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

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

Asked by ************ over 5 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.

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 about 6 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.

Am I allowed to catch the elementary bus if I miss the secondary bus? I would be late but would it be okay?

Asked by SI about 6 years ago

That would depend on your district and the bus driver. You could ask but chances are good the driver will say no.

Why do kids and teens disrespect younger drivers more then older ones? Our new driver graduated a year or two ago and they are extremely disrespectful. Way more then they where to previous drivers? What do they think gives them the right?

Asked by Hsbsbbsbs about 6 years ago

Mostly because when you're a younger driver you are more of an age peer than an authority figure. They figure it out real quick when you write them up for their bullshit.

What’s your opinion on electric and alternative fueled buses?

Asked by Mickey Mouse almost 6 years ago

Great for inner city and areas that are largely congested where pollution might be a large concern. Impractical for large areas due to limits on how fast and long it can run on the alternative fuels before returning to regular fuel.

Why does our bus driver care so much if we stand up while where stoped in the terminal?! What the heck does it matter we are stopped! Why?

Asked by Abby about 6 years ago

Well its not so much the fact that you are standing its that there are other moving vehicles around the bus. The safest place for a child to be is seated properly in the seat. It also cuts down on any major issues that can arise by someone roaming the bus like bullying or fighting.

Hi, so I will ask you since your the only person who is involved in education who is answering questions evidently. So what will districts do for kids who can't get online

Asked by HHH over 5 years ago

Most districts will have alternate education items available for those without internet like paper packets to complete or a list of at home activities anyone can do without internet. In some areas school buses are being used as wifi hotspots for kids without internet access. It depends on the district.