Many bus drivers, including me, become bus drivers after having had enough of their first career and don’t want to move up. I’m enjoying a low stress, well paid job until retirement in 15-20 years.
I’m a week away from final tests for becoming a school bus driver in my county, I’m also applying for a part time transit driver in a neighboring city for weekend work and when school is out for breaks. Wish me luck!
I just came from my interview and was offered the position of transit bus driver! I’m super excited for this new career. Your videos are motivating; keep it up!
I love working for our Transit agency! I wish I could drive but my eyes won't allow it, So I work in our snack bar gift shop. Getting to know the customers is a good time. Yeah, there are some people that have challenges but really 99% of the days the passengers are good and people are grateful that you're there to take them from point A to point B, even in snow and Sub-Zero temperatures. It's the other drivers in cars that drive the drivers CRAZY!
I work for NJ Transit. I've made over 80k last year and still haven't reached top pay. I personally know drivers who make as much as 150k a year. It's very possible to make that much when you factor in the unlimited OT and flexibility.
Brother, I wish I had your outlook and pride in the job. For me the stress after 17 years and the crap I've seen from my suicide jumper to the schizophrenic woman assaulting me to just the daily grind has checked me out. I don't even think I have it in me to do another 10 years to even get my pension. Toronto is a tough city and the people can be brutal. Mental health is a huge issue on our line of work unfortunately 😕 😪
I’m with you..lol. That’s why my third reason sarcastically showed the dark side of the job to a certain extent. I plan on making more videos this year about some of the things you mentioned. I definitely want to bring more awareness as this channel grows. Also I subbed to you..I’ll be checking out your content.
I’ve been binge watching your videos. I’ll be starting training in the next couple of weeks in the second largest system in the US. I’m excited. Hello from Southern California.
I already passed The first test, and interview. Will start training next year at 25.77 and goes up from there. I'm already use to hard weather, I was an Amazon driver from awhile and we deliver regardless of weather
How did that lady get into the drivers seat?? Lol. I'm like 3 months into my bus driving career and loving every day of work. Yours vids are always awesome man. Keep up the great work shedding some light on a job that probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves!
As for that lady, I'd have killed the engine from the rear to ensue that bus doesn't move (yes there is a starter switch in the rear engine compartment).
If I was a bit younger I would consider going for a bus driving job, but I just retired last year after serving nineteen years as a prison officer, good luck with the redt of your career, best regards from Australia, Les
I’ve been a social worker for 13 years, working in psychiatric mental health for the last 9 years; I’VE HAD ENOUGH! Demanding job with low pay. I just submitted my application here in Chicago and thanks for your videos. I’m hoping for that call back cause what I’m doing now, ain’t working no more lol, esp considering how much bus drivers make here. Waaayyy more than my degree-required position!!!! I’m hoping to join the industry sooner than later! Thanks again for the tips
Well, at my Transit Company, new hires will get a $2000 hiring bonus with a CDL and $3000 without a CDL. At my new Transit Company I will be working for, I'm only getting a hiring bonus of $350. Mandatory Overtime is also in place, but I see that as an awesome thing for me. I love being a Transit Bus Operator.
I’m about to become a bus driver, I’ve completed just about all my pre em employment conditions, and on Thursday I am doing my bus driver authority course with the bus company I will be joining and following that I should get my offer of employment, I’m very excited, and a little nervous too.
I am a truck driver right now and thinking of doing the switch mainly because of my son just want to be home and involved in his life. Still on the edge tho
Hey, I have just found your channel. The bus in the front cover of this video is a coproduction from Hungary where I live and drive. Here it called Ikarus, most of them are very old and retired, but there are some of them from the late 80’ s still running as a backup🤓
@@BusDriverLife Wow! Really! I would love to get a ride on those. Did you see that video of some Russian dudes that found one in a backyard. They were out to recover and to restore it.
My company has such a big shortage of drivers that they're cutting service this month, AND getting rid of 150 drivers... cause that makes perfect sense 😑
Interesting insight into what the job is really about!! Most people have no idea the real duties of a bus operator!! I've seen bus operators making up to 170k working their ass off though.
Hey Bus Driver Life - perhaps you could create a video on who should become a bus driver and who should not become a bus driver. As a passenger on transit buses for years I can tell you, if you like.
