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.
Better to be safe than sorry. You wouldn't want to chance a child getting hurt.
State and federal laws prohibit use of a bus if its over a certain age or mileage due to the safety features meant to keep kids safe being constantly updated. Thats why older buses are being pulled to be spare buses and replaced.
No the driver cannot get into trouble. It is the student's responsibility to get out to the bus on time. Bus drivers are on a time schedule. It is not the fault of the driver that the student stayed after at the teacher's request. We are not taxi's.
Visibility. Most older buses will have one stop sign and one crossing gate. Newer buses will have 2 stop signs and 1 crossing gate. In some states they are even piloting a program where they are extending the stop arm out about 5 feet into the opposing lane to make it even more visible and make sure drivers know to STOP!!! The biggest issue we have as drivers is the sheer number of people who ignore our flashing lights and stop signs even though they had plenty of warning to stop. It's an epidemic and I fear the day my bus kids are going to get hurt over it.
CBP Officer
Starbucks Barista
Navy Officer (Former)
Eh, not really. Most anyone who listens to a cb radio feed can figure out where the cops are stationed.
Retrofitting a bus costs about as much money as purchasing a brand new one off the line. Sometimes its cheaper to get new and as the buses age its like cars, the parts become obsolete and unavailable over time.
Its bus drivers choice really. Ask your driver?
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