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

When you request subs do you do it online or the old fashion way? Do you have a program like ASOP or something like that you just put your going to be gone on so and so and then subs get a text.

Asked by Don’Marie over 6 years ago

Again that varies district by district. Some districts have a sub list, others have an automated system and still others will have the traditional call in and have your supervisor find somebody to run your route.

Hey one more why are they getting rid of buses that are older but well maintained and could have gotten more years out of them. So why did they get rid of them and replace them with some more buses that in ten years will probably be replaced?!

Asked by Kelly over 6 years ago

State and federal laws prohibit use of a bus if its over a certain age or mileage due to the safety features meant to keep kids safe being constantly updated. Thats why older buses are being pulled to be spare buses and replaced.

How do I not get a certain sub again? I always get complaints on her and she messes with seat controls, changes the radio station, leaves windows down, climate controls, etc. I also get a lot of negative feedback about her.

Asked by Glynn over 6 years ago

So you expect a sub to not adjust a seat and mirrors to help them do their jobs? Things like that are a safety concern for the students. If a sub cannot see adequately out the mirrors and out the dash board you are putting the kids at risk. As far as leaving windows down, the sub should put the windows up. Radio stations are an easy fix. Have the driver put their favorite stations on a separate band. Generally radios have 3 bands of FM radio available. When they plan to be out, simply inform them to switch the band that way their presets are not messed with.

Why would a district not release earlier if it’s so bad. So it started icing. Some kids did not make it home until six at night. My parents got us off and our bus went but about the time the elementary one did. A guy made dinner for kids stuck forhrs

Asked by Wild man over 6 years ago

School districts do not have crystal balls indicating how weather is going to go. Sometimes it's a gamble and they release early and nothing happens. Other times stuff like that happens.

Have you ever drove a route way out in the boonies? How long can those routes take and about what time is the first stop In the morning?

Asked by Jimmy Dean Shine On over 6 years ago

Yes, some routes take upwards of 2 hours. Earliest stop I've heard is around 5:45 am. Though depending on the location of the children it can be slightly earlier to be able to get them and others to school by 7:15 am.

Hi what are some things that you think would make school buses more efficient and how do you do your pre trip inspection?

Asked by Merry over 6 years ago

Good question. I would love a way to check brake lights and back up lights without having to have two drivers. Newer buses have an exterior light check button that the driver can press and it flashes all the lights in sequence so you can see that they're active and available. As for other efficiency concerns, that is left up to the individual driver for customization.

It is no secret that buses are a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, etc so how are the buses cleaned like this? What do you use? Or have you done cleaning at all?

Asked by COVID-19 about 6 years ago

We generally deep clean the buses at least once per year. By that I mean get in every nook and cranny, dig out trash between the seat and walls, scrape gum off the bottom of the seats. Wash the ceiling. In the mean time, we do sweep our buses at minimum once a week. During cold and flu season we spray the seats down with disinfectant spray or wipe them down with lysol wipes and spray or clean the windows.