10 things a bus driver should never do

I asked a group of experienced bus drivers from all over North America What are 10 things that a bus driver should never do.
Here is what they said!
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[@stevedavenport1202]

Rule #11, from my former company, HR department: "Be very mindful of what you are watching on your phone while passengers are off the bus. You never know who has eyes or ears on you." They did mention, however, that if we were caught viewing a Motorcoach World video, we would automatically get a $1.00 raise 😀

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

Then have all of James's videos on a secret Playlist on repeat and have the volume at zero and hopefully the bossman gives you that raise #ProblemSolved

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL Nice! so thats whats been driving up my view numbers.... LOL What do you get if you subscribe??? Thanks so much for your kind words as always Steve!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@adventureoflinkmk2 LOL Work the system. I love it!

[@stevedavenport1202]

@Derek Holcomb Should be mandatory viewing for all motorcoach operators 😀

[@DC3Refom]

If you mean while the vehicle is in motion , nobody should be watching anything , or using a phone or tablet while operating any vehicle .

[@brandonhurley9982]

Up until 2021, Greyhound drivers were not allowed to use a GPS, it was actually a fire-able offense. We had turn by turn directions on paper (think Mapquest) that we were told to use when we didn't know where we were going. If that failed (which it did frequently), we were actually told to ask the passengers where to go. Like you said, that looks completely unprofessional.

[@jeffherdz]

Back in the day.... Greyhound used copiers to copy pages of map books. And used a stamped printed on the page of a Greyhound, and the route you had to take ? This was before the internet....

[@gparyani]

I've noticed today that drivers for Flixbus use a GPS when driving - when I was on one, it routed us onto a fairly narrow road where there was only room for one large coach bus or truck to go either direction and there just so happened to be a truck wanting to go the opposite direction. We were stopped awkwardly there until the truck driver backed away and we were allowed to cross. It's no surprise you saw this policy change once Flix bought out Greyhound...

[@westerlywinds5684]

Why navigate the hard way if it can be done easy. Pilots use GPS and a moving map. It's professional and 100% acceptable.

[@kennethbrown2438]

Wow no wonder you see a lot Greyhound bus drivers lost.

[@jeffherdz]

@@westerlywinds5684 1. GPS units can be stolen. 2. GPS can get a virus and stop working. 3. liquid will destroy a unit fast. 4. it could get lost or forgotten somewhere.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Whenever a guy confesses that he was dumb, young and full of ego my respect for him skyrockets. That's somebody I can get along with and befriend. Myself? Old but still dumb. Ego? Depends on who's watching😂

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOLOL I think you and I can be good friends LOL! Thanks for the comment!

[@geraldmiller6679]

I am 82 and drive a Prevost motor home. I have over 3M miles under my belt but not all in this bus. Trucks, cars, motor homes, etc. I just wanted to tell you that I don’t haul passengers but I do enjoy many of your posts and do find them enlightening even with my experience. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@starcruze328]

What really grinds my gears is seeing a coach go down the road so close to the vehicle ahead, it's like they're running at Talladega. Absolutely NO excuse for that. One thing I like about my Garmin is that even if I'm in an area with no cell service (which naturally renders a phone useless), that Garmin just keeps on working off the satellite signals. (NOTE: The voice commands are always muted.)

[@AbiGail-ok7fc]

The GPS on my phone doesn't require cell service. Some GPS-related *apps* may require cell service but any GPS-related app worth its salt has the ability to pre-download maps.

[@DaveWFleck]

I completely agree with keeping the drivers area clean. Such a pet peeve to take over a bus and there are wrappers, coffee cups, crumbs and garbage all over the place.

[@qwincyq6412]

When I was a trainee driver one company rule was that whenever you were outside the coach, you had to wear your uniform cap, whether greeting passengers, loading luggage etc.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Ooo I love this. Very Military. And very professional. I miss drivers hats. I loved those old companies that had airline style hats for their drivers.

[@HrLBolle]

being a freight driver I'd like to be offered a "Schirmmütze" like the old-time long-haul men used to wear

[@mysticstarhf9265]

GPS is a valuable tool. I don't have any problem with that. And yes, we don't want to hear the turn-by-turn.

[@joshuagarfield7726]

All the things mentioned are true, should be policy: I would add: * don’t creep the bus at stop lights * don’t use abrupt inputs on brakes, acceleration, steering * listen if pax complain about interior temp * pay attention to where you load/unload, example: make sure the pax don’t step off the bus into a puddle 😊

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Nice. Thank you! Love your points. I agree. It drives me nuts when a driver keeps creeping at stop lights. Good way to get rear eneded too.

[@joshalex93]

Gotta be careful with those temp changes too

[@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176]

Can someone please explain the creep, creeping means? Thanks.

[@joshuagarfield7726]

@@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176 when at a stop, the driver allows the bus to slowly inch forward while still in a traffic stand-still (like at stop light). Happens when a driver is either in a hurry or being lazy with their application of pressure on the brake pedal. This is very uncomfortable for passengers and is sloppy driving.

[@sexygeek8996]

Don't change the temperature if just one person asks immediately when getting on the bus. It's more likely to make the bus less comfortable and what are you going to do if two passengers request opposite adjustments?

[@jeffherdz]

Putting your "Junk" between the dashboard and the front windshield is not a good ideal. As stopping fast, a,k,a, breaking hard might just push that windshield out onto the highway. Loosing a windshield to a deer is one thing. Loosing a windshield to "Your crap" sitting on the dashboard, is yet another. My GPS was a Rand-McNally U.S. map book and a Rand-McNally Chicago and suburban map book. That's all I ever needed. James, As always a great video.

