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

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

Asked by Daniel over 5 years ago

I use duct tape.

You can delete this too because I have made so many comments now sorry. But as you can tell the drivers names are on there too.

Asked by Dj over 5 years ago

Drivers names aren't bad to have on there. Parents can look up a route then call the shop and say hey i found my kids route with x driver and it helps the shop narrow it down so parents can get in contact with the driver.

Why would a district not release earlier if it’s so bad. So it started icing. Some kids did not make it home until six at night. My parents got us off and our bus went but about the time the elementary one did. A guy made dinner for kids stuck forhrs

Asked by Wild man over 5 years ago

School districts do not have crystal balls indicating how weather is going to go. Sometimes it's a gamble and they release early and nothing happens. Other times stuff like that happens.

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 over 5 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.

Hi ???? have you always worked for the same district

Asked by YOUNG MAN over 5 years ago

Yes.

Hi so sometimes on the radio where the bus drivers talk I hear a driver instead of just calling to base or what ever they will say Bus 20 to base with priority. What does that mean?

Asked by Solomon over 5 years ago

I would think that means that they have an emergency situation that needs attention immediately instead of waiting forever for someone who might or might not respond.

Am I allowed to catch the elementary bus if I miss the secondary bus? I would be late but would it be okay?

Asked by SI over 5 years ago

That would depend on your district and the bus driver. You could ask but chances are good the driver will say no.