A Day in the Life of a TriMet Bus Operator

What does a bus operator do? Take a look and apply to work with us at trimet.org/drive

[@radosaw4616]

I'm a bus driver in the UK what the hell is that steering wheel it looks so uncomfterble but this guy is great

[@Kaynos]

Same, bus driver too, we are over 1000 drivers here and i never seen anyone drive like this.,

[@bryanblanton8129]

Some bus drivers can adjust the steering wheel to be more suitable for them

[@ryanleskovar4831]

I live in Toronto and my dad is a TTC operator and he’s told me that u can’t have a lot of control driving like that if something goes wrong ur screwed

[@bryanblanton8129]

Ryan Leskovar I believe you but Houston Texas have some drivers that drive like that and it depends on how fast they driving and the size of the bus because only our dlf 40ft buses allow them to set it like that and our dlf60 and coach buses you cant do it like that

[@ryanleskovar4831]

Bryan Blanton most US spec buses can be set up flat it’s normally to enter and exit the drivers area easier. The point I’m trying to make is yes you might be able to drive it like that but you shouldn’t because if a car cuts you off and you have to shuffle your hands along the wheeel rather than just turn the wheel with your hands on it if u get what I’m saying

[@user-vd9po8wd5y]

I am still with TriMet. April 21, 2024 will be 10 years. Best job I’ve ever had. A great opportunity. Yes, things have changed however, I still get to help people.

[@baz00kaj0e72]

I'm looking at starting my Bus Operator training on March 11th 2024. I look forward to this potentially great opportunity.

[@Adilmossevlog]

21 april is my birthday and i am also a busdriver

[@ulrichray]

Me: What's up with the horizontal steering wheel? Everyone else in the comments: same!

[@TVHouseHistorian]

This was over 6 years ago. Both the job and the public have changed considerably since then. Been there over 8 years now, and it’s the best-paying job I’ve ever had. The public, however, are more volatile and entitled than ever, so you have to know how to let things roll off you.

[@tcatmovesyou428]

Fabulous video. As David shows, transit bus drivers do so much more than driving when getting their riders to where they need to go. His words of encouragement to his disembarking customers are priceless.

[@darrinstevens1532]

You should make a video on what it's really like driving a bus.

[@christophermclean3921]

Retired bus operator here. Brooklyn NY - NYCTA. 26.4 years. Livin the dream!

[@victord5868]

Been a bus operator is from what you expected. You have to have good attitude and customer service and providing safety for everyone inside your bus. The rewards when your passengers remember your name and catch your services.

[@Velotooslow]

True but that’s not always the case. Some passengers take advantage of your kindness, especially the homeless. I had a homeless guy who rides the bus all the time lie to me and I’ve let him for free before but I give them 3 chances, not only the homeless but everyone who doesn’t want to pay or have enough. The same homeless person threw me 50 cents because he didn’t want to pay after the 3rd time and gave me a hard time and still does to this day. Other passengers see me as the bad guy by not helping him out and they help him out and others. I see 100s of passengers a day and I’ve had good ones and bad experiences ones who have threatened me over 10 cents and even for the little stuff. Passengers are one of the worst people I’ve ever seen. People treat us bad even though we take them home everyday.

[@jeremiahgotkeys]

Awesome I can't wait to be a bus driver

[@RandomPlay74]

Ahahahahahah... Thats what i was thinking.

[@Shelenamarissamooney]

Me too!

[@jaxenpashak]

Same

[@amdw8943]

I been doing it for 8 years it has its days but i still love it

[@stepheneckles2345]

Just don't do it in Portland Oregon the company has a customer is always right attitude and if you don't bow down to them and they complain YOU a re treated as a bad person. There are also no rules that you can enforce anymore it's just please don't do that sir, reply F you just drive the bus. If you enjoy being abused by the public it is a great job. He is a real nice guy it looks like so he doesn't have many problems and working a split gives him the best riders. In the morning they are going to work and in the evening they are going home. The people in between are the worst comparatively the druggies dirty nasty people who are not always the cleanest but again you can't do anything about them (refuse service) blah blah blah :(

[@busfreunde244]

Hello I'm also a bus driver in Hamburg, here is it still a great job. Greatings from Germany

[@wturner777]

This video: EXPECTATIONS Reality: REALITY Believe me, I know.

[@Kaynos]

True, true.

[@ronnie_5150]

@Willie Turner - Exactly. I drive a city bus. Where are all the crack heads, mentally ill people, fights, people puking and assholes?

