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

Hey do you know what the difference is between air brakes and vacuum brakes? Thanks! Also air and vacuum doors, stop arms, etc. Thanks

Asked by Conner over 6 years ago

I've never heard of vacuum brakes or doors but I can explain manual doors, air brakes, and standard brakes. On a majority of buses, there is an air system that controls the door, stop sign, crossing arm, and brake system. There is a compression tank that fills to capacity when the bus is turned on. Some drivers are required to "bleed" the brakes when the bus is switched off (more on that in a few). When the system is working properly the items come out like they're supposed to and they operate properly. Of course there are overrides for the systems. In both the drivers seat and in the door frame there is a switch that will override the stop system and shut it down if its malfunctioning. The door has an emergency override switch that allows the air to be released so you can open the door in the case of an emergency. Note that manual doors do not have this. They are operated by the driver manually with a hinge that the driver uses to open and close the door from the driver seat. Air brakes are similar in that there is an override for them but it requires you to bleed the tank by pressing the brake pedal till the emergency parking brake pops out and the brakes set on the bus. Some buses do not have this and have the standard brake system found in all cars.

What’s your opinion on electric and alternative fueled buses?

Asked by Mickey Mouse over 6 years ago

Great for inner city and areas that are largely congested where pollution might be a large concern. Impractical for large areas due to limits on how fast and long it can run on the alternative fuels before returning to regular fuel.

Yes they luckily took them off and put the bus info into SIS but there is still archives of them. So I think people complained but they are still there. Do you think that should be brought up?

Asked by DJ over 6 years ago

I would notify them of the archives and link them to the archives then they can fix the problem.

Why does our bus driver care so much if we stand up while where stoped in the terminal?! What the heck does it matter we are stopped! Why?

Asked by Abby over 6 years ago

Well its not so much the fact that you are standing its that there are other moving vehicles around the bus. The safest place for a child to be is seated properly in the seat. It also cuts down on any major issues that can arise by someone roaming the bus like bullying or fighting.

Why would your bosses be so concerned about what you have on here?

Asked by Gkxlhclgclhclhcl over 6 years ago

Because there are some districts and states with a very strict publicity policy

Do bus drivers really ever make a kid come to the bus barn and help them clean the bus or repair damage? I have had a few threaten it before just curious.

Asked by RAAARW about 6 years ago

Potentially yes if permission is given by parents and the supervisor of the bus barn. Truthfully just clean up after yourselves and we won't have an issue.

Have you ever used Snow Chains?

Asked by Republican over 6 years ago

No, i live too far south to employ the use of snow chains.