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 routes not start until past seven and others at 5:30? Am but in the PM they start about the same time

Asked by Jim over 5 years ago

Depending on where you live and how the bus system is set up will depend on how the routes start and end in both morning and evening. Some districts have the schools separated on each bus by school/grade level. For example there may be high school routes, middle school routes, and elementary routes that all start and end at different times based on when those schools start and end their day. Alternatively you may live in a county that puts all grade levels on each bus. There are positives and negatives to this. A positive is that if you are a family that has older siblings, the older ones are riding with the younger ones and you don't have to worry as much about childcare when your high schooler gets off with your second grader. Due to the distance from the schools will depend on when each route needs to start. You can guarantee that the one that starts early will end late in the afternoon due to the distance they have to cover with children.

Is it possible to volunteer as a reserve bus driver?

Asked by Nsnsnsnd over 5 years ago

Not sure. Can't hurt to ask around.

Do you like Louisiana Saturday Night like my bus driver

Asked by CC over 5 years ago

Never heard of it.

Have you seen the video of the guy getting yanked off that bus for not wearing a mask?

Asked by Kaleigh over 5 years ago

Yes. Given that it's been posted and a fairly widespread practice that for the protection of yourself and others that face masks must be worn, it doesn't surprise me in the least. There are many people out there who feel they are above what the governments can tell them what to do and whom simply won't follow rules. (Fake service dogs are a perfect example.)

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 over 5 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.

How do I not get a certain sub again? I always get complaints on her and she messes with seat controls, changes the radio station, leaves windows down, climate controls, etc. I also get a lot of negative feedback about her.

Asked by Glynn over 5 years ago

So you expect a sub to not adjust a seat and mirrors to help them do their jobs? Things like that are a safety concern for the students. If a sub cannot see adequately out the mirrors and out the dash board you are putting the kids at risk. As far as leaving windows down, the sub should put the windows up. Radio stations are an easy fix. Have the driver put their favorite stations on a separate band. Generally radios have 3 bands of FM radio available. When they plan to be out, simply inform them to switch the band that way their presets are not messed with.

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 over 5 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.