Don't leave out that you can be assaulted also. There is alot of mentally ill people out here and it seems to be getting worse. A fellow operator from septa in Philadelphia was shot multiple times and killed today. It is dangerous out here in these streets. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
I actually got praise from many of my passengers yesterday on the outbound 23 when an accident happened at Arden/Harvard and I was stuck just before the Harley Davidson dealership. I asked dispatch for a detour, they asked what my options were, I told them... R - Evergreen L - Royal Oak L - Leisure Lane L - Exposition L - Heritage R - Arden - Regular route. When I finally dropped my peeps at Arden mall, they were all very impressed by my detour. I needed that praise because I was late over 35 minutes on 4 runs.
My local bus is always super late, but I would never think of taking out my frustration on the driver... It's almost never their fault (although one time a driver spent 20 minutes talking to a colleague...) And always remember to thank your bus driver!
I love sitting at a railroad crossing on the bus because inevitably someone will come up to the driver and ask, "Do you know how long this is going to take??" 🤣🤣
@@chicagolandrailroader I had a female coworker got mad at me because she thought that I cut her off but I didn't because we both was driving to Downtown Chicago.
A couple weeks ago I got destroyed by riders using wheelchairs and traffic. I was 25 minutes late leaving my EOL (I had no recovery time because I was so late). Control had me deadhead to the far side of my route, I got 4 minutes of recovery time! I drove for 3 minutes, only to be stopped for 15 minutes by malfunctioning rail signals. :-/
Quick tip for bees/wasps: If you can, bring a spray bottle with dish soap and water. Secure your bus and spray it!!! They die quickly with this method. 😄 Take it from a fellow bus driver!
I be going down the street with the bus clapping my hands at these annoying mosquitoes trying to get me. Meanwhile my passengers be looking at me like I'm jamming to the next soul song. 8:00 Thats any job. You will have it where some coworkers don't like you. Some coworkers don't like me. I love being the team player and I love talking to my coworkers. They help fill my mood with positivity during the day before I even touch the bus. 8 Things I wish I knew before driving the bus • You will always be late • It's always the bus drivers fault • This job really requires the professional driving skill. • You will sometimes have to be the passengers therapist • Fare evasion is more common than you think. Don't mess with it. • Bathrooms are limited. Locate them • You are your own manager • Car drivers are crazy
I’ve seen some knockdown crazy stuff on public transit . I’ve been involved in a bus accident where a car pulled in front of the bus, NO lights on mind you, and she was tboned and spun around in the middle of University Drive at 1030 at night. The driver had nowhere to go and couldn’t avoid it. I was 100% in his corner.
@@DAPAR26 very few cities implement ROW for busses. ~3% of san francisco has ROW for busses. .25% chicago. 0 detroit (damn near 0 for most midwest + south, though detroit is planning to build bus only lanes and looking at coverting a lane for the light rail). 2% in nyc.
I have a lot of respect for bus drivers they put up with a lot of bull i don't ride the bus anymore I use access link but when I was riding I'd have my bus fare ready used my half price card sat down when it was my stop I'd get off and thank the driver
4:42 I remember riding a mall route at valley Transit (route 15 to be exact) and it was black Friday last year. It was literally stop and go bumper to bumper traffic at the fox River mall and all 3 routes that go to the mall (12 15 and 41) were super late... Well anyway when we got to a certain stop inbound to the transit center there was a lady who was so upset about the bus being super behind schedule (mind you --its NOT the driver's fault for being behind schedule whatsoever) but this one lady had the assumption that it was the driver's fault for being late and basically CHEWED. THE DRIVER. OUT for being late! Moral of the story is when the bus is running late don't blame it on the driver every time they're supposedly late or behind schedule
Thank you for doing a job most people can't do, not many people can handle driving a huge bus in traffic while handling a load of crazy people. Thank you!
I get flies and yellow jackets flying around my office. I once stopped the bus and waited for a yellow jacket to land on the windshield. Back then we had Paper DVIR booklet and I rolled it up and smack it so hard I shook the bus and said that’s what you get when you do not pay your fare. I thought it was funny and some of my passengers laughed too.
Man them sleepers are always hard to wake up! I believe many of them are faking sleep. Then when they wake up they always say when you leave again. Man if you don't get off this bus!
@@DariusW-2000 that’s crazy and don’t touch them they will try to say you assaulted them! I look at them like are you serious. Just get off the damn bus!
Thank you very much for these 10 videos. I talked to some bus drivers in Chicago that doesn't like driving some routes on the Southside and Westside of Chicago which is why most of them going up Northside bus garage. I love those Pace ElDorado National Axess BRT CNG buses but i had a Pace bus driver who got off of their bus to confront me about filming and taking pics of public transportation at Harvey TC when she was pulling off on route 352, i just ignored them and police never showed up. I just tell them that I'm a transit enthusiast who likes public transportation with a passion and told them that it's bus drivers that are transit enthusiasts themselves.
*[Customer]* “WHY ARE YOU LATE? 😡 *[Me]* “Coffee break went a little long. Sorry. You know how it is.” 🤷♂️ Tell them the truth, and they’ll never believe you. Instead they get mouthy and nasty. So what I do is play with them a little bit. Then they call and complain to customer service who watches the video, laughs, and then the complaint gets labeled as illegitimate and goes nowhere. I don’t get disciplined unless I do something that engages conflict. Humor disarms everything.
Oh yeah I saw that video of those 2 Pace operators having an exchange. I would’ve never thought Pace operators conducting themselves like that, but I know CTA operators can get it going.
Just like any other job where you don’t get along with coworkers. One driver threatened me while I was loading passengers. All on video and I didn’t say anything. He was suspended but the union got him a second chance and later on got fired. I get along with everyone however there is always someone who ruffles your feathers.
