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

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.

Now question have you ever took a route that no one else wanted for some reason? Why? What was it like?

Asked by Pamela over 5 years ago

There are always routes out there that nobody else wants but I am a firm believer that there is a bus driver for every route meaning that there is a bus driver that will be able to reach the kids on each route in that special way. It is sort of like a matching game, you have to figure out which bus driver matches with what route. Some routes are definitely more challenging than others.

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.

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.

Hi how do I get the bus barn on my police scanner

Asked by 383933939393939393929292939293929292 almost 6 years ago

Not sure. You would have to ask an expert in ham radios for that.

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 over 5 years ago

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

Why do bus drivers sometimes bounce in their seats

Asked by bus rider over 5 years ago

That's due to the driver having an air ride seat. The air ride seat allows the seat itself to cushion against the imperfections in the road. It's kinda like riding a horse if we hit a bumpy part of the road. It saves our backs from hurting as bad after our long routes.