Ask a School Bus Driver anything

1007 Questions

Last Answer on February 07, 2021

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

Asked by Brett over 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.

479 Votes

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 about 6 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.

479 Votes

Hi what are some things that you think would make school buses more efficient and how do you do your pre trip inspection?

Asked by Merry about 6 years ago

Good question. I would love a way to check brake lights and back up lights without having to have two drivers. Newer buses have an exterior light check button that the driver can press and it flashes all the lights in sequence so you can see that they're active and available. As for other efficiency concerns, that is left up to the individual driver for customization.

479 Votes

Is there a way for bus drivers to satisfy everyone? Parent A: BUS IS TOO LATE AT 7 MY KID HAS BAND PRACTICE AND I GO TO WORK EARLY PARENT B WELL 6:45 IS TOO EARLY MY KID HAS TO DO THIS THIS AND THIS AND IS NOT FAIR TO MAKE HIM GET UP AT 5! then if you switch the route to get a kid home quicker becuase their the last stop then the another parent gets mad. Then more get mad is there a way to make everyone happy?

Asked by 7390875r almost 6 years ago

Unfortunately most bus routes are set in such a way to accommodate the majority of students. Don't like the time the bus comes? Find another ride to school. We live in a "me first" society and parents need to understand that they are not the center of the universe. That being said, I do attempt to accommodate on a case by case basis if its feasible and will not disrupt the route as a whole.

478 Votes