[@michaelschneider-]

@Jeff Herdzina .. +1. Agreed. .. The good ole tried and true Rand-McNally printed road map. .. "Don't leave home on a Road Trip without it" ...

[@motorcoachtech7615]

Something that goes back to when I had to drive school runs as a spare, I still write out turn by turn instructions to and from my destination if I’m not familiar with the area. I also have it on my Garmin, but mainly use it as a map for street names. Usually drivers that have assigned units are the ones with ‘clean coach pride’. Thanks for posting. Rick

[@ka0tyk]

As a driver of my MCI and a passenger I see 0 problems with utilizing a GPS system, regardless of where its mounted. Having more information at your disposal to plan a route and get to your destination in a timely manner while being able to navigate obstacles, accidents, closures, etc is paramount. No one wants to arrive late. At the same time it does add some stress when you see that arrival time increase when you're in the middle of your trip and can become a distraction trying to manage a new route while underway. For example if you're fiddling with your phone trying to re-route and you keep bouncing on the bumpies in the lanes... But I believe keeping people informed of situations that are out of your control so they can plan accordingly is just another level of courtesy you can add to your service. If they're needing to be at a tour, dinner, or event by a certain time, they could possibly phone ahead and make accommodations. It also helps when navigating thru city streets that might have tight turns so you can properly plan your lane changes, etc. Especially in traffic where no one wants to provide room for a 45' bus to merge in.

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

I have to agree wholeheartedly with the GPS thing, although that Google about got me in trouble a couple times (stupid Chicago by the D&D Spa with a 11'3" bridge)

[@joshalex93]

@@adventureoflinkmk2 Google is always for cars despite the fact they have DIESEL routing available.. It's crazy

[@BusDriverLife]

Good stuff!

[@matthewb9824]

As a coach driver in Australia, I have to say I don't get the whole "do not use GPS" thing. I'm not saying it should be solely relied upon, but it is a very useful tool, especially in todays' time-conscious world. Delays are sometimes unavoidable, but I personally find having a GPS running and showing my route, I am prepared for anything the road throws at me - be it an accident or other unexpected detour into unfamiliar territory. It saves me stopping somewhere and looking up where I have to go either on a paper map or on the GPS while I have 50 or 60 pairs of eyes burning a hole in the back of my head! Some of the GPS units even have live traffic updates that will warn you of an impediment along your route and ask if you want to consider this or that alternative route. It can be a lifesaver and has saved my butt a few times when I used to work as an airport bus operator where we just could not be late arriving!

[@user-su6nf1ij3b]

But do they give you the restricted rout's that large can't be on? I've done semi trucks and school busses also.

[@ajkleipass]

August, 2013, Greyhound from Richmond, VA, to Raleigh-Durham, NC, a deadheading driver took over the front row on the right side of the coach, reclined both seats all the way back into my row, and proceeded to stretch out across them - feet dangling into the aisle - and went to sleep. He refused to accept complaints from myself and the passenger next to me, that the seats were too far back - so far that my knees were on either side of the seatback and I would have been pinned in my seat in an emergency. The active driver ignored the complaints too. Before we reached our destination, a complaint, complete with photos, was sent to Greyhound corporate offices. I don't know what they did, but in hindsight I regret not making a bigger stink.

[@carlossmith4004]

#12. Do NOT I repeat Do NOT compromise your safety. I’ve seen a lot of rookie drivers get into situations like hitting awnings or other low clearances, getting stuck (especially this one hotel in orlando (Coco Key) or in areas that even a 30ft bus would not fit all because someone told them “go that way, you’ll fit”. I myself have left the bus and walked somewhere to see if I’ll fit especially if there was a last min change of plans during the trip. When I trip plan I also look at satellite images of areas to see if anything could be a permanent obstruction.

[@jetsparrow3171]

Great vid. My two cent’s worth would be having ear buds in to either listen to music or make/take calls. In Australia we have a LOTTTTT of Indian bus drivers including taxi and rideshare drivers. I see the vast majority of them have their ear pieces in (very illegal in all states and territories of Australia for any driver to do) and they spend all day and night chatting with their mates or listening to music. The moment I see any driver with an ear bud in, their professional appearance has greatly diminished in my eyes.

[@GoBuckeyes216]

I drive semi trucks but I think you motorcoach guys are awesome!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you. I think you semi guys are pretty cool as well

[@dttprice]

This is a great video. I think that first and foremost, a driver must have a DESIRE to look and act like a professional. I am an over the road truck driver, and it seems to me that professionalism is all but dead in my industry. Hopefully it’s a lot more prevalent in yours.

[@michaelschneider-]

@Damon Price ... +1. Agreed. . The old adage applies.. "Anything worth doing is worth doing well" .. Cheers

[@mafarnz]

One thing I see a lot is ex truck drivers coming over to do charter bus, because they want easier trips, and to be home every night. A lot of times these guys forget to do stuff like turn on the lights and HVAC systems, leaving the passengers in a cold, dark bus. You guys have to remember that you’re not driving around a box truck full of freight, you have people back there.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I would say... anyone coming into this industry assuming they already know everything is going to have a hard time. Ive met ex truckers, even ex bus drivers that come on and dont want to be open minded about the way we do things... and they find them selves unhappy with us and we were usually unhappy with their performance.

[@5-7Farms]

I am a OTR trucker for UPS, and I enjoy your videos.

[@asgpu414]

I have my class A, do they require experience?

[@BlindGordie]

Great video. I don't know if this would qualify, but what about a driver who concentrates less on driving and more on entertaining passengers? Case in point, back in 1993 I had a driver taking us home from school, who had some sort of obsession with a song by Wynonna Judd and her single at the time called Tell Me Why. He kept playing that song over and over again, because of one little kid (not me) and the rest of us thought this guy was a freak. I can't hear that song without that memory and I haven't heard it since then, unless I really want to be brave and pull it up on KZbin.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Oh wow that sounds like that would get annoying . Yeah Drivers should never impose on their passengers with their music.

