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

Why do some buses have a door on the passages side and a door behind the driver.

Asked by Kay almost 6 years ago

In larger cities like New York they have buses that have passenger doors on both sides which allow for loading on both sides without the need for crossovers. Supposedly this eliminates a danger facing students crossing in front of the bus, but i think it just causes more issues. Some buses are equipped with an emergency door on the side of the bus instead of in the rear if their engines are rear engines.

It is no secret that buses are a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, etc so how are the buses cleaned like this? What do you use? Or have you done cleaning at all?

Asked by COVID-19 over 5 years ago

We generally deep clean the buses at least once per year. By that I mean get in every nook and cranny, dig out trash between the seat and walls, scrape gum off the bottom of the seats. Wash the ceiling. In the mean time, we do sweep our buses at minimum once a week. During cold and flu season we spray the seats down with disinfectant spray or wipe them down with lysol wipes and spray or clean the windows.

Do you think it’s appropriate to listen to Alex Jones on the bus with kids? Kids are highly receptive. Same with NPR

Asked by Jeff almost 6 years ago

Not necessarily. It's probably boring to kids and personally i prefer to play something that is kid friendly.

What are all the custom options you can order on a school bus?

Asked by Brett almost 6 years ago

Buses are customizable in many ways. The standard basic bus has your drivers seat, steering wheel, student seats, the classic yellow body, and all the lights as required by state. Newer buses will have LED lights as these last longer. Newer buses also have a DEF system that allows for fuel to be processed cleaner than others. The customizable options are more for driver and passenger comfort like air conditioners, air ride seats for the driver, adjustable steering wheels, cruise control (some states do not allow cruise control to be used), speed governor, electric mirrors that both adjust and defrost control from inside the bus, whether to use an air brake system or not. Whether to make the bus automatic or not. Seatbelts in some states.... the options really are endless and depends on what each district needs in a bus.

Have you ever drove a route way out in the boonies? How long can those routes take and about what time is the first stop In the morning?

Asked by Jimmy Dean Shine On over 5 years ago

Yes, some routes take upwards of 2 hours. Earliest stop I've heard is around 5:45 am. Though depending on the location of the children it can be slightly earlier to be able to get them and others to school by 7:15 am.

is it legal for a bus to use a driveway as a turnaround?

Asked by Dog lover over 5 years ago

Yes. It is. Sometimes driveways are all we have that give us enough space to turn around at the end of a road.

Do you prefer a simple bus with bare minimum options or a bus with every luxury option there is where there is what feels like thousands of switches but they all are nice features?

Asked by Friend almost 6 years ago

I have no real preference as long as it starts, runs, works for what i need it to do and gets kids to and from school. The extra items like AC or anything else is bonus.