[@MasterKhem]

I know Your reality. 😂

[@marthaangelo6430]

Great video. I ride MAX and bus frequently but on no particular schedule. The drivers on the bus are very helpful. When I took the bus to a local hospital to be there for the delivery of my new grand daughter 3 months ago, the driver was great about letting me know where I should get off (I'd never been on that bus before). In fact, we chatted while waiting for the bus to leave the transit station and when I got off at the hospital stop, she wished luck to me and the mom-to-be and there was a big shout and clapping from the rest of the passengers. I always have great service but that day will live in memory forever and it's documented ind the Grandbaby book! I've had other fantastic trips too - one on the #8 going from near the Lloyd Center to a play downtown. The driver was great - pointed out sights along the route which was fun for me (I've lived in Portland 3 years) and my friends visiting from out of state. You could tell he loved his job and wanted to make everyone feel good.

[@scotvanderpool2467]

Love the video, thanks for sharing your experience as many folks do not know the challenges and experience

[@oregonwesternrailroadprodu5239]

see this is why I love trimet u can get operators that are just great to be around

[@gtatransit_cinematography]

I am actually thinking of driving for the TTC or Hamilton Street Railway. I think this is a great inspirational video to give it my all and study to get those jobs. Thanks

[@mysoundmindz]

Awesome information you shared. Thank you!

[@paulcastillo9323]

I love this business and welcome come back

[@BusDriverLife]

Cool video...this shows the more pleasant side of things which is very realistic! However, sometimes it gets crazy out there!!

[@RailfanParadise]

Late reply but, good to see you on other comment sections! I love your videos and opinions on this job!

[@BusDriverLife]

@@RailfanParadise Thank you!!

[@thatbusdriverguy4182]

Bless my brother this video speaks to me

[@marcaliventialiventi765]

Hey Marc here from NYC transit (Manhattan, nyc) I drove for the mta for 25 years retiring in July. Can't wait to get out. New York is out of control. Public wants one thing, management wants something else the drivers are put in the middle and there's no help. It used to be a great job, but not anymore. I've watched this company destroy families kill its own people. The old saying was hang around for the next contract, now its get your pension get out

[@ChrisTheGamer123YT]

I love that vertical steering wheel

[@StopLaborWreckingAus]

I drive buses and coaches in Australia and have never ever seen a steering wheel locked into a completely horizontal position anywhere until now. That’s bizarre.

[@anthonybyrne7121]

Hi I'm also a bus driver in Australia and I thought the same thing.

[@843Reboot]

you can adjust them with a little tab below the wheel.

[@FsigOrg]

@@843Reboot yeah, sure. You can do that on all of them. But having it completely flat. It's madess. It looks incredibly uncomfortable

[@843Reboot]

@@FsigOrg its not that bad tbh. im 14 5'7 and ive driven a few buses with the wheel completely flat, i kinda like it tbh.

[@brianingudijuma9616]

this bus has no steering wheel tilt?

[@gustavokennedy213]

That’s how I have my steering wheel on my bus.

[@lendavidhart9710]

Nice video, i enjoyed it, thanks for posting.

[@frankiedee3122]

For years, I used to not like splits but the schedule I have now (splits), allows me to get major things done

[@lenhart8487]

good job, you helping folks, thank you

[@karolsakewitz1726]

My amazing husband is a bus operator from TriMet in probation period he will finish his probation time next Saturday And he is more than happy doing his job. ❤

[@pablocruise678]

Driver here in Vegas, I love my job!! It’s not for everybody... but if you remember two things:1) it’s not your bus.2) it’s not your money... it’s that simple... just drive safely.

[@mieludo]

Good public relations keep up the good work!!!I've been a bus driver in Phoenix for 22 years I love my job, I like to be moving around through the city meeting and greeting people, be safe out there.

[@boricua6483]

Do you work for transdev?

[@stepheneckles2345]

Tri Met is a shithole now. I'm sure you have seen the riots in Portland. The company gives the customers all the power and operators have all the responsibility. You are wrong if you get a complaint. Even if the complaint is stupid they pull the video and if they see something they don't like they go after you for that. That's the short story. I spent almost 30 years there so I must have done something right. People may think this is sour grapes but I LOVED my job it was the MANAGEMENT that became the problem. I am retired from there yippie aye OOOOO

[@emello4you]

You must be sweating your butt off needing water all day.

