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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Last Answer on February 07, 2021

Best Rated

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.

Do you have any funny stories? What company do you work for? Which company or districts is the best? Best hours, pay, and takes up for their drivers? Is a place like that hard to find?

Asked by Jemmie over 5 years ago

Yes. Can't tell you because I don't want to get fired. No specific company or district is the best it just depends on what works for the employees. Starting salaries vary from district and company to district and company as does support and all that jazz. Sometimes it is hard.

Good point. Now would it be better if the bus was used on a long route or be a extra spare bus until needed for a district that had a lot of trips that went out of state. Or is this still overkill?

Asked by Interviewer over 5 years ago

That's a tough question. Most districts purchase buses based on capacity and usability. The capacity of these buses are 48 passenger, 40 for the ones that are wheelchair accessible. The standard capacity for a school bus is 72 passengers at 3 to a seat. Of course this figure is impossible the older and larger a child gets. My route alone takes me an hour and a half in the morning and almost 2 hours in the afternoon. I transport more than 85 to 90 children across all age groups on a good day. A bus like that while appealing because of the comfort items, is impractical because even at full capacity i would need to make at minimum 2 rounds to get everyone to and from school. Many routes are designed to have the maximum number of ridership and in some cases will exceed that amount. Even on the longer routes. If the district had drivers available and enough finances available then sure. But otherwise i think it would waste valuable resources.

I think it may have something to do with the school board though they think they need to get new everything. I think the buses where about 20 years of age. Their down a few buses as well because some did not get replacements.

Asked by Kelly over 5 years ago

School boards don't like to spend money if they don't have to. One of the first things to go out of a budget is transportation funds.

Hi ???? have you always worked for the same district

Asked by YOUNG MAN over 5 years ago

Yes.

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

Asked by Joesph over 5 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.

Should this bus driver be fired?
https://youtu.be/r98ZpcBjKKM

Asked by Your friend over 5 years ago

It happens that we make mistakes and pull put in front of people if there are blind corners as what appears in the video here.