[@gman83090]

My very very best friend is a bus driver and he absolutely loves the job but it's a very very big responsibility he works for a bus company called quinces and that is owned by Australian transit group

[@davidjeanfreau399]

James, love the new video! Thanks for all that you do!

[@andersonoperators6317]

Fantastic contents as always!

[@Skullitor]

Another great video,James.

[@actemple3282]

I started driving in 1986 I love it I don't like anything in my area I love the commodity The meeting if new guests Treat everyone the way you want to be treated

[@gydos7367]

I work in the UK for a city bus company and our controllers are constantly sending drivers out with maps and verbal directions as well as refusing to teach us how to start a new bus that we have been given.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Ouch! That's not being very helpful to the drivers... Im sorry to hear that!

[@gydos7367]

@@MotorcoachWorld its all good the union has got involved but i dont think its the entire company just out depot

[@captain.john.]

Too bad I missed the question I would have added something. Thanks for the video James!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Captain John! Dude I would still love to hear what you have to say. List it here! Hope you are well

[@stephenmims1431]

Dude just read your article in Busride magazine GREAT JOB CONGRATS

[@cindywinkler2441]

Great work James 🎉

[@robertmcconnell3788]

When I drove for a tour bus co in the 90'S I had a passenger comment on how I would get out of the couch at every tour stop to aid the passengers get off the coach. Her BROTHER who drove for the same co would just sit in the seat and watch.

[@Tina-ds3pp]

Good video James!

[@NStacey1987]

I was in the Springfield footage . It was awesome to meet you in Springfield when the buses were trying to get funding.

[@bryce2680]

I have a Prevost motorhome that I have operated for over 200k miles---I know, not much compared to professional drivers, but quite a bit of time with this rig. While not hauling passengers other than friends and family, I take pride in knowing everything possible about my coach including proper braking procedures in the mountains such as using my Jake brake going downhill. My wife and I took a trip to the Canadian Rockies by train, but there was a side trip on a motor coach. It was quite scary. The driver did not know about or how to use the transmission retarder on the coach. We were going down very long 6+% grades and she was riding the brakes the entire time. When we got to a stop, all of the brakes were smoking and stinky. It was disappointing to know that she was not properly trained on this skill especially operating in mountain territory. None of the other passengers seemed to have a clue, but I was studying the controls and planning for action if it looked like she was losing control. Fortunately, she didn't. It was not readily apparent who the operator was or I would have likely made a phone call. Thanks for these videos. I learn something new all the time.

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

And here's a BIG one: when you get fuel, PLEASE.. for the love of all that is holy... NEVER EVER block the fuel aisle under ANY circumstances!!! That's a good way to piss off other drivers and get beat up or otherwise chewed out... or ultimately end up on bonehead truckers

[@jollygreen4639]

And while fueling, NEVER stand in front of the fuel door. Step off to the other side of the fuel door. That way, if fuel splashes out, it doesn’t hit you on your clothes or in your face. You’ll stink for days. And use gloves while fueling!

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

@@jollygreen4639 good call out, if there's also shoe booties you can use id use those as well, Justin case... I've splashed many a def on my shoes and wrecked em :(

[@jollygreen4639]

Also a great idea.

[@KarterBigs]

When I'm scrolling through our Facebook group and come across a clip from the same video that throws me off because I feel like I missed somthing 😂

[@DavidCinelli7815]

Excellent content, sound advise and reflects a conscientious driver. Very nice. For me personally safe driving closes the deal.

[@berylwhite2983]

Excellent video you covered about ninety-nine percent of it and I'm very very proud of you

[@1940limited]

As a school bus driver I found some of this information useful, too.

[@michaelschneider-]

+1 .. Luv viewing the words Peoria Charter as the bus rolls overhead through the open. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3">0:03</a> ... Our family has fond generational roots in Peoria... Glen Oak Park and the Zoo ... Is the Zoo still there? .. It's been decades ... Herr James, great bus industry content as always... (subscribed). .. Cheers, Vail, Colorado

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Michael! Thank you for the comment! If you ever come back to visit, let me know. Ill give you a tour of our facility!

[@mikewaters1347]

A few key items you raised, James, I experienced when I started driving at 18 back in 1970. The senior drivers made it clear before my first trip: 1) Show up in uniform (slacks with crease, shirts starch pressed, shirt tucked in at all times, always wear a tie and always have it cinched up... if you don't cinch it up all the way, take it off! So No tie meant you don't get to work that day. 2) Shoes shined. 3) Treat all customers like you would your Mother... help them on the bus and off the bus. Over the years its amazing how many people trip coming down the steps... if you are right there, you can catch them before they get too much momentum, reducing any injury to yourself. And avoiding the lawsuit 4) Never, never, never leave the yard unless you either know how to get to the pickup AND know your routing throughout the days journey. 5) Always go over the day's itinerary with the group leader BEFORE departing the pickup location. Enjoyed many years of hassle free driving with few surprises. While you are expected to be the ultimate professional, you have to look and act the part. Never let them see you sweat heavy traffic, bad weather or tight mountain roads.

[@billmcdonald0256]

Thankyou James for a insightful 👍 Video 📹 .I started Schoolbusing 🚍 & 🚎 Transit in 1976.The Video was refreshing Even after 3 Million 😮{Miles..You never stop Learning( If a vehicle Gives me a Break Always 🖐 Thanks & or Flash the 4ways "🔅🔅" 🙂 ) Tanks again James 🙏🇺🇦

[@christopherchi9230]

I was a bus driver at Disney World. When I’m at the parks or Disney Springs or at a resort that is a one-stop resort like Disney’s Pop Century, I would stand up by driver’s seat u til everyone gets off so I can close the back door before greeting the guests boarding outside the door. If I have a multi-stop resort, like Disney’s Old Key West, I would not get up, unless I have a guest that requires the access ramp at one of the stops.

