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 all in the tool box(s

Asked by CUZ over 5 years ago

Good question! There is usually one box for first aid. That has your typical bandaids and other first aidey type items. Then there is the body fluid clean up kit which we break out in the event a child vomits on the bus or blood is shed. That has gloves and specific instructions on how to dispose of body fluids.

Finally the long thin red box usually bolted to the floor is reflective triangles that we can unfold and pop up when the bus is broken down and we need to give motorists warning of what's on the road.

I know some routes in my district go multiple different places. So it makes the route bigger but instead of picking up EVERY kid in a neighbourhood we will take a little off another bus. Then they can do transfers.

Asked by Dsmmsdm about 6 years ago

Again it depends on district and district policy on how they run routes.

Why do districts provide transportation if their not required to? I feel like while it’s a convenience it’s more money, a lot more time, and more energy when you could just make it to where it’s the responsibility of the family and the student. some districts I think do

Asked by The only way better is the fact almost 6 years ago

Because some kids would never come to school if transportation wasn't provided. Some parents just do not care about their kids education or can't be bothered to make sure they go to school.

Why is it every time something happens every bus driver and every other Tom, Dick, and Harry with a radio think they need to get in on the action even though they have nothing to do with the situation and have nothing of value to add. if they can help fine but is it noseyness and just wanting to not be left out?

Asked by Ray almost 6 years ago

Because people are just plain nosy.

Do bus drivers really even follow the 55 law?

Asked by Ruth about 6 years ago

Most of the time we follow the posted speed limit. Though the maximum speed we should go is 55, it can be dangerous in a highway situation so we tend to bend the rules and top out the buses usually if they're governed at 60 or 65 in order to not impede traffic. Some companies and districts do not govern their buses and those are the ones we see most often speeding way faster than they need to be with kids lives at stake. Personally I don't think i could go faster than 59 to 61 with children on board.

Is it true that if you fire one driver in a lot of places a lot of drivers will get mad and quit?

Asked by Snsjjsj almost 6 years ago

Depends on how the working environment is. Failure to treat your employees properly will result in them quitting.

Hey also when on trips can your radios get on channel 19 so you can talk and if something happens you can talk with other drivers on the road or can only other bus drivers talk?

Asked by Merry almost 6 years ago

Most bus companies have a radio system that allows buses to communicate with each other. Though generally the frequency is not available to the public and we cannot communicate with other buses outside the district. Occasionally our frequencies will interfere and interact with the 911 tone out for emergency response and we hear the dispatch. Or can hear the police channel of another city.