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Professional driver driving a bus

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jasonb, Mar 16, 2009.

  1. Mar 16, 2009 #1
    jasonb

    jasonb Light Load Member

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    Dec 23, 2007
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    I recently got a full time job as a bus driver for the county I live in. Good hourly rate. Time and a half over 8 hours a day. Unbelieveable health insurance. Home every night. Plenty of OT available if I want it. So far the people have not been a problem. And the collecting fares part, which I suspected would be a reason I would not like this job, is really not a problem because most riders have passes. Alot of the drivers have been on the job more than 10 years. Has anyone else considered this type of work as an alternative to OTR?
    I think I might like this job!
     
    jasonb, Mar 16, 2009
    jasonb, Mar 16, 2009
    #1
    RickG Thanks this.
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  3. Mar 18, 2009 #2
    Miles_Of_Truckin

    Miles_Of_Truckin Light Load Member

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    I thought about doing the same at one point, now that you brought it up. I really might start looking into this again, but i only been driving going on 7 months. Don't know what the qualifying would be, do you know off hand?
     
    Miles_Of_Truckin, Mar 18, 2009
    Miles_Of_Truckin, Mar 18, 2009
    #2
  4. Mar 18, 2009 #3
    Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    I did it for a short time, back in the dark ages. I drove city bus in Denver. Lasted about six months before I hung it up.

    I never had any problem in collecting fares. But. . .

    I detested the little old ladies who would sit right behind the driver, (right in front of the "DO NOT TALK TO DRIVER SIGN") and just talk your head off. Try to ignore them and they would complain to the company that you were "rude."

    One of these old bats called in to complain that I was driving too fast. She said that she saw the speedometer registering 100 MPH going down East Colfax. These buses didn't even have speedometers, she was seeing the air gauge.

    Then there were the "nut cases" that you never knew what to expect from. I had two incidents on my bus, where a nut case attacked another passenger. In one case, I found myself in a very literal fight for my life, when I intervened.

    I also did a stint with Grey Line on sight seeing tours, part time. These were much better. Problem there was that I just could not get the "patter," (tour guide bit) down enough to make good tips.

    At the time, (and for all I know it may still be,) the Denver Grey line was owned by Denver Yellow Cab. I pushed a hack around Denver for a couple of years, and found the sight seeing buses to be a nice interlude.
     
    Big Don, Mar 18, 2009
    Big Don, Mar 18, 2009
    #3
  5. Mar 19, 2009 #4
    jasonb

    jasonb Light Load Member

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    Dec 23, 2007
    SE PA
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    Qualifications?
    I have a years worth of part time experience driving a motorcoach for a local tour bus company. I have a CDL-A with the air brake restriction removed and the P (passenger) endorsement. I believe you need a CDL-B, air brake restriction removed and P endorsement. This outfit - BARTA in Reading, Pa - gives you a test via a video and answer sheet. They said the other bus company had favorable things to say about me, and they offered me the job. You need to be a people person for sure. I am a newbie here so it is all fun and games at ths point. But the pay and benefits make it worthwhile to put up with a considerable amount of bull. Every job has it's challenges. A personal attack would cause me to leave though.
    I am home every night. I drive different local routes everyday. I am meeting the other drivers slowly and they are very helpful and friendly.
     
    jasonb, Mar 19, 2009
    jasonb, Mar 19, 2009
    #4
  7. Mar 19, 2009 #5
    CMoore2004

    CMoore2004 Road Train Member

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    Nov 2, 2007
    OTR
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    Wow, I thought you were still in the real estate. Been meaning to call you, but any time I think of it seems like it's too late or something. Have fun out there.
     
    CMoore2004, Mar 19, 2009
    CMoore2004, Mar 19, 2009
    #5
  8. Mar 20, 2009 #6
    jasonb

    jasonb Light Load Member

    108
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    SE PA
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    Hey Craig. Still doing the Real Estate thing but it has been very slow. About the time my training is done for this driving thing I bet the real estate market will be coming back. They train you for a day on all the routes (21 of them) before they make you do them on your own.
    I hope things are going well for you Mon! :)
     
    jasonb, Mar 20, 2009
    jasonb, Mar 20, 2009
    #6
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