[@disneyfan9099]

True

[@Bus4025]

James, exceptional as always!! Thank you fellow Operators for opening my eyes only 23 years later. 😂 I'm guilty as charged about not getting out of the seat (sometimes) before the trip starts. I do get out when we are at the location afterwards. Also attire. No uniform policy (yet) but I am sure it is coming once we do get them. I hate seeing a sloppy Bus Operator. I seem this at one of our yards. This operator was very unprofessional and sloppy. GAWD you make money, spend it, and look nice!

[@charlescorey184]

Excellent video James, as usual. I am a passenger and not a professional driver but must say Rule #1 for me is the driver standing at the door to greet passengers and help them disembark. That sets the tone for the entire trip and in my book, directly reflects on the company and its level of professionalism. Thanks so much for posting. When I think of professional motorcoach companies, yours is at the top of the list.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks Charles. I always love hearing it from the passengers perspective. Your comment is gold! Thank you

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

Oh boy nothing like having lots of cheeeeeeeeeeese burgers and taaaaaaaaaaater chips all over the dashboard 😂 as well as all the sodie pops and caaaaaaaaaandy bars And I never had an issue with using GPS myself

[@jollygreen4639]

Paraphrasing Bonehead Truckers channel? Lol

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

@@jollygreen4639 yessir :) I couldn't resist, sorry James 😁😂😂😂😂

[@Carstuff111]

From my roommates' 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, to my 1992 Honda Civic DX sedan, I do a pre-trip check even before just going to the store. And at least once a week if I am driving regularly, or before I drive after my car sits for a while, I check tire pressures and fluid levels. It does not take long or much to check things before going anywhere. I check my fluids EVERY time I put fuel in my car. It is those little things that make vehicles and equipment last. And, you become a better driver over all if you actually take the time to get to know and take care of your vehicle. And that goes from my gas powered lawnmower to over the road trucks and buses, heavy equipment and aircraft. I have ridden on a few coach buses to various places, and have to say my favorites were the ones I rode on when I was a kid going to a week long summer camp.

[@divox9pqr]

Great voice James

[@HeCoversMe]

How about alighting passengers 😂. Our company uses that word. It was a new one on me. Good to see you back James. I kind of thought you left for good so I’m happy to see you again. I always wonder if I will bump into you someday. My route involves Metra stations and malls in the west suburbs of Chicago. Every now and then I see Peoria buses up this way. Sorry for your loss that tribute was heart warming. Unfortunately I’m public transit, it’s a whole different world than Motorcoach😢. So I’m kind of jealous 😅

[@michaelrocker9000]

Hi James. When i was driving and i wasn't sure of how to get to a destination i always conferred with the group leader. I always made sure that we were on the same page especially if it was a multi day trip. I never had the chance to work with the ELD since I stopped driving before they came out. I originally had a Class A CDL and got my P&S endorsements driving a school bus for a year. When I decided to go coach I went to a major company in the DC Metro area. Yes I knew pretty much what I needed to know but still had to go through their 6 week training course along with the drivers who only had a Class B learners permit. We wore dark blue or black pants with light blue button down shirts. We got company hats. Yeah i was a know it all when it came to the rules of the road almost in over load going through it again. I pretty much aced the weekly quizzes. When it came to driving we practiced on whatever was available. J-4505 DL3 DL. No two were alike.By me already holding my CDL with P after the first week of driving they allowed me to go out with the rookies since by the DOT and FMCSA the rookies had to have a licensed driver in that class vehicle. Of the 9 rookies in our class when it came time to take the road test they all passed. Not a single retest. This is when they had to do the alley docking. This company has a good reputation and made sure all their drivers followed the rules. They are a part of Gray Line Tours and Trailways. Prior to Covid their main bread and butter were scheduled tours of Washington DC Arlington and Mt Vernon VA. I was just on their website just now and read they they are now charging a $20 bag fee if you have a second bag. First one is free. In a way I miss the business whenever i see a coach go by. I do however have an emergency bus kit in my car. A bathroom key and the "L" wrench for the Setra Van-Hool and Prevost side compartments. Stay safe out there..

[@davesnothereman5150]

Things that will make me a better motorcoach, 1. DON'T EAT PASSENGER LUNCHES. Got it👍🏼

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LoL 🤣

[@mpstenz3520]

Boarding and Alighting. Insurance companies wanted the Driver or Tour Directors to be at the door for assistance if needed. It is also a great way to create passenger interaction. GPS has taken away from proper preparation on Tours and Charters. I’ve been in the industry since 1972. Your videos are great for the industry….

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Mp Stenz. Thank you sir. I could probably learn a lot from you. You have a lot of years under your belt. Yes, Im not opposed to GPS but it scares me when i meet a driver that wont know how to get there without it. It should be used as an Aid.

[@jollygreen4639]

Good point, James. I had a driver who just started with the company doing a NYC trip with me. Before we left the garage, I asked him if he had any questions, and uh he understood getting from the Lincoln tunnel to our first stop at Rockefeller Ctr. He just says I got it all punched into my gps (a car one). I offered him a few NYC area maps, which he declined. So naturally, we got separated by traffic which I expected. He showed up at Rock Ctr 30 minutes after me. He blamed it on his gps. He got lost every other step of the trip. But he wouldn’t take my help or listen to me, so nothing else I could do. This is a prime example of a gps being used as an aid and not the sole source of navigating.