[@mieludo]

@@emello4you luckily we have something called air conditioning. 🙏🙏😄🌵🇺🇸

[@emello4you]

@@mieludo kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYmal6irbKmaidU&ab_channel=Duke

[@justinfisher5175]

I’m a bus driver and having the steering wheel like that would drive me nuts

[@amdw8943]

Same here i cant ever drive with the wheel like that

[@justinfisher5175]

@@amdw8943 I found so much less pain in my hands etc from putting the wheel down like a cars toward me I could drive for hours that way

[@amdw8943]

I know what you mean plus I would easily have an accident driving with the wheel up like that

[@Roadrunnerz45]

1:58 - "do your best to help somebody today." well said driver.

[@notrappaport5340]

That Portland traffic, tho.

[@education9723]

Come see Asia country you will find out who’s more Congested

[@loutruitt7135]

He doesn't adjust his steering wheel, each to his own, be safe sir

[@mosthatedny2243]

lou truitt I don’t get how guys drive like that but it’s guys who drive with the seat low to the ground

[@MtaBus5102]

@@mosthatedny2243 Yes sir, best way to drive, seat on the floor and wheel tabletop FLAT.

[@mosthatedny2243]

MtaBus5102 too uncomfortable to be on the seat plus I’m short so I can’t see over the farebox me personally

[@mosthatedny2243]

Luis Ventura clearly I am as well I like the seat higher so I can see over the Farebox

[@cruzechevy3485]

Man, some of y'all been hiding under a rock? Some act like they never seen a bus steering wheel tilt or a bus driver drive with the steering tilted like that.

[@thehamiltonfirefighter4746]

Amazing Video! Im Looking to become an Operator in Vancouver, Halifax, Or Hamilton!

[@jimboyskitchenvisiting191]

Hi , i am a bus driver for 14yrs in ny , let me tell you,, you can make the day or break it yourself,,, by smiling ,, be nice to your passengers , you are making your day the best or being angry and not nice to people, is called breaking your day,,, show up early to work and be safe driving,, follow rules and regulations and hooray,,, here comes a career

[@hawkeye615]

Bus driving man from Tennessee!!!!

[@hawkeye615]

Hey! I found that on KZbin last week. That's a hoot!

[@osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624]

This video is related to the day in the life when every person is working on their career right now. 😀

[@MatthewBluefox]

I couldn't hold the steeringwheel like that (90 degree arc, basically looking to the ceiling), but other than that, lovely bus. :)

[@TylerVossler]

Love trimet

[@dukeloo]

I wish RTD would do videos like this

[@danielperez4442]

Driving with the steering that high up and in that angle has got to be hurting you!!! I'm a bus driver, and seeing it in that position hurts me looking at it, idk, the gilligs don't seem to handle so well in that position, maybe a nova or new flyer can but I hope this driver adjusted that steering!

[@robleeg]

Ughh i used to have a split everyday. HATED it lol, but low seniority

[@paulcastillo9323]

I was a bus operator ladot dash back in the day

[@stephenhyland4256]

Whats up with the steering wheel position is that the norm on buses in the US. Are all US bus drivers bubbly and outgoing like in the UK they just keep their head down

[@buss8009]

Good God, the buses you drive n the states are so old looking!! We had buses looking almost like this in the 70's... I have been driving busses in Norway since 1997. Love and hate it at the same time. But, I'm sure I'll drive for at least 20 more years!!

[@LunaticOstrich]

Mr. White American buses look old to us here in Europe. Deal with it

[@MrWhite-pn7ui]

+Roy Bernhard Blow me, you fucking snob.

[@eddenoy321]

Mr. White There is nothing worse than a European bus snob.

[@CityLifeinAmerica]

European buses are ugly! You guys wish you had our nice buses!

[@UzumakiNagato]

Yo, we drive Mercedes Citaro in France, those buses are so good to drive... They're like toys ^^

[@joydavis8583]

hello my name is Ms Joy I am your subscribed I just subscribed to your channel I didn't know that ya'll have bus drivers in the UK that is so very I would love to come to the UK just ride the Buses where y'all live with so much love 💞 Ms Joy

[@lupevaldovinos8800]

I've never been in a bus before. Do they have a restroom or do the have to hold it in until their shift is over?

[@MEVA1104]

Use the bathroom at a station or a local business or you can use it before you start depends how long you’re shift is

[@SuperCyril2]

@@MEVA1104 I was on the bus one time and the driver got out an peed by the front wheel. I guess he really had to go.