Definitely glad you happen to bring up the grade crossings situation. Most especially over here on the rail side of things, people always get mad at us rail crews just the same whenever we have things such as switching or yard moves to make when coming across and have to stop briefly for me to get out and do things such as direct a reverse move, test the air with a Class 3 after coupling onto or dropping off cars, or even simply just passing through it, normally, on our merrily way to the next destination.
5:42 Once a railroad crossing made me one _hour_ and ten minutes late because a train stopped on the crossing with the last car still on the circuit. It had to wait for _two other_ trains before continuing. I was so late, they had to cancel one of my routes.
BRUH! Virtually EVERYTHING that you said in this video is true! Even the sleepers I had to deal with, thankfully the one that I had was courteous enough to pay his fare to go back to his original stop. And the operators not liking each other is very common. As much as I miss truck driving, it felt good to back to the School Bus. Kindness goes a long way between the drivers and the passengers-it's a two-way street.
I always say hello to the bus driver when boarding. I always say thank you when departing, or wish them a special holiday for the appreciation from taking me .8 point B.
@@BusDriverLife I knew this driver, he was a great guy. This was a news report in town, this was the last day he was on this route because of the quarterly route changes.
After driving a bus in Philadelphia for 40 years amd I listen to you, I can see it, the same bull thing. all over. A bus driver just got shot six times and killed yesterday in Philadelphia
You guys are a very significant part of us passengers days. You guys see regular passengers over weeks, months, and years go through transformations, downfalls, rock bottom, meet goals, get jobs, make friends, lose relationships, hear stories... And each and every time, you get us somewhere safe, which is a very big deal. I always say thank you for getting me to where I need to go safely. Question though, is it EVER okay or forgiveable for a bus driver to text and drive? With passengers on board? On a side street? On a main street? At a stop sign or stop light?
At my company in Illinois, we are prohibited from using any personal electronic device while on the bus. This is even when the bus is not running and parked at the garage. It really leaves no wiggle room for any other interpretation of the rule.
I thought most public transit agencies would at minimum prohibit phone and texting while a bus driver is driving a vehicle. Some agencies might give drivers an exception, if a bus is parked somewhere. That said I have no doubt some drivers ignore this rule, and make an infrequent call or text anyway. I've even seen drivers break the no call and no texting rule, on Uber before.
Bus driver is one of the most demanding professions. My father drove bus for 30 years and the abuse he endured is incredible. Just a very demanding job.
Yellowjackets, those are the worst, I hate when they get in the bus. The mosquitoes here in NY have been terrible, because of all the rain, it has been a very wet, rainy year
In the 1970s as a teenager I had numerous bus driver friends, at that time St Louis was noticeably different. It was so appealing I even applied once, most of them retired with twenty five,thirty years. Toda Today T
I once had the unfortunate task of reporting a bus going through a crossing with bells flashing. I didn’t record that but there were cameras. Hated doing that because we have driver shortages but can’t be doing that. :((
Hopefully you weren't mistaken and being a dumbass like one of my coworkers were a few weeks ago. Amtrak was at our station loading, RR crossing open. Stopped at the RR crossing, opened door, closed door, and proceeded across the tracks. As the back end of my bus was clearing the tracks, the crossing chimes and lights started going, and after I was way clear of the tracks, the train blew its horn to signal it was about to start moving. Some dipshit said over the radio to never do that again. To which I responded, what? Cross the tracks while they're clear? If you reported a fellow driver, it better have been an egregious and blatant move where they sped though AFTER the flashing lights and chimes.
Thank you very much for these tips for bus drivers. I never argued back and forth with my coworkers because it doesn't help the situation at all. I do agree that the buses be stinky which is i spread it with disinfectant spray before I started the route and clean my seat before i sit on it because everyone be seating in the seats. I do get passengers complaining like crazy but i don't allow their negativity to stop me from my day. I had some passengers get on and didn't pay their fare, i don't complain about that because it's not coming out of my pocket at all.
On top of all this, the company will fire you for any simple reason. I drove for Phoenix, & tempe AZ, we didn't have the bugs, it was too damn hot & dry, no scorpions either our cleaners were awesome. As far as other drivers, you have every reason to take it to the union. As far as what you're saying, everything is true, spot on.
2:24 in a bunch of Wisconsin transit systems including valley Transit if a bus is behind schedule the driver is usually pretty good at asking everyone "is anyone transferring to another bus when we get downtown?" I mean most passengers are pretty good at shouting out the route number that they need. Not sure what other transit systems in other states deal with situations like that
Our bus fare has been $1.00, for at least the last 25 years, and it's almost tragic the number of people who try to get out of paying 1 measly dollar!!! Then there are the passengers who flip you off because you won't pick them up, or let them off at undesignated bus stops!
Oooh! I caught some new B-Roll footage of the MCTS outside the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. I was just there yesterday! :) Love your content. Keep up the great work!
Sir. Are City buses for profit. With people trying to talk their way to ride for free, veteran, student, and senior discounts I wonder how buses stay afloat. I've seen bus operators just let people on the bus for free to avoid holding up the bus or avoiding an altercation.
