Driving Hours, Stress and Fatigue

[@mallen88]

Hi Taylor. Ex-Stagecoach London driver at Bromley garage here. Thanks for putting this out there. There needs to be more awareness of the stresses of bus driving and the problems around fatigue which arises from the driving hours rules which aren’t fit for purpose in my view. The company I work for now in Scotland used to phone me constantly to work rest days even when I told them I do not work overtime and not to phone me on my rest days. They even phoned me when I was on holiday. I now block their number when I’m on my days off. Take care and keep up the good work.

[@liamjenkins5846]

20 year old here - working for Stagecoach in Guildford...started as a driver in 2018 (aged 18). Promoted to controller at the start of the year - love the job just as much as I did when I first started. Once you learn to chill and go with the flow, the job is the best in the world. Just because you are young, doesn’t mean it’s sad to be in the industry - how many other 20 year olds are in a stable career earning decent money? You’re doing a great job with your channel by the way 👍😁

[@TaylorStraub]

Yeah the job is great wouldn't have it any other way

[@sensor3dd]

Hey ik you might not answer this but how do you become a bus driver on the same year you get your car license?

[@peacepage]

I am 23 and planning to become a bus driver. The problem is I earn more money than an expirence driver. I love being a driver but the money is shit.

[@Brock-Lesnar-WWE]

How did u get promoted to controller in 2 years... clearly related to someone in management or your face fits..

[@kevinthacker8349]

Was bus driver 20 years , never do it again. Remember a manager asking why there could not get me on the phone when I was on a rest day. Reply was save me telling you to go away , REST DAY on rota is just that I won’t be coming in.

[@chrisdavern9482]

They will try to bully you into it as your new … I ignore the phone when they ring best way if you don’t want to do it

[@simonk8270]

To be almost top of the tree out of all those drivers is fantastic. One thing I would say is don’t worry about little green road incidents. The roads are imperfect, and there’s no point worrying about having to act to remain safe. Your score will go up again, don’t worry about too many things at once. Thank for helping us get from a to b, and a great video.

[@bertiekemp4198]

Waiting on my start date for training., It's the stories of controllers and managers that is giving me itchy feet and look elsewhere tbh.

[@NextSound170]

I zone out and make sure I’m safe. The greenroad thing if the Union are behind you that’s not agreed to penalise you with anything. Just their tracking. 20mph doesn’t help either

[@MuhammadAli-bk2st]

Thanks for detail explanation

[@Captainpubwatch]

This is another great video and like I said with the duty card video should be shown to new people or those interested in a job. If you put the job to me that way, yes, I love driving and especially would around SE London which I miss. Secondly I would be into the ‘anoraky’ bit with the buses, routes, duty numbers etc. Sadly I would fall down with the passengers - specifically the minority who cause grief. I know most people want to use transport from A to B and are good as gold. The others ruin it. There are so many aggressive, selfish and nasty people who use the bus network. I would be torn between two places, I’d want to stand up to these people but at the same time I’d be working alone with no support on site when these problems occur. You’re a very strong bloke taking this job on and doing well at it. That’s the bit I would find hard so good hit to you : ) I’ve got two in-laws who are Go-Ahead drivers, one at Q garage and one at SI. The amount of grief I hear about that they put up with on a daily basis but it’s mileage, mileage, mileage from the company. As a general thing you all need to be better supported than this : (

[@TaylorStraub]

Most of the time now I try not to get into conflict because it just isn't worth it because it makes you miserable I just report it to TFL and leave it with them and the BTP to deal with (especially when it comes to fare evaders and people not wearing their masks). Yes Go-Ahead is very much like that i've heard unfortunately I talk to a lady driver at Peckham (we got talking all because I busted my near side mirror obviously lol) she was telling me the exact same thing. Although we all work for different companies we all do still try to work together and talk about these things because we all can relate to it and we can all help give each other advice.

[@JoseCCortes]

Excellent videos. I am a Training and Development Officer for the Passenger Transport L2 Apprenticeship for Bus Drivers and I am thinking your videos are a great reflection of what bus drivers experience on the road and they are very instructional, well done. I will share it with new Bus Drivers in the future.

[@Sarah-mg3gg]

I'm aware this video is 8 months old, but I like bus driving videos and came across yours after watching Bus Driving London. Older drivers get paid more because they've been driving for longer and have far more experience than younger drivers or drivers that have only got a few years of experience. A 20 year old will have only been driving for 3 years (assuming they passed their test at 17), the majority of that time will have probably been spent driving cars or vans. A 50 year old (let's say) will have 30 years of driving experience, most of it bus driving. If a bus driver with 3 decades of bus driving experience were to be put on the same salary as that of a 20 year old or a new starter, they will quit. Good and very informative video :)

[@CSN108]

Very informative video Taylor, I see why buses curtail in mass traffic now, thanks for that bit of info!

[@colinwilliams4031]

Did 20yr stagecoach. (MCR) was good to leave I learned to smile

[@davidyoung9561]

I did the job for a long time. Left Stagecoach last year after 11 years and don't miss the job one bit. Getting out was the best thing ever. Horrible stressful job.