[@vijay1444P]

I need job. I would like to work as a bus driver, would you like to help me please?

[@unknownboy2365]

My dream job

[@gamerking5282]

What did you do n the funeral home

[@Shelenamarissamooney]

I am going to become a transit bus driver when I'm older!

[@BusDriverLife]

That’s awesome! You should! It’s a Good job!

[@Krazee84]

It was a childhood dream of Mine; I love it!

[@Shelenamarissamooney]

@@Krazee84 Me too!

[@Krazee84]

@@Shelenamarissamooney I've been a Bus Operator going on four years now; never a dull moment...

[@maxgentry2583]

So how how long does it take to pretrip

[@BusDriverLife]

Max Gentry They give us 15 minutes for the pre trip where I work.

[@SuperCyril2]

Whats a pretrip?

[@henrydorval7487]

@@SuperCyril2 Checking and making sure nothing is wrong with the bus before u take it out for your shift

[@chico3609]

Yea try working in Miami Dade county transit..

[@CityLifeinAmerica]

95% of the comments are about the steering wheel! It’s adjustable!!

[@buss8009]

Your shoulders must hurt after haveing the steering Wheel that high up. !!!

[@ninofromkitchennightmares1497]

Bjørn Engebretsen It’s actually much more comfortable

[@libhounddriver]

How the hell do you drive with the steering wheel in that position?

[@MtaBus5102]

Easy

[@davidlilly8411]

Is he still with tri met? He is as really nice guy.

[@SuperCyril2]

I have alot of respect for transit drivers. I see them have to deal with alot of BS from passengers that are not very cooperative. Ones that won't pay bus fare or people who just like to stir shit up. Dealing with the public is not always fun.

[@tonyaorozco250]

That's the look at what I as aTriMet driver

[@westwasbest]

What's with that steering wheel? IDrive large commercial vehicles including a bus here and there I could never drive with a wheel bolt upright like that

[@anthonybyrne7121]

Can I ask a question why is the steering wheel lock in such an odd position? I'm a bus driver in Australia.

[@MtaBus5102]

Some people drive like that, they prefer it that way, while others tilt the wheel.

[@paulcastillo9323]

I love this business I've been and I will be making a comeback

[@Sumguy21]

so its like that huh

[@Blueskyz8]

Come drive for the MTA in NYC LMAO

[@davidlilly8411]

What year was that taken?

[@fordfarming7700]

Interior shots of an eldorado exterior of a older gillig

[@paulcastillo9323]

In Los Angeles,ca

[@maxgentry2583]

So do you take the bus every day

[@maxgentry2583]

I meant to say do you take that bus every day

[@bengtolsson5436]

I am a bus driver and wonder why the driver environment of the buses looks like a tractor from the 1960s-70s? Our buses are almost the same as a normal car.

[@TMZ23]

What class is this bus. It looks like a newflyer

[@8v71buses]

Definitely a New Flyer D40LF

[@paulcastillo9323]

And I going back to that

[@davidlilly3564]

Is he still with tri met?

[@noahmizrahi9834]

Thanks! im 13 and depend on these guys to get around safe. well untill i start driving then nobody will be safe ;)

[@TK-ht6de]

I did this job 15 years HEADREST JOB IN WORLD 😮

[@paulcastillo9323]

Iam52 years old and I'm going to come back to this business

[@SuperOptimus217]

Everybody in the comment section: "ThE sTeErIng wHEel" Fucking hive mind

[@seoulkidd1]

If your in MeWe join Bus Drivers Lounge International

[@paulcastillo9323]

Soon

[@casperaudi7476]

I cannot believe this day in age still dropping money at the crew

[@traindrivercarl4908]

Hello Im a driver in Minneapolis, Just a quick question What is in the bag you picked up at the window? and I saw it returned to the window?

[@ThomasNgo]

The bag has the operator's paddle (schedule for the route), as well as any other relevant information that's needed for the operator and specific run.

[@stepheneckles2345]

The column tilts but I could never figure out how to drive with it flat. It didn't feel like I had any control. The other worst thing was drivers who put the seat all the way down and could drive with their legs bent at the knee. I worked for that company for almost 30 years and the evolved from being a good place to work to a customer can say whatever they want about you and you are guilty to a company that uses cameras to verify behavior on the bus and punish operators if they see something the driver did but refusing to prosecute customers for assaulting operators. NOT A GOOD PLACE TO WORK ANYMORE. I am done there.