I tell the bus drivers every day when I get on the bus how much they are appreciated and how much they are a vital part of my day. I tell my bus drivers how much i look up to them and I love having the bus driver tell me what to do you know why?? Cause I have been riding buses for years of course but if you are going to bee a great passenger let the bus driver do their thing and help you out and direct you. The pierce tranzit bus drivers are so awesome. As passengers we need to look up to our bus drivers. Even I have had some bus drivers tell me that they were sorry for being late and I tell them that I as a passenger have to understand cause we don’t know where the bus has been as a passenger. We have to learn patients. Our bus drivers need to know how much they are appreciated. And I tell my bus drivers all the time how much they are in my day. They play a vital and serious part of the day for us. That is one part I love about riding the bus is letting the bus driver tell me what they need me to do. I am not the guy in charge. I am just the commuter. And if I am going to bee a commuter then. A great commuter needs to bee able to listen to the bus driver very well. I have had bus drivers tell me to move my bag or brief case and so you know what I do I move it to where they want me to move it. It is all about listening to the driver not doing what you want. So we all owe it to our bus drivers cause they are the providers of the transportation that we have especially those of us that take the bus and that is our solid transportation. I love to hear the authority of the bus driver. Cause that means that they are doing their job and we as passengers have to listen to that not complain and whine about the driver is so rude……. That is not true at all. The driver is in charge. The other day coming back from work I was told by a bus driver to move my brief case and you know what i did? Yep I did just that. I had him assist me in where I should put it or where it would bee safe to put it so it wouldn’t roll. I let him take the brief case and put it where it was safe and where he thought it would bee a great place. That is what makes a good passenger. Listen to the driver. If the driver tells you something then don’t get mouthy just do it. Listen and bee attentive to what they have to say. They will love you for that. Also when getting off of the bus tell your driver Thank you and driver safe. They will appreciate that so much more than you know. Also getting on the bus looking at the bus driver and tell them “you know how much you are a huge part of my day. You play a huge role in my day.” You will win your bus driver’s hearts over and over all they want you to do is quote rate with them. A bus driver is not going to ask you to do anything dangerous or something out of the norm. They want you to have a good ride. But many people turn on their bus drivers and act like they are such bad people when it is the passengers who act like total asses. People need to start listening to the bus driver. They are the one in charge not you as a passenger.
Oh, definitely drivers don't like each other. They act all chill in the division, but play games on the road. It's not cool when another driver stays close behind the one in front and allows the one in front (and behind them) to get soaked.
Lmmfao that septa skit is my brother I work for septa too but I'm on rail. It's me my brothers my sisters dad (retired) and uncle (retired) imma show them this video 😂😂😂😂😂😂
I tried driving both commuter and transit buses for two years and basically gave it up so much to what it was doing to me personally! I took it personally to the point of shutting the bus down until repeat offenders paid fares! Also the repetitive nature of route delays and angry passengers! I found myself constantly rushing to handle crush loads! If it wasn't for those reasons I'd have stayed! I remember being yelled at by a senior driver for passing him with a full load saying that I was braking protocol! I also had a passenger ask me every day if I was doing the full route! Every day I'd tell him to wait for my follower! One day I was bombed at a stop and missed him! I ran off in the middle of a street and cut the lights out and proceeded to return to the garage! It was only then that I'd noticed this gentleman calmly staring out the window! I had no choice but to drop him off! Rather than stay there I left and have been driving OTR Intercity buses for the last nineteen! Nine out of ten times if you start a trip right, it turns into a good trip!
I am a former bus driver with 38 years of experience. Great video! I want to add that as of lately there’s the residue of meth and fentanyl on most buses that’s hard to get rid of. Some bus drivers are sensitive to it and it will affect them in various ways, sometimes even sending them home sick or even a visit to the ER. That wasn’t anything I would have imagined in 1985 when I first started driving a bus. Good luck to the next generation of bus drivers. God’s speed.
@@BusDriverLife I want to thank you for your service in advance. When I first started driving a bus at the age of 22, I listened to a lot of stories from veteran drivers. One story I often heard was about how they used to have a beer on their lunch break. Another told me about the Black Panthers torching his bus and burning it to the ground in Oakland in 1968. Fortunately they made sure that everyone was able to safely exit the bus first.
I have retired . I drove a transit bus for 31 years. I can definately relate. There comes a time when it is time to hang up the driving boots. I used to love my job, but the world has changed. Most passengers do not acknowledge the driver. Some will thank you and it is appreciated. Passengers , not all won't speak to you when you are talking to them. The list goes on. It is sad, I have always cared for my passengers as family. I always gave my customers the best ride. I respect you, please respect transit drivers who are driving you safely to your destination. Where would these passengers be without transit drivers. Thank goodness, always got along with my co workers. Treat them as family. Yes, and sleepers. Called the Supervisor. Wasn't going to deal with that. I am a female. Today you have no idea what could happen. Yes be proud to be a transit operator. Have a lot of patience . My patience unfortunately ran out.
Oh man. I relive a buddy of mine every Saturday. He's a black guy. I wasn't paying attention to the time and ran for another bus. Driven by a white guy. I said (in front of a bus full of riders) "0h thank god, a white guy" when I saw the driver wasn't my buddy. I did not consider how those words would sound to riders. I was glad I hadn't missed my bus and was early. I sounded like a racist. I was mortified.
Bus passengers asking what happened to previous bus that didn't turn up or worse direct their anger at you for it. Doing the odd route that is truncated finishing sooner than the usual destination for that route. The driver has to cop the abuse from those that can't accept it. Finally, passengers that say the sarcastic remark "thank you kindly" when you're perceived as grumpy.
It happened on 11/15 when I was riding new blue scheme USB bus on 3:50pm Q8 Jamaica bus. When bus was on eastbound Liberty Av making left turn onto Sutphin Blvd, idiot black SUV on right cut off bus, but thank God MTA bus driver has keen eye
I had a clown make a comment, late again because I was 5 minutes late due to a wheelchair and heavy traffic. Mind you here in so cal with all this traffic , your not getting a break. And he's right, don't take the routes that go through malls, especially around the fall/winter bids. You will not only miss your breaks, you'll lose your breaks and still run up to 30+ minutes late. And yes I have a few coworkers enemies. That's also true. And shoutout to #BusdriverDoo.
