Bus Driver
A bus driver is a professional responsible for transporting passengers, including students and commuters, along designated routes in urban and rural areas. They are categorized into different types, such as transit bus drivers, who navigate within metropolitan areas, and school bus drivers, who focus on transporting students to and from educational institutions and related events. Bus drivers must maintain strict schedules and prioritize passenger safety and comfort, often handling various tasks such as fare collection and assisting individuals with special needs.
The work environment for bus drivers can be challenging, as they face long hours, traffic congestion, and diverse passenger behaviors while adhering to safety regulations. Typically, a high school diploma is required, along with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Training usually includes both classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice. The median yearly earnings for bus drivers are approximately $48,230, and employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow at an average pace. Overall, bus drivers play a crucial role in public transportation and community mobility, interacting with a wide range of individuals daily.
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Subject Terms
Bus Driver
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Hospitality & Tourism, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Driving, interacting with people, transportation
Earnings (Yearly Median): $48,230 per year $23.19 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma
Related Work Experience Loan interviewer or loan officer
On-the-job-Training Yes; principal form of skill acquisition
Overview
Sphere of Work. Bus drivers transport students, special clients, commuters, and others to local and national destinations along specified routes. Two major categorical designations exist among bus drivers: transit and intercity bus drivers. Transit drivers transport passengers within a particular metropolitan area, between different cities or regions, or on chartered trips to specific destinations; and school bus drivers, who transport students to and from school and school-related activities. Bus drivers usually follow precise time schedules and mapped routes. They are always responsible for transporting passengers to their destinations safely and on time.
Work Environment. Bus drivers spend the majority of their day seated behind the wheel and may be subjected to long driving hours. They work in all weather conditions and often experience heavy traffic, unruly passengers, and unexpected delays and obstacles. School bus drivers work only during the school year and normally work split shifts in the morning and the afternoon, with time off in between. School bus drivers sometimes work for less than twenty hours a week, although they may also transport students to school-related activities on evenings and weekends. Transit bus drivers generally work a forty-hour week throughout the year, including nights and weekends, and also often work split shifts. Intercity bus drivers may have more irregular schedules, and those who drive for larger companies usually average less than forty hours per week. Most bus drivers work independently, without direct supervision.
Occupation Interest. Individuals interested in becoming bus drivers should understand the rules of the road as well as the fundamentals of traffic rules and regulations. Bus drivers must always be pleasant, calm, and stoic, especially when dealing with unruly or volatile passengers. They should be organized, skilled at communicating and interacting with others, and able to juggle multiple tasks and shifting priorities. School bus drivers should find fulfillment in working with children and possess the patience necessary to adequately supervise them.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Local transit and intercity bus drivers communicate with customers, collect tickets and cash fares, and answer questions regarding routes and schedules. They also help passengers needing special assistance, carry baggage, and make sure that passengers are properly seated. Occasionally, drivers handle onboard emergencies, fights, and other disruptions. Transit bus drivers usually travel the same route within one metropolitan area daily, making frequent stops throughout the day to pick up and drop off passengers, while intercity bus drivers may make very few stops along their route. Depending on the company they work for, transit and intercity bus drivers may be required to inspect their vehicles for any maintenance problems or equipment failures and check fuel, oil, and other fluid levels before departing from any location. In some cases, bus drivers must also handle minor repairs. Most drivers use logbooks to record trip information, report delays, and note any problems or difficulties that may have occurred.
School bus drivers follow a regular daily route, transporting students to and from school, to sporting events and field trips, and to other school-related activities. They follow strict safety and traffic regulations and do their best to ensure that students have a safe ride. They also prepare reports regarding passengers, fuel consumption, hours worked, and mileage. In addition to driving, school bus drivers must monitor student behavior, maintain order, and address any emergency situations that arise. To that end, they should be familiar with first aid procedures.
Motor-Coach Drivers (913.463-010). Motor-coach drivers drive diesel or electric powered transit buses to transport passengers over established city routes according to a set schedule.
Mobile-Lounge Drivers (913.663-014). Mobile-lounge drivers drive mobile lounges to transport aircraft passengers between airport terminal buildings and aircraft on the runways.
Day Haul or Farm Charter Bus Drivers (913.363-010). Day haul or farm charter bus drivers drive buses to transport workers between a recruiting point and an agricultural work area. They receive direction from the employer on the work to be done, the number of required workers, and the field or area where the workers are required.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Bus drivers spend most of their time in their vehicles, which they must keep clean and well maintained for passengers. Drivers are also responsible for regulating the temperature levels and other environmental conditions inside the bus.
Human Environment. Bus drivers interact with numerous individuals on a daily basis. They communicate with passengers of all ages and ethnicities, and often assist disabled or impaired individuals. Bus drivers do not normally work with other drivers, but may coordinate with them via phone or radio throughout the day. Though they work independently, bus drivers occasionally meet with supervisors to deal with administrative, training, or scheduling issues.
Technological Environment. Bus drivers must be familiar with a wide range of tools in order to operate their vehicles properly. They commonly utilize physical and electronic maps, two-way radios, and public address systems, and in some cases may also need to use first aid kits, emergency flares, fire extinguishers, tire pressure gauges, grease guns, snow chains, or wheelchair lifts and restraint systems.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma or its equivalent is sometimes required, although not always. High school students who are interested in becoming bus drivers will benefit from classes in communications, mathematics, and health, as well as courses that deal with automotive theories, business, and mechanics. When they reach the minimum driving age set by their state, students should obtain a driver’s license and practice navigating local streets and following local bus routes. They should also travel locally by bus, paying close attention to the duties of the driver.
Postsecondary. Bus drivers must have a driver’s license and a clean driving record. Some employers require new bus drivers to pass a written test to demonstrate their understanding of complex bus schedules. Most companies provide new drivers with two to eight weeks of instruction and training. Classroom instruction covers topics such as Department of Transportation rules, state and municipal driving regulations, schedule analysis, and record keeping. Behind the wheel, drivers practice various maneuvers on set courses, in light traffic, and on crowded highways. After a period, they make mock trips along specified routes, without passengers, to simulate real driving. New bus drivers usually get help from an experienced driver who accompanies them along their routes, answering questions, giving advice, and noting their progress.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Bus Drivers." Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/bus-drivers.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.