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 there a shortage becuase most districts are choosing beggars? They want a specific type of person and strict hiring qualifications but don't pay well and have to put up with kids, parents, traffic, and all the rest of it.

Asked by Ninja over 5 years ago

There's a shortage because it is hard to find someone who is willing to put up with all that we put up with for the low pay we get. Often times we make even less than food service workers and janitorial staff and are expected to have all the qualifications to ensure the children get from home to school and back again safely. Couple that with a severe lack of discipline follow through on the school administration part and it's a vicious cycle.

If a bus is equipped with two strobes (one in the front, and one in the back or middle) do they both come on with one switch or do they each have their own or does it depend?

Asked by Kay over 5 years ago

Honestly I don't know. I've only had experience with one strobe light which is operated by one switch inside the bus.

What happens if your in traffic where it can be a 1 even few hours delay. I know it’s rare but it can happen and I have heard of it before. What do you do? Is it different in the AM and PM what about field trips or other events?

Asked by Trump KAG 2020 almost 6 years ago

Sit in traffic. There isn't much to do unless a good viable alternative is found. Sometimes we have no choice.

What are things that delay buses the most? I would assume weather, maintenance, trains, traffic, wrecks, no sub, bus driver late for work, having to pick up other passengers on other routes, etc. What do you think is the most and did I miss any?

Asked by YOUR BFF LOL over 5 years ago

Weather, traffic, and trains are my top three followed by shortage of staff issues. It's no secret that there's been a bus driver shortage lately mainly due to the behavior of the kids and the low pay offered to put up with the behavior issues. Rarely a maintenance issue pops up, but it does happen. Even the most "on time" bus driver can be late.

Would my district change the write up system from the drivers would choose how many days off the bus change to it has to got through a administrator who may or may not do anything and could even go all out and give a extreme punishment. I know some drivers have abused the system or not used it at all but how is this better?

Asked by 933738292 about 6 years ago

I wish we had this system. It would cut out the middle man, though I think that some oversight is needed if a driver does abuse it, like if a child has been written up more than 3 times and kicked off the bus, then future issues need to be handled through administration and driver collaboration. The problem facing drivers is that parents refuse to see their child could be a problem.

What do you think of walk outs or a day where many drivers don’t go to work? Are you for it or do you think they should do their job or find another one? Have you ever took part in something like that?

Asked by ???? ???? almost 6 years ago

Some states do not allow walking off a job or striking. It can be viewed as insubordination and can put someone's job at risk. If you want to make changes, best to petition for them properly through the right channels. I have not participated in a walk out or strike because i value my job and have some dignity.

So a little brain teaser for you. What do you think if right now we get on the bus a little before 7 (depending on the driver) we start at 8. Next year where goin to start at 7:45 so what time do you think that will push it back to. Thanks

Asked by Crazyperson almost 6 years ago

Probably 15 to 30 minutes to ensure everyone gets to school on time.