It’s bout to be team forget them time points and courtesy rides for all if I have to keep talking to insane people. I’ve had more contact with the police on this job than any individual should have in their entire existence!
I drive a bus and know what I was getting into, but you are picking up people who have a lot of deep seated mental issues. And other motorists too, haven’t any personal safety in mind.
I leave my front door open and wander off. +95% of riders pay even when I'm not there. I am a bus driver, not a fare collector. I just want to make my EOL safely and on time. I truly do not care about the farebox. I do not understand operators with my company who hassle people about fare. I own a home and drive a Lexus, I am not in a position to hassle a person who's a bit down on their luck. Everyone is welcome on my bus. When someone asks for a free ride (unless they've caused an issue on my bus before) I tell them they're obliged to do something nice for someone. That seems like a fair trade. I will not give regular free rides, and I will boot someone who walks past me/farebox or boards via my back doors. All it takes is someone (even a millionaire) saying they don't feel like paying and they ride for free. Also, a sob story does decrease the chance I'll give someone a free ride. Even a dime in my farebox and I'll give you a 2 1/2 hour transfer for any bus in my city. (those I won't give for free)
I don't really care if someone pick a dollar and 25 cent in the machine, I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as they put something money in the machine.
It's a requirement for all buses I drive a school bus and we have to stop at every railroad crossing the only exception is if the railroad crossing is exempt and it must say it is exempt!
Bossman8231, yes we can't rule out a severely mentally ill individual being on the bus, an individual here in Tampa stabbed a driver and the driver was able to being the bus to a safe stop. The drivers here now have a safety door to protect themselves from assaults and harm
First and foremost, I really appreciate your content! I'm about to enter the profession, so I've been watching your videos to try to get some insight. Although you've an operator for over ten years, seems you've grown pretty negative of the profession. I know you're trying not to sugar coat it... Is it really that bad???
Here in The Netherlands you can no longer pay with cash money at all. We have a OV-chipkaart translated a: Public Transport card. You can put money it. Check in at your first stop and check out at the stop you are leaving the bus at. Or pay with card. With also the check in and out system, or buy a ticket by the busdriver.
I always say to people ( Your Late!!!!) Were you looking for on time service??? Well this not your bus waite for the next bus it should be on time 🕛🕧🕐🕜🕑🕝🕒🕞🕓🕟🕔🕔🕐🕕🕡🕣🕔🕔🕠🕠🕘🕤
Don't leave out that you can be assaulted also. There is alot of mentally ill people out here and it seems to be getting worse. A fellow operator from septa in Philadelphia was shot multiple times and killed today. It is dangerous out here in these streets. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
R.I.P. brother Bernard Gribban. Callowhill and all depots join in uplifting and supporting his family and co-workers at Midvale. 😪
That’s for sure. Try driving a transit bus in Chicago
R.I.P brother Bernard Gribban, I am so sorry for your loss.
Shocking! 😮
Did he have a pension for his family?
I just got a job as a CTA rail operator, wish me the best on my job if you can because I am only 21. I was blessed to have a new job.
That’s great news! Congratulations to you!
Thank you for serving your city. You’ll probably never see me on your routes im in Seattle but we all need good transit workers. Thank you so much.
I actually got praise from many of my passengers yesterday on the outbound 23 when an accident happened at Arden/Harvard and I was stuck just before the Harley Davidson dealership.
I asked dispatch for a detour, they asked what my options were, I told them...
R - Evergreen
L - Royal Oak
L - Leisure Lane
L - Exposition
L - Heritage
R - Arden - Regular route.
When I finally dropped my peeps at Arden mall, they were all very impressed by my detour.
I needed that praise because I was late over 35 minutes on 4 runs.
I’m in Az driving u naming them cities I’m like that sound like my Home State then o I see Michigan born😂😂😂
@@sb6020
From the D?
My local bus is always super late, but I would never think of taking out my frustration on the driver... It's almost never their fault (although one time a driver spent 20 minutes talking to a colleague...) And always remember to thank your bus driver!
Also about the insects thing, one time I spotted at least 10 roaches on a bus... Because someone left their food... Oh well.
Yeah the roach situation is horrible sometimes.
I work for Milwaukee county transit, most of these clowns don’t even have bus fare. Trying to whisper, “ can I get a ride bro” 🤣🤣
How you handle that?????
@@ericthered1140 Pressing f5 😭😭
I love sitting at a railroad crossing on the bus because inevitably someone will come up to the driver and ask, "Do you know how long this is going to take??" 🤣🤣
thats the only cons I see, but truck driver have to do the same thing when hauling Hazmat loads in their trucks as well.
Roaches on the bus, happened to me once, I parked the bus and demanded a bus change and would not go any further!
Pace is my home agency and I was pretty surprised they were acting like that. Usually they're the sweetest people I see all week 😂
Well..these people could overall be sweet too..but we’re all human and have bad days. This could have just been a very bad day for them. Lol
@@BusDriverLife yea we all have our days it's all good 👍
@@chicagolandrailroader I had a female coworker got mad at me because she thought that I cut her off but I didn't because we both was driving to Downtown Chicago.
One of the counterintuitive things I learned on the job: the only thing worse than being late is being early
A couple weeks ago I got destroyed by riders using wheelchairs and traffic. I was 25 minutes late leaving my EOL (I had no recovery time because I was so late). Control had me deadhead to the far side of my route, I got 4 minutes of recovery time!
I drove for 3 minutes, only to be stopped for 15 minutes by malfunctioning rail signals. :-/
I love your videos as a young Gen Z female bus driver in the game. Thank you Bus Driver Life.
Thank you!! I’m glad you are enjoying the videos! Stay safe out here!!
Quick tip for bees/wasps: If you can, bring a spray bottle with dish soap and water. Secure your bus and spray it!!! They die quickly with this method. 😄
Take it from a fellow bus driver!