June 17th 2023 8:43 am. I love this career. Everyday something new and for the most part I have had to much stress. At the end of the day you have to laugh it off. Get home to your loved ones. I don’t stress about fares or anything Ike that. I get paid by the hour. In fact I have worked over time by having a shift go late.
Please don't become a city bus transit driver if you don't have a general caring about passengers comfort on the bus, helping passengers get to where they want to go, and at least acknowledge their presence whey they board the bus (at least a friendly or pleasant nod or smile). Please don't make our world a worse place by being a snobby and/or indifferent and/or prejudiced and/or bad attitude bus driver.
My biggest fear is when parked at a station with no one on board and I go inside to relieve myself and I come back out to a missing bus. Those that know anything about transit buses will know what I mean.
In nyc dudes averaging 100k with top pay. Most of the guys are clearing 80 before top pay easy. It’s easy to make money in transit. Especially when you have the seniority to pick the runs that pay 12 hours with only 4 hour seat time.. free money lol..
Great video keep the faith and be strong from fellow bus driver. I personally would to like have standard issue cattle prodder lol to deal the drunks and druggies on my bus and the darlins that like to chuck bricks at the buses cause they are bored on school holidays 🤟🤟🏴🏴
It takes a very special individual to make it work as a public transit operator. I’m 20 years in and it was a long journey. Don’t take other people’s difficulties personal and concentrate on your job. It will work out in the long run!
@@BusDriverLife I just got hired within the last few months. I'm getting my CDL. At 1st it was scary and a lot to know and remember as it comes to all the testing. But at the end of the day, you've gained a career as opposed to just a job. Thxs 4 all ur help bro
For every reason to become a bus driver i can name 1000 reasons not to become one lol. Im this climate, its terrible. No one is applying and no one stays once they start training lmao
I live in nj have class B , P and S I'm trying to get into nj transit to be a bus driver so I can pay my way to flight school , my end goal for a career is a pilot, those guys make more money they 90% of ppl lol but to get your foot in the door is crazy so I needed a career to afford another career 😂😂
I been driving buses for about 5 years I only had one incident where a passenger threw liquor shot bottles of open liquor at me last year on a route I was doing here in Lafayette Indiana all I can say he was taken off my bus by authorities
Hey dude. I'm 33 y old and considering becoming a bus driver in Norway, but I have to wait two years cause I just got my driving license, by Law.. anyway.. Do you recommend going for long distance bus lines? Vs a normal busline in a City.. any insights?
I work as a bus driver in Ohio but got into a accident involving a drunk driver I'm looking to relocate somewhere that have a higher rate of safe drivers and good pay for bus operators what's your thoughts on that and what state are you in looking to move where there is also a demand for public transportation bus operators ..( serious inquiry I love my job and deal with all you spoke about daily or every so often but I'm done with driving in Cleveland Ohio I'm ready to continue my service somewhere else once I heal can you advise
Hello sir what is the regular hours work of a Transit driver?? im just new to the job im a Rookie-Spare School Bus Driver right now, still have a lot to learn, i have a Class 1 license but i dont wanna drive a semi truck doing Long haul , so im thinking about applying as a Transit Driver to my city, but i think i will have to be a spare driver again and have to memorize routes, and i am not good at memorization..
And please, please I beg you all city bus drivers to have the mechanic turn down that excessively loud, annoying talking bus that most passengers don't need anyhow as it is damaging the hearing of passengers and bus drivers. Or maybe you don't even care about blind people, disabled people, and even children who have to ride the city bus.
@@BusDriverLife But before bus drivers start their route and they check over the bus etc. so why can't they have the mechanic turn the talking bus to a medium audio level? You're hearing is being effected also and so you should be concerned. Hearing is 1 of our precious 5 senses so don't you value your hearing?
@@LisaS1 The mechanics don’t typically adjust the volume for announcements. That’s for the IT department to handle..at least where I’m at. Here in Sacramento..so passengers called in and complained and eventually the volume was adjusted. That’s not something to blame bus drivers or mechanics for.
Many bus drivers, including me, become bus drivers after having had enough of their first career and don’t want to move up. I’m enjoying a low stress, well paid job until retirement in 15-20 years.
I’m a week away from final tests for becoming a school bus driver in my county, I’m also applying for a part time transit driver in a neighboring city for weekend work and when school is out for breaks. Wish me luck!
