Bus drivers come in all shapes and sizes. There are city transit bus drivers,
inter-city bus drivers, motorcoach bus drivers and school bus drivers.
A local transit driver transports people within a metropolitan area or
county. An inter-city driver takes people between regions of a state or the
country. Motorcoach drivers do the charter runs and tours. And school bus
drivers get students to and from school and school events.
Bus drivers do more than maneuver their vehicles through busy intersections
and around sharp corners. They also have to collect fares, issue transfers
(tickets that allow passengers to use different buses to get to their destinations)
and check bus passes.
Some drivers also have to write down how many passengers used the bus during
the day and maintain other records.
Bus drivers also answer questions from passengers, help riders with schedule
and route information and offer insights about major landmarks. "Dealing with
the public is one of the biggest and most enjoyable parts of the job," says
bus driver Joe Bargar.
"You should like to be out with people," he says. "If you don't like crowds,
this probably isn't the job for you."
Some bus drivers are also required to load and unload luggage.
Drivers are in charge of inspecting their buses before their shift begins.
"We check the tires, oil, liquids and everything to make sure it's in top
shape," says driver Bob van Briesen in Minnesota.
For safety reasons, drivers have to know and obey all traffic regulations
and report all delays, mechanical problems or accidents.
School bus drivers are also responsible for children's safety -- not only
when they're on the bus, but also when they are boarding or crossing the street.
Bus drivers work eight-hour days, five days per week. Evening and weekend
work is required, as is working different shifts before being assigned to
a regular route. Those with more experience usually get to pick their routes
before less experienced drivers.
Bus drivers are seated for most of the day, but they still must have good
physical strength to help load luggage and to help physically challenged people
on to the bus. And, of course, they should have good eyesight, hearing and
hand-eye coordination.
Hazards such as bad weather, poor road conditions, traffic jams, fatigue
and angry or frustrated passengers can make the work difficult.
It's a big responsibility. "Some of the buses are worth up to a quarter
of a million dollars," says Bargar. "It's a lot to shoulder the responsibility
of driving the bus in addition to looking after the safety of the passengers."
Drivers should be able to work independently. Once on the road, they receive
very little feedback from their supervisors. They have to be able to handle
interaction and confrontations with passengers.
Bus drivers also must be good at managing their time. "The drivers are
all in radio contact, and someone will let you know quick enough if you're
not making your schedule," says transit driver Lori Patterson.
"It's not for everybody, but if you love being around people, you'll love
this job," says Bargar. The career offers good wages, benefits and, after
a few years of gaining seniority, it can also have good hours.
Driving a bus can also be a good part-time job. "You can drive for a few
hours in the morning during rush hour, and then for an hour or so during the
evening rush," says Bargar.
And even if you're not looking to make a career out of driving a bus, it's
still a good way to make money while putting yourself through school, says
Bargar. Many drivers are hired on during summer months to help with tours,
charters and increased tourism.
Bus drivers must pass physical requirements to be able to work. In some
states, this includes passing a physical every two years. Drivers must have
good hearing and vision. They cannot be color-blind. They must have normal
use of limbs and normal blood pressure. Federal regulations require periodic
drug and alcohol testing.
In some states, bus drivers must pass a background check regarding criminal
records and mental health history.