I be going down the street with the bus clapping my hands at these annoying mosquitoes trying to get me. Meanwhile my passengers be looking at me like I'm jamming to the next soul song.
8:00 Thats any job. You will have it where some coworkers don't like you. Some coworkers don't like me. I love being the team player and I love talking to my coworkers. They help fill my mood with positivity during the day before I even touch the bus.
8 Things I wish I knew before driving the bus
• You will always be late
• It's always the bus drivers fault
• This job really requires the professional driving skill.
• You will sometimes have to be the passengers therapist
• Fare evasion is more common than you think. Don't mess with it.
• Bathrooms are limited. Locate them
• You are your own manager
• Car drivers are crazy
I had a coworker that was hating on me because we was two buses heading to Downtown Chicago to Union Station on route 28.
I’ve seen some knockdown crazy stuff on public transit
. I’ve been involved in a bus accident where a car pulled in front of the bus, NO lights on mind you, and she was tboned and spun around in the middle of University Drive at 1030 at night. The driver had nowhere to go and couldn’t avoid it. I was 100% in his corner.
Besides buses getting stuck in traffic, Buses should have it's own lane just for buses.
In most big cities they do.
@@DAPAR26 very few cities implement ROW for busses. ~3% of san francisco has ROW for busses. .25% chicago. 0 detroit (damn near 0 for most midwest + south, though detroit is planning to build bus only lanes and looking at coverting a lane for the light rail). 2% in nyc.
@@erikawwad7653 and those NYC bus lanes are
yeah they are doing comparatively well @@weenisw
I have a lot of respect for bus drivers they put up with a lot of bull i don't ride the bus anymore I use access link but when I was riding I'd have my bus fare ready used my half price card sat down when it was my stop I'd get off and thank the driver
4:42 I remember riding a mall route at valley Transit (route 15 to be exact) and it was black Friday last year. It was literally stop and go bumper to bumper traffic at the fox River mall and all 3 routes that go to the mall (12 15 and 41) were super late... Well anyway when we got to a certain stop inbound to the transit center there was a lady who was so upset about the bus being super behind schedule (mind you --its NOT the driver's fault for being behind schedule whatsoever) but this one lady had the assumption that it was the driver's fault for being late and basically CHEWED. THE DRIVER. OUT for being late! Moral of the story is when the bus is running late don't blame it on the driver every time they're supposedly late or behind schedule
And on that particular day management or someone decided to get an extra bus out in that area by the mall (the Holiday Express)
Thank you for doing a job most people can't do, not many people can handle driving a huge bus in traffic while handling a load of crazy people. Thank you!
I get flies and yellow jackets flying around my office. I once stopped the bus and waited for a yellow jacket to land on the windshield. Back then we had Paper DVIR booklet and I rolled it up and smack it so hard I shook the bus and said that’s what you get when you do not pay your fare. I thought it was funny and some of my passengers laughed too.
🤣🤣
2:21 those are Dayton Ohio buses!! That’s who I’m an operator for!
I like your Gillig buses in Dayton Ohio.
Man them sleepers are always hard to wake up! I believe many of them are faking sleep. Then when they wake up they always say when you leave again. Man if you don't get off this bus!
Air horn time. Gets even the fakers. One of my items in my pack.
I had a sleeper yesterday on my bus and he just wouldn't wake up at all.
@@DariusW-2000 that’s crazy and don’t touch them they will try to say you assaulted them! I look at them like are you serious. Just get off the damn bus!
Bro you 💯 right we share the same pain and more all the way in NYC. Keep the wheels turning. Be Safe RIP to SEPTA Driver
Thank you very much for these 10 videos. I talked to some bus drivers in Chicago that doesn't like driving some routes on the Southside and Westside of Chicago which is why most of them going up Northside bus garage. I love those Pace ElDorado National Axess BRT CNG buses but i had a Pace bus driver who got off of their bus to confront me about filming and taking pics of public transportation at Harvey TC when she was pulling off on route 352, i just ignored them and police never showed up. I just tell them that I'm a transit enthusiast who likes public transportation with a passion and told them that it's bus drivers that are transit enthusiasts themselves.
I’ve never ridden Milwaukee public transit but I hear it can be a mad house
Hi BUS Driver, That’s A Lots Of Information, Prayerfully Things Will Get BETTER for ALL U Bus Drivers, and Thanks for Y’all Services.😊🥰👍🏾🙏🏾
*[Customer]* “WHY ARE YOU LATE? 😡
*[Me]* “Coffee break went a little long. Sorry. You know how it is.” 🤷♂️
Tell them the truth, and they’ll never believe you. Instead they get mouthy and nasty. So what I do is play with them a little bit. Then they call and complain to customer service who watches the video, laughs, and then the complaint gets labeled as illegitimate and goes nowhere. I don’t get disciplined unless I do something that engages conflict. Humor disarms everything.
I do the same thing as well when the passenger be asking me that.
Oh yeah I saw that video of those 2 Pace operators having an exchange. I would’ve never thought Pace operators conducting themselves like that, but I know CTA operators can get it going.
Just like any other job where you don’t get along with coworkers. One driver threatened me while I was loading passengers. All on video and I didn’t say anything. He was suspended but the union got him a second chance and later on got fired. I get along with everyone however there is always someone who ruffles your feathers.
Yeah my older brother drive Pace buses at the northwest garage.
Definitely glad you happen to bring up the grade crossings situation. Most especially over here on the rail side of things, people always get mad at us rail crews just the same whenever we have things such as switching or yard moves to make when coming across and have to stop briefly for me to get out and do things such as direct a reverse move, test the air with a Class 3 after coupling onto or dropping off cars, or even simply just passing through it, normally, on our merrily way to the next destination.