Nice! Congratulations!!
Any updates did you end up passing your tests?
@@mado3623 i did. I ended up driving school and shuttle buses until the end of the school year, and then I joined Greyhound and I’m still here. 👌🏽
I use to work for greyhound what location are you working out of?
I just came from my interview and was offered the position of transit bus driver! I’m super excited for this new career. Your videos are motivating; keep it up!
Congratulations!! Glad the videos are helpful!!
You still have it 😂
@@jarodmontoya3102 right? 😂
Are you still driving?? If so how has it been
I love working for our Transit agency! I wish I could drive but my eyes won't allow it, So I work in our snack bar gift shop. Getting to know the customers is a good time. Yeah, there are some people that have challenges but really 99% of the days the passengers are good and people are grateful that you're there to take them from point A to point B, even in snow and Sub-Zero temperatures. It's the other drivers in cars that drive the drivers CRAZY!
I work for NJ Transit. I've made over 80k last year and still haven't reached top pay. I personally know drivers who make as much as 150k a year. It's very possible to make that much when you factor in the unlimited OT and flexibility.
How is it working for NJ Transit. I just applied there. I need a stable career
Brother, I wish I had your outlook and pride in the job. For me the stress after 17 years and the crap I've seen from my suicide jumper to the schizophrenic woman assaulting me to just the daily grind has checked me out. I don't even think I have it in me to do another 10 years to even get my pension. Toronto is a tough city and the people can be brutal. Mental health is a huge issue on our line of work unfortunately 😕 😪
I’m with you..lol. That’s why my third reason sarcastically showed the dark side of the job to a certain extent. I plan on making more videos this year about some of the things you mentioned. I definitely want to bring more awareness as this channel grows. Also I subbed to you..I’ll be checking out your content.
You said it...drive out of 113 and definitely hear ya.
I’ve been binge watching your videos. I’ll be starting training in the next couple of weeks in the second largest system in the US. I’m excited. Hello from Southern California.
Hello!
I already passed The first test, and interview. Will start training next year at 25.77 and goes up from there. I'm already use to hard weather, I was an Amazon driver from awhile and we deliver regardless of weather
I’m getting out of my truck and back in a bus. School bus this time. Already looking forward to summer!
I have an interview at Houston Metro tomorrow. They pay 21.20 and have a $4,000 hiring bonus after 6 months
Nice!! I hope it goes well!!
I drive 18 wheelers but a lot of big city metro bus drivers. I talk to we have in the craziest stories.
How did that lady get into the drivers seat?? Lol. I'm like 3 months into my bus driving career and loving every day of work. Yours vids are always awesome man. Keep up the great work shedding some light on a job that probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves!
Thanks so much!! Also I don’t know how that lady got into the seat..I was so irritated thinking about if that happened to me lol.
As for that lady, I'd have killed the engine from the rear to ensue that bus doesn't move (yes there is a starter switch in the rear engine compartment).
If I was a bit younger I would consider going for a bus driving job, but I just retired last year after serving nineteen years as a prison officer, good luck with the redt of your career, best regards from Australia, Les
I’ve been a social worker for 13 years, working in psychiatric mental health for the last 9 years; I’VE HAD ENOUGH! Demanding job with low pay. I just submitted my application here in Chicago and thanks for your videos. I’m hoping for that call back cause what I’m doing now, ain’t working no more lol, esp considering how much bus drivers make here. Waaayyy more than my degree-required position!!!! I’m hoping to join the industry sooner than later! Thanks again for the tips
I’m glad the videos have been helpful!!
It’d be much better if law decided to let bus operators to have a taser in their personal to calm those who just won’t calm down.
I second that motion.
Well, at my Transit Company, new hires will get a $2000 hiring bonus with a CDL and $3000 without a CDL. At my new Transit Company I will be working for, I'm only getting a hiring bonus of $350. Mandatory Overtime is also in place, but I see that as an awesome thing for me. I love being a Transit Bus Operator.
I’m about to become a bus driver, I’ve completed just about all my pre em employment conditions, and on Thursday I am doing my bus driver authority course with the bus company I will be joining and following that I should get my offer of employment, I’m very excited, and a little nervous too.
