School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

The Bus Driver

15 Years Experience

South, ..

Female, 37

I have been a bus driver since late 2006. I know the inside story, the scoop, the down low dirt of what it takes to be a bus driver, how to handle kids and adults, and how to survive on the "streets" so to speak. I used to have a blog, feel free to browse it or ask me a question here.

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1007 Questions

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Last Answer on February 07, 2021

Best Rated

Can I ask the bus driver not to have my child sit with the bully?

Asked by Jen almost 7 years ago

You can ask, but its not a guarantee if the child in question is not being a bully to begin with. I would start with asking if your child can be moved to a place thats within closer earshot of the driver so that they can keep a better eye on your child.

What do I do if the bus is always later then the posted stop time by five, ten, sometimes fifteen minutes but substitutes come pretty close to the stop time. Would calling the transportation director and asking to have the stop time raised be okay?

Asked by Sydney almost 7 years ago

Actually thats a good solution. If your regular driver runs late but the sub runs on time then the transportation needs to be aware so that they can make changes to the route so kids don't miss the bus by mistake.

Is it sad that you will not see some kids again because of the early break VERY EARLY break.

Asked by ************ about 6 years ago

Yes actually. I miss every one of my bus kids. Even the ones who make me want to pull my hair out in frustration because they're the ones that need me the most. I've tried to keep in contact with parents as best I can but there is only so much I am allowed to do.

Why when a bus is on fire the horn sounds off?

Asked by Joesph over 6 years ago

That happens with most vehicles when something triggers the electrical system to malfunction. When the fire heats up the electrical system it shorts out and melts together likely causing the systems connected to go off. That is why you see and hear car alarms, flashing lights, and the horn when something like that happens till the fire finally kills the system entirely.

If something happens would the driver be liable if the driver saw the student walking to the bus? Is there a better way to handle that situation? Would the driver be liable if it was say a sub and he or she did not know that person was coming?

Asked by Jarred almost 7 years ago

That is exactly the reason why we ask students to be ready 5 to 10 minutes before stop time so they are ready to go. So they cannot be held liable.

Why so some districts run the buses their selves and some hire a company(s)? Also do you think it is fair to charge students per bus ride?

Asked by DAn almost 7 years ago

Its a funding question. Some districts hire outside private companies. Others depend on the local public transportation for school children hence the need for a bus pass. Some districts charge parents a yearly sum others, nothing, it all depends on where their money comes from. Bus riding is a privilege not a right. Therefore it takes money to maintain buses, train and keep qualified drivers, and fuel costs. Some districts just do it differently.

Do drivers get fired for mishandling students. I don’t mean assaulting, batting, or calling them horrible names. But like yelling too much, too many citations, and/or swearing

Asked by Nsnsnsnsnssdnej over 6 years ago

That depends on the district. Most districts prefer drivers to try to get along and strike a balance with their bus kids.