Whether they’re going to work
or crossing the country,
passengers depend on the skills
and courtesy of bus drivers
to get them where they need to go.
Bus drivers transport people
between locations in a city,
and across state and national borders.
They must drive through
all types of weather conditions,
handle passenger emergencies,
and keep passengers safe,
all while maintaining a schedule.
Local transit bus drivers
follow a daily schedule
to drive passengers on regular routes
in cities and suburbs.
They may collect fares and issue transfers,
and often answer questions
about schedules and routes.
Intercity bus drivers transport passengers
between cities or towns,
picking up and dropping off passengers
at bus stations or downtown stops.
Charter bus drivers take passengers on trips
or sightseeing tours.
Motor coach drivers usually stay
with the passengers
for the length of the trip,
and help passengers load
and unload baggage.
Most employers prefer
a high school diploma or equivalent.
Once hired,
bus drivers get 1 to 3 months of training,
starting on a driving course...
then in light traffic...
eventually taking practice runs
on the type of route
they’ll drive after training.
Drivers may work nights and weekends.
All bus drivers must have
a commercial driver’s license
—or CDL—
with an endorsement for driving a bus…
good hearing and vision…
and a good driving record.
Some employers offer the opportunity
to earn a CDL on the job.