
Just consider the farter’s plight.
B. Withers 2011 (on the bus)
(in ‘My Colourful Rag-Tag Bag’ 2012)