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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Last Answer on February 07, 2021

Best Rated

Yes they luckily took them off and put the bus info into SIS but there is still archives of them. So I think people complained but they are still there. Do you think that should be brought up?

Asked by DJ about 6 years ago

I would notify them of the archives and link them to the archives then they can fix the problem.

Hey do you know what the difference is between air brakes and vacuum brakes? Thanks! Also air and vacuum doors, stop arms, etc. Thanks

Asked by Conner about 6 years ago

I've never heard of vacuum brakes or doors but I can explain manual doors, air brakes, and standard brakes. On a majority of buses, there is an air system that controls the door, stop sign, crossing arm, and brake system. There is a compression tank that fills to capacity when the bus is turned on. Some drivers are required to "bleed" the brakes when the bus is switched off (more on that in a few). When the system is working properly the items come out like they're supposed to and they operate properly. Of course there are overrides for the systems. In both the drivers seat and in the door frame there is a switch that will override the stop system and shut it down if its malfunctioning. The door has an emergency override switch that allows the air to be released so you can open the door in the case of an emergency. Note that manual doors do not have this. They are operated by the driver manually with a hinge that the driver uses to open and close the door from the driver seat. Air brakes are similar in that there is an override for them but it requires you to bleed the tank by pressing the brake pedal till the emergency parking brake pops out and the brakes set on the bus. Some buses do not have this and have the standard brake system found in all cars.

Yea I don’t get it I feel it can cause more of a danger. I understand in some areas because but in many areas the speed limit is 70 MPH and buses get rear ended going 55-40. I don’t see many buses going 55. Thanks for answering

Asked by Ruth about 6 years ago

It can cause more of a danger in some areas that's why many of us avoid highways with greater speed limits so as to watch out for the safety of our kids.

what do you think about the bus driver who was fired a few years ago for praying?

Asked by Jejddjdjskd about 6 years ago

I think they went too far in firing a person over their religious beliefs.

If something happens would the driver be liable if the driver saw the student walking to the bus? Is there a better way to handle that situation? Would the driver be liable if it was say a sub and he or she did not know that person was coming?

Asked by Jarred over 6 years ago

That is exactly the reason why we ask students to be ready 5 to 10 minutes before stop time so they are ready to go. So they cannot be held liable.

Do bus drivers really ever make a kid come to the bus barn and help them clean the bus or repair damage? I have had a few threaten it before just curious.

Asked by RAAARW almost 6 years ago

Potentially yes if permission is given by parents and the supervisor of the bus barn. Truthfully just clean up after yourselves and we won't have an issue.

Can you write up a student for saving seats even if they did not give attitude? My bus driver asked for my name as i was getting off the bus because for the second time i didnt want anyone next to me when there were other seats open. Can she do that?

Asked by music over 6 years ago

Yes. If the driver is telling you and others where to sit you do not get to dictate who sits where and with who. Sorry it doesn't work that way. Slide in and make a new friend.