Nice Crown Ikarus 280 front pics! Greetings from Humgary! 😎✌️
Thank you for the informative video. I'm considering this as a career and you're keeping it 100% real
MARTA in Atlanta offers $3000. $1000 first check, $1000 when you finish training. then $1000 after a year. i think, they bet not have lied!
I worked for them for 2 years. I messed up. In the motorcoach world now.
I'm currently making $28hr. No ot for me though. I'll top out at $31 next year c:
been driving a few years , was a really good decision. There are rough days but overall its been good .
I am a truck driver right now and thinking of doing the switch mainly because of my son just want to be home and involved in his life. Still on the edge tho
Love your work dude. You’re a great ambassador
Thanks!!!
Hey, I have just found your channel. The bus in the front cover of this video is a coproduction from Hungary where I live and drive. Here it called Ikarus, most of them are very old and retired, but there are some of them from the late 80’ s still running as a backup🤓
I love that thumb man! I grew up with Ikarus buses. They once were the unappreciated backbone of my country.
I loved riding those buses in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a kid!
@@BusDriverLife Wow! Really! I would love to get a ride on those. Did you see that video of some Russian dudes that found one in a backyard. They were out to recover and to restore it.
@@BusDriverLife czcams.com/video/Y_E19hdp80E/video.html
There is an interesting interview with the designer of those buses:
czcams.com/video/LX3ft6YMxB0/video.html
@@szoftverhiba Dude, thank you so much!
You should do a video about what drivers should do if they happen to be in some of the tougher scenerios.
Ever since I started driving city buses in El Paso, Texas, you've been my go to channel for advice lol.
Wow! I appreciate that!
Momma always said bus driving is like a box of chocolates. You never know when you'll find a nut.
Im the dude who commented about getting punched at work! I LOL’d at on this one.
Looking at the cover of your video brings back good memories of riding and seeing Milwaukee County transit back in the day!! Real buses lol
Yes!! That was my favorite era of buses! The 80’s and 90’s in Milwaukee!!
I'm doing the micro transit! Love it.
I love my job
I work in Orlando fl
I love my job
My company has such a big shortage of drivers that they're cutting service this month, AND getting rid of 150 drivers... cause that makes perfect sense 😑
I love being a School bus driver!
LA Metro is having a 3k sign on bonus and it’s the second largest system in the nation.
Interesting insight into what the job is really about!! Most people have no idea the real duties of a bus operator!! I've seen bus operators making up to 170k working their ass off though.
Reason #4
You get to drive a nice smooth comfortable vehicle with air ride suspension. Way way more smoother then a semi.
Hey Bus Driver Life - perhaps you could create a video on who should become a bus driver and who should not become a bus driver. As a passenger on transit buses for years I can tell you, if you like.
June 17th 2023 8:43 am. I love this career. Everyday something new and for the most part I have had to much stress. At the end of the day you have to laugh it off. Get home to your loved ones. I don’t stress about fares or anything Ike that. I get paid by the hour. In fact I have worked over time by having a shift go late.
Contractor bus operator i made 132k last year
Thanks for all the good information
Please don't become a city bus transit driver if you don't have a general caring about passengers comfort on the bus, helping passengers get to where they want to go, and at least acknowledge their presence whey they board the bus (at least a friendly or pleasant nod or smile). Please don't make our world a worse place by being a snobby and/or indifferent and/or prejudiced and/or bad attitude bus driver.
My biggest fear is when parked at a station with no one on board and I go inside to relieve myself and I come back out to a missing bus. Those that know anything about transit buses will know what I mean.
I've maxed out at $50k a year driving 17 years now AND training the newbies
Loved this video!
Nice one Keywan 👍
VIA in San Antonio offers a sign on bonus of 4 grand over a year
Just make sure you get a back pad and knee brace. After a few years... you'll thank me.
Via in San Antonio is offering 4000 dollar sign on bonus
In nyc dudes averaging 100k with top pay. Most of the guys are clearing 80 before top pay easy. It’s easy to make money in transit. Especially when you have the seniority to pick the runs that pay 12 hours with only 4 hour seat time.. free money lol..
He aint lyin ! 😂
Your videos will great!
Great video keep the faith and be strong from fellow bus driver. I personally would to like have standard issue cattle prodder lol to deal the drunks and druggies on my bus and the darlins that like to chuck bricks at the buses cause they are bored on school holidays 🤟🤟🏴🏴
I almost lost it yesterday. To the point where i wanted to quit. Bud operator life isn’t for the weak
Hope you’re feeling better now! I definitely understand and I agree with you!