5:42 Once a railroad crossing made me one _hour_ and ten minutes late because a train stopped on the crossing with the last car still on the circuit. It had to wait for _two other_ trains before continuing. I was so late, they had to cancel one of my routes.
BRUH! Virtually EVERYTHING that you said in this video is true! Even the sleepers I had to deal with, thankfully the one that I had was courteous enough to pay his fare to go back to his original stop. And the operators not liking each other is very common. As much as I miss truck driving, it felt good to back to the School Bus. Kindness goes a long way between the drivers and the passengers-it's a two-way street.
Is there some kind of insurance a bus driver could get to protect themselves from lawsuits?......🤔⚖
I always say hello to the bus driver when boarding. I always say thank you when departing, or wish them a special holiday for the appreciation from taking me .8 point B.
10:41 nice to end on a positive
note and a much needed reminder bus drivers are human too
Most definitely!
@@BusDriverLife I knew this driver, he was a great guy. This was a news report in town, this was the last day he was on this route because of the quarterly route changes.
After driving a bus in Philadelphia for 40 years amd I listen to you, I can see it, the same bull thing. all over.
A bus driver just got shot six times and killed yesterday in Philadelphia
Exactly the anger you have for bus drivers should be redirected at politicians who have the power to improve bus service
You guys are a very significant part of us passengers days. You guys see regular passengers over weeks, months, and years go through transformations, downfalls, rock bottom, meet goals, get jobs, make friends, lose relationships, hear stories... And each and every time, you get us somewhere safe, which is a very big deal. I always say thank you for getting me to where I need to go safely.
Question though, is it EVER okay or forgiveable for a bus driver to text and drive? With passengers on board? On a side street? On a main street? At a stop sign or stop light?
At my company in Illinois, we are prohibited from using any personal electronic device while on the bus. This is even when the bus is not running and parked at the garage. It really leaves no wiggle room for any other interpretation of the rule.
I thought most public transit agencies would at minimum prohibit phone and texting while a bus driver is driving a vehicle. Some agencies might give drivers an exception, if a bus is parked somewhere. That said I have no doubt some drivers ignore this rule, and make an infrequent call or text anyway. I've even seen drivers break the no call and no texting rule, on Uber before.
One time, a bus driver was nice enough to give me a tour if a NovaBus LFX 40’ (BRT LFS) on layup. The WeGo transit drivers are really friendly!!!
Been thinking about going into this career and seeing this video definitely helps.
I started about 6 months ago. I'm loving it!
You'll make good money, but you have to have thick skin.
I just started my job driving the bus and you would love it. All jobs have it's pros and cons to it but the benefits are good.
Bus driver is one of the most demanding professions. My father drove bus for 30 years and the abuse he endured is incredible. Just a very demanding job.
Man i just became a Coach Operator and im am starting to see exactly what he is talking about
Yellowjackets, those are the worst, I hate when they get in the bus. The mosquitoes here in NY have been terrible, because of all the rain, it has been a very wet, rainy year
In the 1970s as a teenager I had numerous bus driver friends, at that time St Louis was noticeably different. It was so appealing I even applied once, most of them retired with twenty five,thirty years. Toda Today T
So glad we don't have to deal wth fares. so much less hassel. The trick these days is to have enough drivers.
I once had the unfortunate task of reporting a bus going through a crossing with bells flashing. I didn’t record that but there were cameras. Hated doing that because we have driver shortages but can’t be doing that. :((
Hopefully you weren't mistaken and being a dumbass like one of my coworkers were a few weeks ago. Amtrak was at our station loading, RR crossing open. Stopped at the RR crossing, opened door, closed door, and proceeded across the tracks. As the back end of my bus was clearing the tracks, the crossing chimes and lights started going, and after I was way clear of the tracks, the train blew its horn to signal it was about to start moving.
Some dipshit said over the radio to never do that again. To which I responded, what? Cross the tracks while they're clear?
If you reported a fellow driver, it better have been an egregious and blatant move where they sped though AFTER the flashing lights and chimes.
Thank you very much for these tips for bus drivers. I never argued back and forth with my coworkers because it doesn't help the situation at all. I do agree that the buses be stinky which is i spread it with disinfectant spray before I started the route and clean my seat before i sit on it because everyone be seating in the seats. I do get passengers complaining like crazy but i don't allow their negativity to stop me from my day. I had some passengers get on and didn't pay their fare, i don't complain about that because it's not coming out of my pocket at all.
On top of all this, the company will fire you for any simple reason. I drove for Phoenix, & tempe AZ, we didn't have the bugs, it was too damn hot & dry, no scorpions either our cleaners were awesome. As far as other drivers, you have every reason to take it to the union. As far as what you're saying, everything is true, spot on.
2:24 in a bunch of Wisconsin transit systems including valley Transit if a bus is behind schedule the driver is usually pretty good at asking everyone "is anyone transferring to another bus when we get downtown?" I mean most passengers are pretty good at shouting out the route number that they need. Not sure what other transit systems in other states deal with situations like that
5:54 thank god all railroad crossings in my city have been grade seperated, it's so annoying waiting for a freighter
Our bus fare has been $1.00, for at least the last 25 years, and it's almost tragic the number of people who try to get out of paying 1 measly dollar!!! Then there are the passengers who flip you off because you won't pick them up, or let them off at undesignated bus stops!
Oooh! I caught some new B-Roll footage of the MCTS outside the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. I was just there yesterday! :)
Love your content. Keep up the great work!
Yup that’s where I was! I almost missed it too!! Thanks for watching!!
