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

Good point. Now would it be better if the bus was used on a long route or be a extra spare bus until needed for a district that had a lot of trips that went out of state. Or is this still overkill?

Asked by Interviewer over 6 years ago

That's a tough question. Most districts purchase buses based on capacity and usability. The capacity of these buses are 48 passenger, 40 for the ones that are wheelchair accessible. The standard capacity for a school bus is 72 passengers at 3 to a seat. Of course this figure is impossible the older and larger a child gets. My route alone takes me an hour and a half in the morning and almost 2 hours in the afternoon. I transport more than 85 to 90 children across all age groups on a good day. A bus like that while appealing because of the comfort items, is impractical because even at full capacity i would need to make at minimum 2 rounds to get everyone to and from school. Many routes are designed to have the maximum number of ridership and in some cases will exceed that amount. Even on the longer routes. If the district had drivers available and enough finances available then sure. But otherwise i think it would waste valuable resources.

Have you ever used Snow Chains?

Asked by Republican about 6 years ago

No, i live too far south to employ the use of snow chains.

Why when a bus is on fire the horn sounds off?

Asked by Joesph over 6 years ago

That happens with most vehicles when something triggers the electrical system to malfunction. When the fire heats up the electrical system it shorts out and melts together likely causing the systems connected to go off. That is why you see and hear car alarms, flashing lights, and the horn when something like that happens till the fire finally kills the system entirely.

What is that tape used for covering up rips, holes, tears, and graffiti called?

Asked by Daniel over 6 years ago

I use duct tape.

Why do kids and teens disrespect younger drivers more then older ones? Our new driver graduated a year or two ago and they are extremely disrespectful. Way more then they where to previous drivers? What do they think gives them the right?

Asked by Hsbsbbsbs over 6 years ago

Mostly because when you're a younger driver you are more of an age peer than an authority figure. They figure it out real quick when you write them up for their bullshit.

What’s your opinion on electric and alternative fueled buses?

Asked by Mickey Mouse about 6 years ago

Great for inner city and areas that are largely congested where pollution might be a large concern. Impractical for large areas due to limits on how fast and long it can run on the alternative fuels before returning to regular fuel.

Why do not all buses have yellow warning lights only the reds? So it’s harder to know when the bus is approaching a stop Especially in rural areas.

Asked by Mile over 6 years ago

It depends on the manufacturer and state regulations as to what is required to be on a bus.