[@Steve-xf4uv]

Very good video; I'm going to show it at my next driver meeting. Canadian ciach operator. Thanks for sharing.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks Steve. I'm honored. Seriously. I'm glad these videos can help drivers

[@jollygreen4639]

That’s a great idea, Steve. And encourage drivers who don’t already to subscribe to this channel. There is always something interesting in the videos. What Canadian company are you with?

[@VaioCorporation]

Hey that steering wheel looks like a luxury version of the one in my 2022 BlueBird Vision! Cooool!!

[@shnorth888]

Disembarking or Disembarkation.. the word ive heard used is mostly is Alighting or Alight meaning descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport

[@mafarnz]

The last one, KNOW AND LEARN YOUR EQUIPMENT!! One time I was helping dispatch answer phones, we kept getting a bunch of calls from passengers on a moving bus saying there was a beeping coming from the driver’s area that the driver wasn’t turning off. Turns out it was the low air alarm! The guy had a hole in one of the brake cans that set off the low air alarm every time he used the brakes. How he passed his CDL exam I don’t know but after that trip he was pulled off trips and retrained.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL We had a new driver that doesn't work for us anymore , call a technician saying that his bus would not air up. When we went out to the bus to see what was wrong with it, He didn't even start it. ... LOL

[@juniperwinters3277]

@@MotorcoachWorld 🤣

[@ewelmo3921]

@@MotorcoachWorld Oh yeah? I fixed my bosses (a certain vice prez at A...W) computer, and he called me on the road complaining it didn't work, I'm an idiot, etc... I then asked him if he turned it on... Silence.... He said OH..... and hung up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jollygreen4639]

I had to drive a Prevost for a four day trip to Boston after a complete breakdown on 90 East. Computer fried and shut everything down. I’d never driven a Prevost. Always MCI or Vanhool. Trailways loaned it to us. Not much instruction time. I had to call their dispatcher to figure out how to get into the locked fuel door. And being the markings on the dash switches were worn off, I ended up turning on the 4ways, inside lights, reading lights and several other things before I found the switch to lower the driver window as I’m pulling up to the toll booth getting on the MassPike. Lol. Last day heading home was a lot easier!

[@mafarnz]

@@jollygreen4639 yeah Prevost and especially Van Hool have a very steep learning curve! If possible I like to take extra time by myself with a new bus to learn how stuff works by just playing with dash switches.

[@jameskerner7782]

I like the new opening. I have a gripe with the drivers who have been throwing the receipts from the register.

[@damianwirth2313]

Yes yes yes. 1st one off and last one on. Ive had to catch at least 5 senior citizens over the years. Even when I do line runs, I do the same. Also, imagine means alot. Calvin Horne, Dave Deleon and I have contests on whose bus looks the best. Polished rims and tire shine. But I can see that being a little overboard. Be careful when touching your phone as well even if its just for directions. And there is nothing wrong with a GPS. Customers like to see ETA not to mention, traffic updates. Shout out to Joshua for looking ON POINT in uniform. Final thing. Even if you are in a multi bus move, you still need to do your homework and know which way to go or which way the lead is going.

[@jfwfreo]

I have occasionally seen city route bus drivers ask passengers where to go but it usually happens in a situation where the driver is doing a run they don't normally do and are unfamiliar with (and so they will get help from a passenger who rides the route regularly). I have also seen city route bus drivers smoking in no smoking zones. Its bad enough when passengers do it but drivers should know better. (although again its an isolated thing and at least they do seem to move away from where passengers are waiting and don't do it in underground/indoor bus stations)

[@philtindale]

British driver here; about 15 years ago, I was working as an agency driver, about 450 miles away from home; and was asked to do a run which they didn't normally allocate to agency drivers (the attitude was to teach us just enough runs to make up a few shifts, so the regulars could cover the rest of the work.). The controller said "I know you haven't been shown it, I don't care how you do it; just take the bus there and work the route back." As luck would have it, I knew which way the service went to get out of the town, and after that , just a rough idea; but as I got to the Asda superstore, on the outskirts of the town, a passenger got on, wanting to go to the terminus. I asked him if he could show me the route, and once he said "Yes", I gave him a free ride, for his help. When I got back to the bus station, I told the controller what I'd done, and he said that was fine; the company would rather lose one single fare, than potentially lose several, if I got lost, and the bad repute due to the bus going the wrong way.

[@brad_Ca]

Nice to see Colonel Kira Nerys make an appearance. 🫡😂

[@MotorcoachWorld]

HAHA Always glad to see a star trek fan! Thanks for the comment!

[@russayres5287]

I never hint to anyone I'm lost, I'm taking the scenic route. I drive for a small family firm in the UK, we wear a 3 piece suit on every hire - when you look professional, you drive and act professional. (Also here in the UK we're encouraged to 'hog' the left lane - it's the proper side of the road 😉)

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL thats a good one! Yeah ive missed my exit before and told my passengers, Im not lost. We get paid by the mile. LOL

[@jollygreen4639]

Or I’m not lost, just temporarily misplaced.

[@ewelmo3921]

I tell them if I miss the turn that we are in a tour coach and we are taking a longer tour!🙃

[@jollygreen4639]

Coming back from Virginia Beach and we stop at a rest area south of DC. Well, dumb me doesn’t realize that I somehow was in the HOV Express lane into DC, which was not my intended route. Here comes the Pentagon, Jefferson Memorial, then 14th St bridge…. Tour escort leans forward to me, “hey Bob did we come down this way?” “No, but I heard on the CB there was a bad truck accident on the 495 Beltway. Backed up for miles…”. “Hey kids, heres the Washington Monument, the Capital Bldg, that’s the White House…”. I never let on that I just screwed up royal. 😆😆

[@cryptog5543]

"Asking passengers how to get there". I do a lot of school charters where the sporting events have different location of certain sports such as hockey, tennis, even drama or the arts. I sometimes will ask the coach what is the best area to drop off. They have been to these schools and are familiar with the locations. I don't feel weird about it. I think it's beneficial to both of us.