It takes a very special individual to make it work as a public transit operator. I’m 20 years in and it was a long journey. Don’t take other people’s difficulties personal and concentrate on your job. It will work out in the long run!
Do you know any bus companies that don't run on Saturdays?
Austin Texas is offering a $3500 sign on bonus for CDL drivers. Non CDL are getting $1500 sign on bonus.
Nice! These companies need to give current drivers a retention bonus! Lol
@@BusDriverLife I just got hired within the last few months. I'm getting my CDL. At 1st it was scary and a lot to know and remember as it comes to all the testing. But at the end of the day, you've gained a career as opposed to just a job. Thxs 4 all ur help bro
@@toussantbrown1908 I’m glad it’s going well for you and I’m happy that I could help!
For every reason to become a bus driver i can name 1000 reasons not to become one lol. Im this climate, its terrible. No one is applying and no one stays once they start training lmao
Good points made!
I live in nj have class B , P and S I'm trying to get into nj transit to be a bus driver so I can pay my way to flight school , my end goal for a career is a pilot, those guys make more money they 90% of ppl lol but to get your foot in the door is crazy so I needed a career to afford another career 😂😂
OCTA is offering a 3k bonus still
I been driving buses for about 5 years I only had one incident where a passenger threw liquor shot bottles of open liquor at me last year on a route I was doing here in Lafayette Indiana all I can say he was taken off my bus by authorities
I’m glad to see you had the authorities show up!! That’s good!
Yes man it was very crazy but I had to do it and one lady thank me for doing saying you did right you wasn't wrong for what you did
Is it an advantage or disadvantage to work for a union job like city bus driver?
Hampton Roads Transit $4000 sign on bonus
Norfolk, VA
Wow!! I need to apply! 🤣🤣
Starting pay $18 per hr
Sounds cool but have tu ever try being a truck driver
Hey dude. I'm 33 y old and considering becoming a bus driver in Norway, but I have to wait two years cause I just got my driving license, by Law.. anyway.. Do you recommend going for long distance bus lines? Vs a normal busline in a City.. any insights?
80k range here. So far.
We have a $2500 sign on bonus right now
I work as a bus driver in Ohio but got into a accident involving a drunk driver I'm looking to relocate somewhere that have a higher rate of safe drivers and good pay for bus operators what's your thoughts on that and what state are you in looking to move where there is also a demand for public transportation bus operators ..( serious inquiry I love my job and deal with all you spoke about daily or every so often but I'm done with driving in Cleveland Ohio I'm ready to continue my service somewhere else once I heal can you advise
Hello sir what is the regular hours work of a Transit driver?? im just new to the job im a Rookie-Spare School Bus Driver right now, still have a lot to learn, i have a Class 1 license but i dont wanna drive a semi truck doing Long haul , so im thinking about applying as a Transit Driver to my city, but i think i will have to be a spare driver again and have to memorize routes, and i am not good at memorization..
Anyone have a Cardboard lady or Can man
How have you been
long hours , more OT
Hi i have interview on Wednesday i never been a bus Driver just retail would it be worth it .
Depending on where you’re going to be interviewing..it can totally be worth it!
My bus company sign up bonus is 5 thousand
Hi
Hey i want to driver a bus and get rich
Who is the he anit lying person
And please, please I beg you all city bus drivers to have the mechanic turn down that excessively loud, annoying talking bus that most passengers don't need anyhow as it is damaging the hearing of passengers and bus drivers. Or maybe you don't even care about blind people, disabled people, and even children who have to ride the city bus.
Bus drivers have no say in that. Most of us dislike it as well. 😃
@@BusDriverLife But before bus drivers start their route and they check over the bus etc. so why can't they have the mechanic turn the talking bus to a medium audio level? You're hearing is being effected also and so you should be concerned. Hearing is 1 of our precious 5 senses so don't you value your hearing?
@@LisaS1 The mechanics don’t typically adjust the volume for announcements. That’s for the IT department to handle..at least where I’m at. Here in Sacramento..so passengers called in and complained and eventually the volume was adjusted. That’s not something to blame bus drivers or mechanics for.
Can i say no if I don't want to work overtime?