[@deeslim2]

💯💯💯

[@OGKEEF]

This year I’m going to be a bus driver I’m speaking it into reality

[@woof101]

Have you got the job yet?

[@OGKEEF]

@@woof101 hey no I haven’t got it yet been going through a lot

[@woof101]

@@OGKEEF oh ok

[@orangesquirrel1408]

0620am till 0840am wow money must be fucking outstanding

[@orangesquirrel1408]

@talldude123 I was going to say he must live in a cardboard box... makes sense now he just going on break

[@OddsandEnds]

oh yes the old flippy id number bored and the old livery's

[@Kaynos]

Why are you driving with the wheel straight up like that ?

[@BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

I wonder that every time I see a bus operator do that. I've even seen ones where the wheel is set has high as their chin.

[@kanyewest7041]

for safety

[@chrislovesnabib8625]

flat wheel i like that...ima drive like that

[@Kaynos]

been driving bus for 10 years, i wouldn't see myself driving with the wheel like that for a straight 8 hours shift, must be hard on the back.

[@kanyewest7041]

It's a flat nose vehicle. Better off in an accident like that with the wheel up than down and be trapped

[@alfred5674]

At 0:26 what is that

[@SuperCyril2]

Bus number maybe

[@Krazee84]

It's a Block Number. Depending on the city and/or bus company, it can tell you what division/garage that bus is out of, what line that bus is on and what "sequence" of bus it is on that particular line...

[@Xerdoz]

Why the hell is that steering wheel like that? Must be a pain in the ass to drive.

[@merzougatravels5923]

I'm a driver bus in Morocco and I have experience. Because I was in a company . Tourists driver bus

[@ryanh1015]

Do the buses have a maped route showing the driver where he needs to go?

[@stepheneckles2345]

Yes they have GPS but choose a different city than Portland it is a sewer now and the company is more about the customers than the operators. If you have a bad customer they won't help you that much but if somebody complains they will pull the video and go after you if they see something they don't like. If you want to work in this area I would try Vancouver WA bus company. It's cheaper to live there than Portland because Oregon keeps raising taxes on EVERYTHING

[@jimboyskitchenvisiting191]

Let me answer some comments as a 14 yrs bus driver,,, the steering wheel can be adjusted, if the driver wants to,,,, not everytime the driver is this nice i would say,, he is making a video , lets be real,,the bag through the window is unnecessary, driving the bus is easy once you got a hand on it ,, talking to passengers so much not necessary , hi, hello , have nice day is all it takes

[@8v71buses]

Loved it video plus Tri-Mets buses are sexy everything is Cummins and Voith except for the Hybrids and new XE40s

[@eddyjimenez392]

Id like to see this guy after 9 hrs behind the wheel of Chicagos transit bus in the south side of Chicago! Haaaaaaa! Yeah buddy, sure.

[@touristontour9480]

i am a Busdriver in Germany. i drive a capacity Bus with 21meters. Do you have a Job for me? :)

[@OddsandEnds]

they are hiring with a $7,500 bonus

[@jimhanold9026]

An interesting video! As of Wednesday, July 1'st, 2020-I will resume riding the DART-Des Moines Area Regional Transit Buses. But NOT until Doctor Fauci gives the "all clear" on the Covid 19/Coronna virus!

[@MetrolifeAJ]

Not 1 person said thank you or anything 😂

[@PortlandsTransport]

Hey he cut off the bike lane! Also did whoever who filmed this get 'express permission' to video those riders?

[@tobiassinclair4646]

Its okay to cut off bike lane. Its shared. Its mandatory to get a release from anyone being filmed.

[@MrWhite-pn7ui]

+PortlandsTransport Get a life.

[@PortlandsTransport]

AINT DEAD YET DUDE

[@jaasun71]

Who gives a $hit

[@bradleysever8543]

@talldude123 I thought the Public transportation authority in Vancouver, BC was called Translink? Or is this name a recent change because you did post this comment 3 years ago.

[@heinorway2097]

Hei Norway

[@minislayer2010]

That's got to be the worst steering wheel position ever.

[@kalenasdad948]

Pre Covid the crowd looked like you see in the video.. students, hard working folk..Post Covid idk man, you gotta be a driver to notice. The Crowd is a whole lot diffrent. Buncha tweakers and homeless people, peopel with mental issues.. with the occasional normal person. Our transit system doesnt charge fares which sounds nice but the worst people take advantage of that.