[@robertfinley6288]

A driver should never curse, discuss religion, politics, or controversial topics with his passengers.

[@royrcampbelljr8923]

James, I almost fell out of my seat with your "red neck rendition" of opposing newer technology. I'm a transit bus operator, so I can't get out of my seat every time a passenger boards or alights from my bus, but my number 1 desire is to be professional and courteous. While ties are optional, I am with tie everyday I'm working. In my opinion, nothing says more about one's professionalism than being smartly dressed. As far as new technology goes, anything that makes us safer on the road is a good thing. Being a former mainframe system programmer ("nerd"), I enjoy experimenting and working with new technologies any way.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Roy. That's awesome. Always love meeting a Nerd bus operator! I know several people that used to be in the software development field that also drive buses. I kind surprised myself with that redneck accent,. I never knew I had it in me LOL

[@Marylandbrony]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="640">10:40</a> Can confirm that bus drivers should not listen to passengers for directions. I was on a bus from Baltimore to New York. But there was an accident near Edison New Jersey. The bus diverted and after everyone was yelling about where to go. The driver took us into this weird demison populated by giant skeletons walking on all fours, insects the size of a large dog filling the air and screaming corpses that created this unending choir of raw unending suffering. Surrounded by massive rock pillars and thousand feet deep canyons filled with mushrooms. All while the sky was red and appeared to be on fire. Thankfully we left Newark New Jersey and went to the American dream mall.

[@matthewwolfe4509]

As far as standing at the door. For older passengers or most chartered trips, I absolutely do. I have to admit though with our company switching to almost all athletic trips now I've been bad about it. There are times it's 10 minutes of on and off before they are actually "off" the bus for the trip. Same with DC 8th grade trips, its usually drop and run there.

[@Bus4025]

That's exactly what I am saying. Kids maybe, adults same, elderly no question.

[@bjw8424]

I like the new intro.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks Ben! Appreciate it!

[@littlesquirtthefireengine5478]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="290">4:50</a> The titanic museum in Branson, my kids love that place!

[@carolinecleaveley]

thanks for that James. well worth doing. Hope my last boss shows this to all his staff.

[@juniperwinters3277]

You and I have been doing this for the same amount of time. I also put my GPS in the lower left corner of my windshield but I agree with all that was said overall.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Oh nice! Always great to meet a fellow peer in the industry! Yeah I like to be able to keep one eye one the road if I have to glance at my GPS. Not turn my head to the left. Thanks for the comment.

[@juniperwinters3277]

@Motorcoach World exactly, and you're welcome thanks for the reply 💜

[@bugman3841]

Just drive safe. Get your passengers there in one piece

[@hellswindstaff91]

Exactly be safe stay calm and love the job

[@TheTimothy1972]

Enjoy your content. Been driving buses in Orlando. Fl for 5 years. Want to know do you stay busy during the summer months. Here it kinda decrease.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey thank you for the comment. Yeah it definitely slows down for us too in the summer. I think that's pretty common in the industry unless a company has some kind of unique contract for summer work.

[@markmanz8897]

Back in 1987, or so, my parents and I were on a Greyhound bus heading into Denver, CO. About 20 miles before Denver, the driver says, “Does anyone know where the station is? I’ve never driven this route before.” Well, someone stepped up to help. We entered the bus station through the exit, and the driver had to figure out how to park the bus in the angled parking slots. It wasn’t easy, but she did it. She was really nice, and did apologize. On a side note, someone had spilled a bottle of perfume on that bus. It had a horrible smell. They tried to clean it up, but the smell didn’t go away. When we were departing, the driver “broke” the bus as we were backing out. So, we transferred from a stick-shift MC9 to a new MC96A3 with an automatic transmission - with no perfume smell.

[@thud9797]

1987 was the Trailways takeover so she could have been a Trailways driver with different stations. And that stick shift MCI was likely a TNM&O bus which was a company that Greyhound owned but operated separately. Believe on that run they had 4 schedules from Dallas to Amarillo and two of them continued all the way to Denver. Now all absorbed into Greyhound but think only one bus goes Dallas Denver now.

[@UNDERTAKER2621]

Great video, as always & obviously out of respect I'm not going to name this company however in NYC My company charters the same coach company at least 3 or 4 times a year to do a trip and it's very annoying when all of the drivers continuously don't know how to operate the lift

[@francissager3133]

Having trained drivers on ADA procedures and access lift operation, I understand the frustration. At my last company, every 56 passenger coach was lift accessible (About 15 of their 17 coaches). The complaint I have gotten from drivers is that they don't get enough ADA jobs where the lift is required, so they don't get the practice they need. My response to that is they should be getting practice everyday. If your bus has an access lift, then you should be operating that lift for one complete cycle (fully deployed, all the way up with cabin door open, all the way down, all the way back up, and then stowed away) as part of your pre-trip inspection. Now familiarity with mobility device securement is a challenge. That does require hands-on training, but as a last resort, as long as they are maintained on the bus, the securement system instructions should be available. Some bus manufactures place them on a placard under the seat or on the cabin wall near the mobility device access areas.

[@UNDERTAKER2621]

@Francis Sager I definitely respect your details of ADA riders. New York City likes to act like it's the most disability friendly city in the country, but it's far from it you should come to NYC it's a mess with our transportation system

[@francissager3133]

@@UNDERTAKER2621 I live and work for a carrier up in Orange County, I know the ADA challenges all too well around NYC, but as an abled bodied person, I'll never truly know the challenges.