I ride the rta bus in Dayton Ohio and I like the bus with some bus driver I like it and then I think are good or extent on the road 🛣️
7:42 _ "Mosquitos hate Bus Drivers" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
i start my route training with the cleveland rta tomorrow been in the program for 7 weeks got about 7 more to go
Cool! Congratulations on making progress!! You got it!!
I just got an interview for bus city driver for Los Angeles metro
when they tell me why u are late i just tell them you can report me !
i worked 12 years as bus driver in israel worst 12 years of my life
Sir. Are City buses for profit. With people trying to talk their way to ride for free, veteran, student, and senior discounts I wonder how buses stay afloat. I've seen bus operators just let people on the bus for free to avoid holding up the bus or avoiding an altercation.
It’s not worth our careers or even our lives over a fare. That’s why they tell us not to argue with customers.
They are for profit, however the farebox is not the profit.
Lol I saw that crash with houston metro my house is the one to the left side
I bet that was wild to see in real time!
Thanks for the great information. I start driving tomorrow.
Man it's happens to me all the time man 😂😂😂😂
I tell the bus drivers every day when I get on the bus how much they are appreciated and how much they are a vital part of my day. I tell my bus drivers how much i look up to them and I love having the bus driver tell me what to do you know why?? Cause I have been riding buses for years of course but if you are going to bee a great passenger let the bus driver do their thing and help you out and direct you. The pierce tranzit bus drivers are so awesome. As passengers we need to look up to our bus drivers. Even I have had some bus drivers tell me that they were sorry for being late and I tell them that I as a passenger have to understand cause we don’t know where the bus has been as a passenger. We have to learn patients. Our bus drivers need to know how much they are appreciated. And I tell my bus drivers all the time how much they are in my day. They play a vital and serious part of the day for us. That is one part I love about riding the bus is letting the bus driver tell me what they need me to do. I am not the guy in charge. I am just the commuter. And if I am going to bee a commuter then. A great commuter needs to bee able to listen to the bus driver very well. I have had bus drivers tell me to move my bag or brief case and so you know what I do I move it to where they want me to move it. It is all about listening to the driver not doing what you want. So we all owe it to our bus drivers cause they are the providers of the transportation that we have especially those of us that take the bus and that is our solid transportation. I love to hear the authority of the bus driver. Cause that means that they are doing their job and we as passengers have to listen to that not complain and whine about the driver is so rude……. That is not true at all. The driver is in charge. The other day coming back from work I was told by a bus driver to move my brief case and you know what i did? Yep I did just that. I had him assist me in where I should put it or where it would bee safe to put it so it wouldn’t roll. I let him take the brief case and put it where it was safe and where he thought it would bee a great place. That is what makes a good passenger. Listen to the driver. If the driver tells you something then don’t get mouthy just do it. Listen and bee attentive to what they have to say. They will love you for that. Also when getting off of the bus tell your driver Thank you and driver safe. They will appreciate that so much more than you know. Also getting on the bus looking at the bus driver and tell them “you know how much you are a huge part of my day. You play a huge role in my day.” You will win your bus driver’s hearts over and over all they want you to do is quote rate with them. A bus driver is not going to ask you to do anything dangerous or something out of the norm. They want you to have a good ride. But many people turn on their bus drivers and act like they are such bad people when it is the passengers who act like total asses. People need to start listening to the bus driver. They are the one in charge not you as a passenger.
U can only pee once a shift
Thanks for letting me know I need some off for the bus.
You’re welcome! 😅
Alot of these can also overlap with driving truck
Oh, definitely drivers don't like each other. They act all chill in the division, but play games on the road. It's not cool when another driver stays close behind the one in front and allows the one in front (and behind them) to get soaked.
Thank you for your Service!
I appreciate you!
I appreciate you 414💯💯
Lmmfao that septa skit is my brother I work for septa too but I'm on rail. It's me my brothers my sisters dad (retired) and uncle (retired) imma show them this video 😂😂😂😂😂😂
I tried driving both commuter and transit buses for two years and basically gave it up so much to what it was doing to me personally! I took it personally to the point of shutting the bus down until repeat offenders paid fares! Also the repetitive nature of route delays and angry passengers! I found myself constantly rushing to handle crush loads! If it wasn't for those reasons I'd have stayed! I remember being yelled at by a senior driver for passing him with a full load saying that I was braking protocol!
I also had a passenger ask me every day if I was doing the full route! Every day I'd tell him to wait for my follower! One day I was bombed at a stop and missed him! I ran off in the middle of a street and cut the lights out and proceeded to return to the garage! It was only then that I'd noticed this gentleman calmly staring out the window! I had no choice but to drop him off!
Rather than stay there I left and have been driving OTR Intercity buses for the last nineteen! Nine out of ten times if you start a trip right, it turns into a good trip!
I am a former bus driver with 38 years of experience. Great video! I want to add that as of lately there’s the residue of meth and fentanyl on most buses that’s hard to get rid of. Some bus drivers are sensitive to it and it will affect them in various ways, sometimes even sending them home sick or even a visit to the ER. That wasn’t anything I would have imagined in 1985 when I first started driving a bus. Good luck to the next generation of bus drivers. God’s speed.
Wow 38 years!!! Salute to you!! And yes meth and fentanyl are huge problems..so much craziness!!
I just started as a bus driver as a Gen Z in the game.
@@BusDriverLife I want to thank you for your service in advance. When I first started driving a bus at the age of 22, I listened to a lot of stories from veteran drivers. One story I often heard was about how they used to have a beer on their lunch break. Another told me about the Black Panthers torching his bus and burning it to the ground in Oakland in 1968. Fortunately they made sure that everyone was able to safely exit the bus first.
@@BusDriverLife Indeed it is.
Great Video, 100% all true!!!
Thank you!
Bruh the mosquito thing is so true 😂 i be getting bit all the time on my route
It’s awful! I hate it!
