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

Are districts ever legally required to close, delay, or dismiss early because of inclement weather? Or is it completely district decision? Why are some districts open come hell or high water and others close for flurries?

Asked by Funny bear over 5 years ago

No not legally required. There are special circumstances where it might happen (like a terrorist attack which may close down major cities etc) but most states leave the decision up to the individual districts and schools to make that call.

I heard that there are limits on how long bus routes can be. Is this true and is there exceptions for rural districts or districts that cover a large area in general? I personally would rather a longer route then a overcrowded one too.

Asked by Dsmmsdm over 5 years ago

It depends on the district. We are shorthanded everywhere so overcrowding is bound to happen. Routes are made longer and schools are not changing the way they do things to accommodate the sheer number and stress we are under. The amount of kids also depends on the location of the route. A rural route is less crowded but longer whereas a city route can be very crowded at times.

Hey do you know what the difference is between air brakes and vacuum brakes? Thanks! Also air and vacuum doors, stop arms, etc. Thanks

Asked by Conner over 5 years ago

I've never heard of vacuum brakes or doors but I can explain manual doors, air brakes, and standard brakes. On a majority of buses, there is an air system that controls the door, stop sign, crossing arm, and brake system. There is a compression tank that fills to capacity when the bus is turned on. Some drivers are required to "bleed" the brakes when the bus is switched off (more on that in a few). When the system is working properly the items come out like they're supposed to and they operate properly. Of course there are overrides for the systems. In both the drivers seat and in the door frame there is a switch that will override the stop system and shut it down if its malfunctioning. The door has an emergency override switch that allows the air to be released so you can open the door in the case of an emergency. Note that manual doors do not have this. They are operated by the driver manually with a hinge that the driver uses to open and close the door from the driver seat. Air brakes are similar in that there is an override for them but it requires you to bleed the tank by pressing the brake pedal till the emergency parking brake pops out and the brakes set on the bus. Some buses do not have this and have the standard brake system found in all cars.

Hi so sometimes on the radio where the bus drivers talk I hear a driver instead of just calling to base or what ever they will say Bus 20 to base with priority. What does that mean?

Asked by Solomon over 5 years ago

I would think that means that they have an emergency situation that needs attention immediately instead of waiting forever for someone who might or might not respond.

Why do people think these forms are chat rooms?

Asked by Donaldsoneeson about 5 years ago

I don't know?

Do yo ever have problems with white knighting when you get someone in trouble?

Asked by Jill over 5 years ago

I had to look up that term. Often parents don't want to hear that their children did something wrong and will often deflect or attempt to deflect the problem in order to draw attention away from their children's behavior.

An example: little Johnny hit on the bus.Momma: well little suzie told him to!

Someone was standing on my bus and the bus driver brake checked him and he went flying on the floor

Asked by Blake over 5 years ago

Report the driver to the district. Also don't stand on the bus.