[@UNDERTAKER2621]

@Francis Sager once again, your respect for my community is very appreciated I wish I had more access to you & your kindness

[@deeser]

Ooh, I've got one. Ignoring specific directions that customers/dispatch made sure drivers had, over blindly following the SatNav. I organise coaches to music festivals in the UK and we need drivers to drop off at a specific area as part of the events traffic management plan. Cue the one driver who will ignore the instructions and cause total chaos. We've had drivers needing towing out of muddy lanes and worse cause such traffic jams so bad that they actually endangered the event being held at that location again...

[@treywest268]

Back when I drove coach we always had a small wooden step with carpet to halve the area between the bottom step and the ground. Especially for any tours with seniors!!!!

[@jollygreen4639]

We had them before the retractable step and before the kneelers. Our had the anti slip strips on them. Still had them for seniors, like you mentioned. Sometimes I forgot, got distracted, whatever, and didn’t pick them up and place it upright on the stairway. Ran over one or two. I left one in the parking lot of the Cape Cod Mall. Back in 1990…

[@bystanderbutch3509]

Drivers need to let the mechanics work on them and keep their ideas to themselves. I had a driver tell me to add oil to the freon cause his A/C doesn't blow hard enough and got upset when I wouldn't. Also don't write 6 pages on a DVIR. We get a lot of books. Safety issues are very important. But if one reading light is out and there's a lot of other issues, stick to the important things and write that up next time. Some of you guys are really cool. Thanks!

[@oamatorzenamotorze5847]

The argument that the navigation attached to the window says that the driver does not know what he is doing is pointless to put it mildly. Navigation is not only a map (the world has moved on) but also real-time notifications about accidents and possible detours. You may be the best bus driver, but so what if you and your passengers are stuck in traffic for an hour and a rookie takes a detour because he had navigation.

[@craigwiester9177]

Rule 11: Never show up for work naked.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

That is definitely a very important rule. 😆

[@torg0]

As a passenger, I totally agree with all of these :)

[@conorobrien5937]

I use my go's to know what time I'm going to arrive. Its very handy when passengers behind see eta and tells other passengers

[@RipRoaringGarage]

When you say drivers that dont have pride in their uniforms.....of course, Coach USA.... I was one of the few that had a uniform, with the epaulets, the US flag on my shoulder, even my bus drivers badge (that was a very old NY thing). But having long hair back then...people always had something to say. About the tailgating, back when traffic into NYC was heavy, like early 2000s, getting into the Lincoln Tunnel, we had the bus lane (it was the left lane of opposing traffic, on the other side of the jersey divider). You could tell a new driver that was doing 5mph lol, though a few had died in collisions. I mean, you're right on the corner if another buss veets in, and theres just cones between your lane and the oncoming. But, the biggest thing was passenger cars sneaking in AFTER the toll plaza. So if you had any gap, they would just cut it front of you. So, we used to do this thing called driving an 80 foot coach. So you would be doing 30-40mpg, about a foot off the bumper of the bus in front of you. You saw nothing in front, just tail lights. It was routine back then. The only part where you backed off was right at the entrance, in case the bus in front would hit the side wall, and come to a flat halt. Then you would slam into that bus (it happened once, but just once). It amazes me though, how we streamlined all of that. It wasnt a matter of luck, since thousands of buses were coming through just in that 2 hour window, every day. Now, fewer people commute to NYC, so the routes are cut in half, and theres no more need for this type stuff.

[@2k_adriandagoat453]

I’ve been watching a lot of charter bus videos considering I’m going to Massachusetts for a school trip and the bus line my school is using is Atlantic coast charters which I’m excited for. I don’t think they use MCI’s that much anymore

[@stevek4449]

Lets see the top 11 things bus drivers should NEVER DO. A point of view from a truck driver with too much time on his hands. Maybe somebody should make a movie???? 1. Drive almoat naked! 2. Test bus suspension with a full load of passengers and luggage by running over every bump and pothole to see how the bus handles under adverse conditions. 3. Play Metallica's " Wherever I May Roam" at full blast on sound system over and over....especially when lost and on rough terrain. 4. Ask passengers if they know what any of the switches or buttons do. 5. Use Air drop or Quick Share to send random links to passengers while driving or stuck in traffic. 6. Do random hard brake "test" when passengers try to use the restroom and apologize for the toilet not being equipped with a seat belt for such "emergencies". THEN Inform passengers over the PA system that the bus restroom is now out of service as tank is full.... roughly half way to the next stop and say there is not enough time to fix it before so just hold it in...for the next 250 miles.... especially when steps 2 and 3 are in progress. 7. Throw temper tantrums like one of the kids on the bus every time one of the passengers complain. make sure seat rollers are unlocked and air bag is half full for that dramatic effect and you bounce up and down and squirm around in the drivers seat. 8. Ask if there is anyone who knows how to disable the speed governor as by this point of the trip, everyone is in a hurry for some reason. 9. Quickly change lanes to "assist" the animal darting across the road as to which way it should keep running, jumping, or flying to and write down your new score on the windshield with your dry erase marker after successful contact has been established with them. 10. Ask one of the passengers if they know how fast you were going or why you were pulled over because the officer standing there really wants to know and you cannot see what his problem is. 11. And the last thing you NEVER WANT TO DO is inform the passengers you are waiting on the drug test results you took that morning as you studied real hard for it and you feel you got most of the answers right as you think it was a multiple choice test as you close the doors to start the trip from hell noted above.