I have retired . I drove a transit bus for 31 years. I can definately relate. There comes a time when it is time to hang up the driving boots. I used to love my job, but the world has changed. Most passengers do not acknowledge the driver. Some will thank you and it is appreciated. Passengers , not all won't speak to you when you are talking to them. The list goes on. It is sad, I have always cared for my passengers as family. I always gave my customers the best ride. I respect you, please respect transit drivers who are driving you safely to your destination. Where would these passengers be without transit drivers. Thank goodness, always got along with my co workers. Treat them as family. Yes, and sleepers. Called the Supervisor. Wasn't going to deal with that. I am a female. Today you have no idea what could happen. Yes be proud to be a transit operator. Have a lot of patience . My patience unfortunately ran out.
Well said!!
cool video and have more videos to come
Shout out to bus drivers, who do the driving we don't want to.
In 17 years #10 has happened maybe 3 times
Oh man. I relive a buddy of mine every Saturday. He's a black guy.
I wasn't paying attention to the time and ran for another bus. Driven by a white guy.
I said (in front of a bus full of riders) "0h thank god, a white guy" when I saw the driver wasn't my buddy. I did not consider how those words would sound to riders.
I was glad I hadn't missed my bus and was early. I sounded like a racist.
I was mortified.
Bus passengers asking what happened to previous bus that didn't turn up or worse direct their anger at you for it.
Doing the odd route that is truncated finishing sooner than the usual destination for that route. The driver has to cop the abuse from those that can't accept it.
Finally, passengers that say the sarcastic remark "thank you kindly" when you're perceived as grumpy.
Omg it sounds stressful
I had a good time
wow. this was interesting to watch!
Thank you!
You would make a good trainer.
Thank you! I would be interested in becoming a trainer one day!
It happened on 11/15 when I was riding new blue scheme USB bus on 3:50pm Q8 Jamaica bus. When bus was on eastbound Liberty Av making left turn onto Sutphin Blvd, idiot black SUV on right cut off bus, but thank God MTA bus driver has keen eye
I had a clown make a comment, late again because I was 5 minutes late due to a wheelchair and heavy traffic. Mind you here in so cal with all this traffic , your not getting a break. And he's right, don't take the routes that go through malls, especially around the fall/winter bids. You will not only miss your breaks, you'll lose your breaks and still run up to 30+ minutes late. And yes I have a few coworkers enemies. That's also true. And shoutout to #BusdriverDoo.
It’s bout to be team forget them time points and courtesy rides for all if I have to keep talking to insane people. I’ve had more contact with the police on this job than any individual should have in their entire existence!
YOU GOIN TO JAIL NOWWW
Shoulda shown that vid
I drive a bus and know what I was getting into, but you are picking up people who have a lot of deep seated mental issues. And other motorists too, haven’t any personal safety in mind.
Omg im so into these bus videos coz i have a huge crush on a bus driver. Pls help 😂😍😊
@@munro3446 Idk if I can help but I’m glad you are enjoying the videos! 😃
@@BusDriverLife yea pls keep em coming cuz i need to learn more about the bus driver life!!! Its my outlet
I leave my front door open and wander off. +95% of riders pay even when I'm not there. I am a bus driver, not a fare collector.
I just want to make my EOL safely and on time. I truly do not care about the farebox.
I do not understand operators with my company who hassle people about fare.
I own a home and drive a Lexus, I am not in a position to hassle a person who's a bit down on their luck. Everyone is welcome on my bus.
When someone asks for a free ride (unless they've caused an issue on my bus before) I tell them they're obliged to do something nice for someone. That seems like a fair trade.
I will not give regular free rides, and I will boot someone who walks past me/farebox or boards via my back doors.
All it takes is someone (even a millionaire) saying they don't feel like paying and they ride for free.
Also, a sob story does decrease the chance I'll give someone a free ride.
Even a dime in my farebox and I'll give you a 2 1/2 hour transfer for any bus in my city. (those I won't give for free)
I don't really care if someone pick a dollar and 25 cent in the machine, I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as they put something money in the machine.
Since you mentioned railroad crossings, I have to ask, why do buses stop at railroad crossings, and open their doors?
Its part a rule the FTA made for buses. They stop, open the doors, look, and listen.
It's a requirement for all buses I drive a school bus and we have to stop at every railroad crossing the only exception is if the railroad crossing is exempt and it must say it is exempt!
Because It’s a federal and state law to clear tracks in all buses and some Hazmat trucks
Federal law requires an operator to do so.
Bossman8231, yes we can't rule out a severely mentally ill individual being on the bus, an individual here in Tampa stabbed a driver and the driver was able to being the bus to a safe stop. The drivers here now have a safety door to protect themselves from assaults and harm
First and foremost, I really appreciate your content! I'm about to enter the profession, so I've been watching your videos to try to get some insight. Although you've an operator for over ten years, seems you've grown pretty negative of the profession. I know you're trying not to sugar coat it... Is it really that bad???
7:26 i take it youre o+
Do you guys get lunch breaks?
Look ahead look around leave room and communicate, LLLC.
Vicarious Liability
Here in The Netherlands you can no longer pay with cash money at all. We have a OV-chipkaart translated a: Public Transport card.
You can put money it. Check in at your first stop and check out at the stop you are leaving the bus at. Or pay with card. With also the check in and out system, or buy a ticket by the busdriver.
drivers could be completely cut off from the public… theres should be no reason a passenger should be able to touch the driver
Any tips on getting a transit bus driver job?
I always say to people ( Your Late!!!!) Were you looking for on time service??? Well this not your bus waite for the next bus it should be on time 🕛🕧🕐🕜🕑🕝🕒🕞🕓🕟🕔🕔🕐🕕🕡🕣🕔🕔🕠🕠🕘🕤