[@hi-tech55]

Headway can be a distraction, as Greenroad. A balance between the two, I found the best way is , do your best but don’t compromise the safety and comfort of your passengers and other road users. I knew some drivers that covered up the lights on the Greenroad indicator. Very informative video by the way. 👏👏

[@TaylorStraub]

Yeah that's what I've been doing just taking my time and trying not to think about it too much if I'm falling behind

[@hi-tech55]

@@TaylorStraub best way. Don’t forget controllers aren’t allowed to rush you. Some drivers took stand time even if they were very late, I didn’t because I think it is less aggravation if you are where you should be on the road. We all do it differently but you are right, it can be stressful and it’s easy to make mistakes when you are tired.

[@HACKERHITMARKER333]

Greenroad is too sensitive, companies like Go-Ahead use a different software and I've heard it's not as bad and drivers don't get called in much even if it goes off

[@Kevr73]

Wow! 16 hour days, controllers busting your balls for being early or late, or braking too sharp! Been looking at becoming a bus driver as always enjoy driving (favourite part of my current job) but this has me reconsidering. How is the work/life balance for you ? I'm at the stage in my life where a work/life balance is more important to me than anything else. I work to live, not live to work. Thank you for the insight.

[@TaylorStraub]

You don’t actually do 16 hour days that’s just what the law allows most of the time you do a max of 10 hours and yeah you get 2 rest days a week (their weeks start on Saturdays) and you get one long weekend off a month but you can get them to move your rest days around but it’s a case of scratching their back for them to scratch yours

[@alien1366]

Hi fella , I'm in your way of work to live but have been thinking about this driving lark as a bid to just switch off after duty. What is it that you do that made you consider bus driving. I am self employed and tired of chasing work and competing against others to get that job

[@chloecosmina1243]

Understand your stress, my bf drives he barely can make much out of it. You need energy and get away from accidents. Sleep well and get well 👍🏻

[@Anatolia52]

Making us bus drivers work 7 days in a row is barbaric and inhumane especially with the ridiculous hours that we have to do, not to mention the crazy shift pattern. Disaster waiting to happen.

[@sgtmajorpatrickharper7728]

Great video Taylor! I see the subscriber count slowly creeping its way up. Also, I think to actually get the most out of the job, you really have to be into it. Yours is a perfect example of that! The youtuber at Plumstead before you - Dylan (Sel Kent on youtube) - was also really into his job like you, and so he got the most out of it. Anyhow, loving the rant videos - keep it up, we certainly want more!

[@robi017.]

My friend, every video I've watched, all of them have some problems mostly :D, I was just about to switch from a truck to a bus, and I'm watching your videos, you look like you're always tired and like you're in some kind of prison, or I'm crazy. greetings from Slovenia

[@7Legends]

Great video. It was nice meeting you yesterday. Shame my oyster card was broken, I understand how you'd feel if someone didn't want to pay.

[@TaylorStraub]

It's ok mate was nice meeting you as well. Don't worry about your Oyster

[@johnorchin8567]

Another great video, you seem like such a mature sensible guy, and at only twenty years of age. You put a lot of young kids to shame. I didn't realise quite how much your driving was monitored these days, years ago before all this modern technology drivers had an easier time of it. I expect your stepdad has seen a few changes. I've got fond memories of the Blackwall tunnel when it was two way. Only one tunnel in use then.

[@yehboy3103]

Thank you for your time with us

[@Axvenx]

Thanks for this informative video Taylor! I can understand that drivers get annoyed and stressed at traffic or diversions which really causes pain to your mind. Keeping to the schedule whether being late or early can be stressful as well since you have the controllers on the iBus screaming at you which can be so annoying.

[@jsh_ldn]

Great video! I remember when Blackwall tunnel did do an oopsie, loads of buses were curtailing.

[@TaylorStraub]

Yeah unfortunately for me because I was coming off for the end of my shift i had to sit through the entire thing was stuck in it for about 3 hours

[@seansambrook5271]

I find the headway is not always correct, from my experience my headway would be on point at one bus stop then jumps saying I am too close and fall back so I fall back and end up being behind. And with regard to pay, if your break is 1-3 hours you do not get paid for this but this is in some garages.

[@TaylorStraub]

Yeah sometimes that happenes to me mainly happens at deptford bridge and when I go from Plumstead garage to plumstead station it can be really annoying

[@bpavilion8994]

Is it normal to be fatigue and exhausted every day while doing this job? I feel like I can't catch up on recovery when I am off and I have this low key cold that won't go away. No matter how much I sleep, I am still so tired. Just want to know if this gets better over time? because I am starting to feel like I might not be able to do this...

[@theyorkshireguy829]

Great video's. What about a quick topic on toilet breaks for bus driver's especially if a driver have a weak bladder. Are there toilets at every bus station and can a driver nip off the bus to use the bathroom?

[@TaylorStraub]

Unfortunately in London there isn't toilets at the end of every route which is very frustrating as it is a basic human right however, a lot of drivers do indeed stop the bus while in service to pop to the toilet. At the end of the day if you have to go you have to go.

