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

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.

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 6 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 in Missouri do they require buses to have two stop arms?

Asked by Pj over 6 years ago

Visibility. Most older buses will have one stop sign and one crossing gate. Newer buses will have 2 stop signs and 1 crossing gate. In some states they are even piloting a program where they are extending the stop arm out about 5 feet into the opposing lane to make it even more visible and make sure drivers know to STOP!!! The biggest issue we have as drivers is the sheer number of people who ignore our flashing lights and stop signs even though they had plenty of warning to stop. It's an epidemic and I fear the day my bus kids are going to get hurt over it.

Okay so I want to ask this without sounding mean. Why do you think some drivers like to pull in five, ten, even fifteen minutes before the doors open? Is it maybe for hours so they can say they get paid more? Or do you think they just want to be there early so if something happens they wont have to worry about being late? Just curious.

Asked by Asker dmsjsjdndn over 6 years ago

Some like to be first in line. I'll never understand why they decide to pull in and wait. It makes no sense to me. That's why i plan my route to be done right on time.

Do you think it’s appropriate to listen to Alex Jones on the bus with kids? Kids are highly receptive. Same with NPR

Asked by Jeff over 6 years ago

Not necessarily. It's probably boring to kids and personally i prefer to play something that is kid friendly.

Can the board and transportation have desertion over whether to transport students who don’t live in the district but go to school in the district for one reason or another. I heard word on the street they may start but I don’t know if they can.

Asked by Don over 6 years ago

Yes they can have discretion to provide transportation to out of district kids. In our district if a parent chooses to enroll their child out of district, they are responsible for transporting that child.

Have you seen the video of the guy getting yanked off that bus for not wearing a mask?

Asked by Kaleigh about 6 years ago

Yes. Given that it's been posted and a fairly widespread practice that for the protection of yourself and others that face masks must be worn, it doesn't surprise me in the least. There are many people out there who feel they are above what the governments can tell them what to do and whom simply won't follow rules. (Fake service dogs are a perfect example.)