Bus Drivers

A bus driver is responsible for driving a passenger providing good customer service and a safe and comfortable journey throughout the network of bus services. Bus drivers transport passengers between locations, either as part of a regular route, a charter, or private carriage.
There are many types of bus drivers. Though the work they do is very similar, their responsibilities are different enough that it's worth covering them each in a little bit of detail. Here are a few of the most common types of bus drivers:

Local transit bus drivers follow a daily schedule while transporting people on regular routes along the same city or suburban streets.

Intercity bus drivers transport passengers between cities or towns, sometimes crossing state lines.

Motor coach drivers transport passengers on charted trips or sightseeing tours.

School bus drivers transport students to and from school and other activities.

Role of Bus Drivers

  • Pick and drop passengers
  • To ensure that speed limits are observed within bus depots and bus stationsTo check the condition of the vehicle prior to commencing service
  • To comply with the laws and company regulations regarding the use of mobile phones, smoking in company vehicles and the use of prohibited equipment (such as games consoles) whilst on duty.
  • Responsible for safety procedures for all passengers
  • Check the bus tires, lights, and oil and do other basic maintenance
  • Pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations
  • Follow a planned route on a time schedule
  • Help disabled passengers get on and off the bus
  • Follow traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations
  • Keep passengers informed of possible delays

Skills of Bus Drivers

Customer-service skills: Bus drivers should have Understanding of what good customer service looks like
Hand-eye coordination: Driving a bus requires the controlled use of multiple limbs based on what a person observes.
Physical health: Federal regulations do not allow people to become bus drivers if they have a medical condition that may interfere with their operation of a bus.
Visual ability:  Bus drivers must be able to pass vision tests. Federal regulations require at least 20/40 vision with a 70 degree field of vision in each eye and the ability to distinguish colors on a traffic light.
Hearing ability: Bus drivers need good hearing. Federal regulations require the ability to hear a forced whisper in one ear at five feet (with or without the use of a hearing aid).

Personal Skills

Calm under pressure
Friendly
Polite
Approachable
Helpful and considerate
Flexible attitude
Honesty/integrity

Work Schedule

School bus drivers work only when school is in session. Some make multiple runs if different schools in their district open and close at different times
Transit drivers may work weekends, late nights, and early mornings. Some intercity bus drivers have long-distant routes, so they spend some nights away. Other intercity bus drivers make a round trip and go home at the end of each shift.
Motor coach drivers travel with their vacationing passengers. Their hours are dictated by a tour schedule, and they may work all hours of the day, including weekends and holidays.

Sample of reported job titles:

Bus Driver, Bus Operator, Motor Coach Operator, Motor Coach Driver, Transit Bus Driver, Transit Coach Operator, Transit Operator, Charter Driver, Driver, Charter Coach Driver , School Bus Driver,  Driver, School Bus Driver/Teacher Assistant, Special Education Bus Driver, School Bus Driver/Custodian, School Bus Driver/Mechanic, Shuttle Bus Driver, Bus Driver/Monitor, Special Needs Bus Driver

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