[@OldBiker54]

One Million Mile Accident Free Driver ,,Peter Pan Bus Lines,,,Retired,,,went to Postal Service, Vehicle Services,,,Mail dosent talk,,

[@ewelmo3921]

My list of pet peeves on the subject of other drivers; Refuses to go the speed of the traffic - AKA drives 40 MPH on an 80 mph hwy! Does not want to admit he's lost. - I hate it when a driver refuses to ask for help. Example would be not knowing where the athletics field is and not wanting to ask the coach for directions. If your the leader of a convoy, use your cruise control so everyone behind you isn't constantly speeding up and slowing down because you can't hold a speed on the petal. Refusing to properly check the vehicle for supplies and fluids. - Nothing worse than having a driver feed a bus to you on a weeklong run, only to find out you have 1 roll of toilet paper for a 50 member female team. And last but not least - Sending drivers who live in the plains or flatlands to the mountains to drive (in particular in the winter), with no training to drive in the mountains! I've seen motorcoaches go off cliffs because of this! You do not want to EVER see this happen, I still have nightmares.....

[@jollygreen4639]

The speed comment, I agree. If traffic is doing 70 on an open highway, do 70. We had a driver, who insisted he had to be lead on some multi bus trips who would do 65 in a 70. Which slowed everyone else. He told us that the customer appreciated his driving like that. Sure, like they know and make it the topic of the trip’s conversations. He hated it the day that I ended up passing him because he was an accident waiting to happen on a highway. And us too. I wasn’t being unsafe or anything, but you need to safely go with the flow of traffic without becoming unsafe. About not admitting you’re lost…in your example, if the coach knows, ask him before the trip starts. Bus drivers do not know every road out there if they’ve never been there. And sometimes, let’s say for a college, the buildings or fields don’t have the best final directions to the pinpointed stop on their websites. There’s no shame in asking.

[@gregorymoore4238]

U nicest guy I glad you explain the rules

[@castletransport]

In regard to the GPS thing, I have a TomTom bus GPS, which I've been advised by the company to use because of low bridges and narrow lanes and such. But defiantly low down on the dash, as low as you can for sure, and have the sound off, goodness me, how unprofessional is that. Thanks for this video James

[@flappermans]

# 4 Gps, i use alwyas my gps, even if i am driving somewhere that i have been a lot of times... The gps gives me info about traffic situations further donw the way, it informs me about my arrival time, it gives me info when i need to go a different route because of closed roads (accidents for example) and i gives me info about the next exit (so special when i drive with more drivers following me i know when it is not good the overtake and than take the exit and driver 5 or 6 or further away misses the exit. If the destinations are evryday different than gps is very helpfull (of course sound off) in all cases you need to look up the info about the route before driving ofcourse 🙂

[@blackcruze1379]

as a rule at my job we stand by the door as everyone gets off then go back in coach make sure everyone is off then shut door then unload baggage’s

[@angelawillatt568]

I once saw a driver roll out a red carpet for his passengers. I don't know if it was his idea or the company he worked for.

[@AlMcpherson79]

About the navigating... I primarily have the phone screen OFF when navigating, and only turn it on for the parts I know for sure I don't know... and that's part of preplanning the route - I check the route before pulling away, for things like road numbers and names, which junction and left/right/etc. That's why I don't have it in an 'obtrusive' location, but easily accessible without having to shift in my seat - so as easily accessible by hand while in the relaxed back position as my turn indicators and wiper controls, and gearbox selector of whichever kind it happens to be. This forces me to learn routes quicker, and often enables me to make repeat trips entirely without electric or paper navigation aid. Rerouting, however, I do see one possible 'some see it as professional, others as not' would be to do a small stop to give yourself safe time, not driving, to figure out your new path and *announce* to the passengers you are doing so, For instance, "Ladies and Gentlemen, unfortunately due to a road closure on our route, I'll have to perform a quick stop to check for an alternative safe route avoiding the

[@simonearlie8656]

James, I love your videos. I passed my coach driving test 3 weeks ago and this video, in particular, is very helpful. Keep the videos and tips coming. Looking forward to getting my first run under my belt soon.🚍

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Congrats man! Thanks for your kind words. Safe travels to you and I wish you a glorious career. Hey send me a pic of you and your bus and I will give you a shout out in one of my future videos. Email me at [e-mail] Thanks!

[@simonearlie8656]

@Motorcoach World Thanks James, from all the way over here in Ireland 🇮🇪 Will send the photo on as soon as I get going.🚍

[@philtindale]

When I first passed my bus test, in 1980; one of the older drivers said to me "now that you have passed your test; you start to learn to drive." It was good advice; and I think it still applies today. Don't be frightened to ask older drivers about a particular venue or route; we've all been there. And above all else: enjoy it!

[@PutsOnSneakers]

Rookie driver blocking busy intersection because he/she didn't want to wait until the bus can fit on the road after the intersection where slow moving traffic is occupying it (and even worse, doing the same on a train crossing where half the bus is sticking out on the crossing)

[@matthewp.1027]

Well, in my home they train us as the driver the first and the last to step on or leave the bus.

[@coreybabcock2023]

Thats a very professional thing to do us stand outside the bus as you load and unload People on the bus i know i would cause it shows that i care about my riders if i was a driver

[@Invenery]

Disembarkation , Disembarking or alighting (to alight from a bus or train)

[@paulypooper2]

My company has a lot of schools and colleges that we drive for sports and field trips and because they tend to trickle into the bus and they are young I don’t always get out and assist them but with weddings and all other events that are mostly adults I always get out and assist with entering and exiting ..

[@wendellcrim8647]

No Baseball style hats. Contact your group leader a day or 2 before the move. Get all the details: prefered route, preview navigation routing to eliminate being taken into roads a 45 footer doesn't fit or height/ weight restrictions, which door at which building for pickup and arrival, rest stops, dietary restrictions for food stops, food stops need multiple options to accomodate 50+ pax, chainup for mountain passes before it's too late.