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

have power wash business washing buses a company contacted me and wanted a price per bus to have 160 buses interior detailed over summer do have any inside info what they pay for service thanks email kssmithspw90@aol.com

Asked by tim from pa. almost 11 years ago

No idea honestly, though a few of my friends offer bus cleaning services, inside and outside and charge approximately 50 dollars per bus.  They aren't a professional cleaning service and are just looking to make a little money on the side.  Personally, I pay for them to clean my bus because it is worth the 50 dollars to me.  Theres alot of nooks and crannies on a bus that need to be cleaned as well as with newer buses, the holes in the ceiling can't get wet, so its easier to pay someone to do it.

If you lose something on the bus where would you go to find it. And what if another child has found it ?

Asked by Nicole over 10 years ago

You can ask the driver if they saw the object in question, if they have, they likely turned it into the bus shop or schools, in which case your parents would need to call up to claim it on your behalf.  If its money, its likely gone.  Unfortunately other students are not so honest.  

What does the button do on the back of the bus ?

Asked by Jefferson over 10 years ago

The button on the back wall of the bus is part of the child check safety system. Essentially whenever a bus driver returns to the bus yard or his/her home after a run where he/she has picked up students, they are supposed to do a walk through of the bus in order to ensure all students are off the bus. Newer buses require us to press the button at the back of the bus in order to stop or prevent an alarm from sounding (usually a beeping noise or the sound of the bus horn) before opening the door and exiting the bus. Failure to press the button and exiting the bus is much like breaking into a car with a car alarm. The alarm sounds and the driver is forced to walk to the back of the bus to shut it off.

Im about to retire in september and was wanting to become a school bus driver and I understand you can only make a certain amount of money,are drivers allowed to work one part of the split shift,eitheir morning or evening,but not both.

Asked by robert about 10 years ago

That would be left up to the district you want to work for. Many of our drivers are semi-retired and still work a full time shift. The money is low, but its an easy job. That would also be something you would have to take up with the social security office. Good luck.

Can a bus tip over? I have a severe fear of buses, and it's only getting worse with age.

Asked by Andrea almost 11 years ago

Andrea - Unfortunately, yes, a bus can tip over, but most accidents where the buses have tipped over are due to driver overcorrection, or outside force on the bus making it flip on its side.  Generally speaking though, buses are safe to ride in and if you have a problem, please feel free to address it with the driver of the bus.  The driver can reassure you and give you fair warning if he is going to do something unexpected like back the bus up or turn it around in a tight area.

if you miss your bus can you ride a late bus if you have no ride home or if you have to stay after school for a teacher can they call a late bus for the student.

Asked by CT almost 11 years ago

That would depend on your school district if they run late buses.  When I was in high school, we had 2 late buses that would serve the north and south side of town.  The idea was to get the riders of the late bus within reasonable walking distance of home (Sometimes up to 2 miles)  My late bus stop was about 3/4 of a mile from my house and a half mile from my regular stop.  I would suggest calling your local bus company and asking them if they have a late bus.

If the bus is your only means of transportation, then I would recommend going to the teacher and explaining your situation respectfully.  They may be able to work something else out for you (lunch tutoring or lunch detention) in order to accommodate you.  Good luck!

how do i convince my friends bus driver to let me ride their bus.

Asked by CT about 11 years ago

Get a bus pass from the office.  You need to bring a signed note from your parent or guardian to the office and they will issue you a bus pass (usually only good for one day).  Trying to skip around on buses is not advised and in some districts can get you removed from riding the bus.