[@ljb9983]

@@TaylorStraub I am thinking I may become a bus driver and, especially as a woman, that nappies might be needed even though I have a strong bladder.

[@jbc825]

Interesting video, working 7 days in a row is too much, wouldn't be allowed in the truck driving industry. What would happen if your driving hours ran out mid journey? Just stop the bus and turf everyone off?

[@TaylorStraub]

If you know you're not gonna make it to the changeover point it would be best to call your controller and they can see if they can get the driver to meet you otherwise yeah you legally have to stop and turn the bus off and sit there essentially cos otherwise you're breaking the law

[@TheTransportHub17]

Great video

[@stephenhyland4256]

I'm hoping to become a bus driver later this year. I'm 20 but here in Ireland you have to be 21 which is annoying but I'm nearly there, I wish it was 18 like in the UK but I don't make the laws unfortunately. Great content keep it up.

[@tonyleedham5462]

Don’t do it buddy. You will have no life.

[@shannoncoleman6631]

I have an interview with stagecoach next Wednesday. Any thoughts? I am wondering about toilet breaks! This stress and fatigue 🤔

[@TaylorStraub]

When you gotta go you gotta go even if that means pulling over and rushing into a Mcdonald's or something there is nothing the company can do about it especially if there is no toilet at the end of your route. You won't get into any trouble that is why we have a union is to protect drivers for reasons like this

[@davidyoung9561]

I gave the job up just over a year ago and don't miss it one bit. Horrible stressful job. I wouldn't recommend this job to anyone.

[@collin6238]

So what are you doing now

[@TzoHill]

Yeah, what are you doing now

[@Captainpubwatch]

Second post (!), talking about timings, do you still have the roadside inspectors attached to PD? There were two blokes I used to see regularly, one was a guy with spiky grey hair and glasses, the other was a shorter guy who looked very tanned. The latter told me he was one of the people who opened the old Northfleet garage for London Coaches when they resurrected the old London Country site for the 726 (now TfL X26 and a fair bit shorter), they seemed like good blokes and like most people of a certain age were gutted the bus game turned into what it is now as opposed to London Transport days.......

[@TaylorStraub]

No I haven't seen any roadside inspectors unfortunately

[@Captainpubwatch]

@@TaylorStraub I’m guessing they might have retired, was a few years ago now. Thanks for the reply : )

[@yehboy3103]

Can you charge your phone on the buses as a driver

[@TaylorStraub]

No but the new 70 plate electric buses has USB ports

[@collin6238]

£600 a day? How do work that out

[@danjsilve]

I was a taxi driver for 14 years. I never took the abuse personally. If it wasn’t me, it would of have been somebody else. It’s the same when I received marriage proposals or when drunk ladies started flirting with me, I never took that personally either. ;-)

[@HACKERHITMARKER333]

do you get in trouble if you have a low greenroad score

[@TaylorStraub]

If your score is over 10 you get called in to explain why you can recieve a disciplinary you want your score to be 0

[@trickifichd2939]

@@TaylorStraub that’s a lie my green road score is over 20

[@TaylorStraub]

@@trickifichd2939 What garage are you at?

[@HACKERHITMARKER333]

@@trickifichd2939 whats the highest score at ur company is it 100 lol all red

[@matthewstewart5397]

Your green road champion is obviously not telling you the correct information as green road cannot be used for disciplinary action.. I'd see your union rep about this our depot is a weekly allowance of 20

[@lucythemoggy1970]

wot is your hourly rate taylor?

[@TaylorStraub]

I'm not going to be revealing what I earn but feel free to check the Stagecoach website to get an idea of what you will potentially earn with the company

[@matthewstewart5397]

That's because all depots are on different money 🤬

[@Brock-Lesnar-WWE]

It's around £15.50p an hour and up to £20 an hour overtime. I don't know why he's being stingy and not revealing his hourly rate when it's known. . It's a dead end job. They hire anyone😂😂 I done it when I was 19. Now make 70k+ better job

[@romorobloxkalubi5372]

he drives the 177

[@mborpingtonfines9969]

Great video😎 Are you only allowed to drive in service for 5 hours minus running light or running dead to your starting point?🤔

[@TaylorStraub]

Running light counts as driving time as you are driving lol doesn't matter whether you're in service or not 5 and a half hours is the limit for your first half before you have to have a break

[@mborpingtonfines9969]

@@TaylorStraub so its 5½ for any bus driver at any company then?

[@TaylorStraub]

@@mborpingtonfines9969 Yes the domestic driving hours is the law

[@mborpingtonfines9969]

@@TaylorStraub 🤝thanks

[@outlaw6421]

Kahn destroyed tfl and the bus industry.

[@seandolan2979]

Mate, you video started pretty well but leave the green road stuff out, it’s dull

[@matthewdoyle3877]

Your in the wrong job son! Find a Monday to Friday job 9-5

[@TaylorStraub]

Nah that's too boring this is such a fun job as no 2 days are ever the same

[@Brock-Lesnar-WWE]

​@TaylorStraub in other words... "I failed school and am stuck in a dead end bus driver job"