I made almost 90k last year driving a motor coach. I enjoy it. It’s a fun job.
@joe-powell2 ай бұрын
I just applied. How much were the average tips per week?
@damon23643 жыл бұрын
Another great video. I have to say the best tip I ever received was from a 4th grade student, who let me cut in line at an ice cream shop then paid for my milkshake a thanked me for being such a nice driver.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
WOW What a nice kid! That is touching man! Thank you for that! Appreciate it Damon!
@brianchamber3 жыл бұрын
James I would just like to add, that know matter what part of the country you live and work in, Charter drivers are underpaid for the responsibility that they are given.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hey Brian. You are right. Everyone in the transportation industry feels that way. Including Airline Pilots. Its sad really.
@jarvisblay90253 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld Yeah some years ago I had a Greyhound bus driver actually tell me he only made $ 75 .00 per day going and coming ....... And I'm like what ? Where the Greyhound company forces bus drivers to rest up approximately one to two days before heading back into they're scheduled trip tour, I've always admired Greyhound drivers for the long hours they put in and people they have to deal with.... Common sense would say Greyhound bus drivers actually deserve an pay of up to $ 125 or $ 200 per day driving a bus some times full of Looney people and the hectic schedules they are forced to keep from point A to point B .....
@KarterBigs2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely loved driving a couch before the pandemic lost my job and went to food service logistics for a bit and found myself sticking there since the pay was so great (80k+). But I just moved to Dallas where the cost of living is much lower and got offered a gig at 25 an hour! (High for couch drivers) plus a 15% gratuity requirement from cliental! Super happy to be back in the industry with great pay!
@DuramaxL5P3 жыл бұрын
Hi James, can you please do a detailed video on how your company handles the waste removal for the lavatory and maybe a fueling video?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hey that is a great suggestion. I will definitely add it to my line up of topics. Much appreciated
@charleskadletc24313 жыл бұрын
Would be cool to see
@charleskadletc24313 жыл бұрын
That would be cool
@PennilessPolitics3 жыл бұрын
Just pay the $40 at Hansen's Bus World!
@dtrainsss3 жыл бұрын
I would like to see it too.
@Trashman702 Жыл бұрын
Your channel is fascinating. There were 3 jobs I wanted as a kid. Bus driver. Trucker. Garbage man. I did 2 of them but never drove buses however I do love buses. It’s crazy how similar the motor coach industry is to the trucking industry
@duckbow3 жыл бұрын
Tip your drivers! Another great video, James! Love your channel and your research. Didn't know I was a bus fan until your channel. I really hope the motorcoach industry can pull through the pandemic and get back on its feet soon.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much. Means a lot to me reading comments like these. Appreciate the positive support!
@Dannny293 жыл бұрын
You missed the part where you never tell Dispatch that you're down to work as much as you can. Because Dispatch WILL fulfill that wish 🤣🤣🤣 But in all seriousness, very spot on video and info. As a younger new driver, I definitely don't mind being handed local work as I think the longer runs deserve to be given to senior guys. But I've also noticed drivers kinda get mad when they recieve no tip or small tip. Since starting, I've just thought it's cool to get a tip and that the group is happy. Whatever you get at the end, just know you got more than what you started with at the beginning of the day!
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
LOL! Thanks for the comment Danny 29
@areguapiri3 жыл бұрын
Hate the American culture of "tipping".
@jaysmith14082 жыл бұрын
Cue SpongeBob clip Krabs “one, two, three….” “MR KRABS! I WANT TO GO TO BED!”
@gsm199113 жыл бұрын
I started out at age 19 in 2011 in the motorcoach world. I made a measly $11 per hour per hour with Wade Tours. People were shocked on how low I got paid when I told them. Of course it was only a part-time job as I worked for the state of New York full-time. I did it more as a hobby and for some extra pocket change. I kept that job for 10 years part time but worked less and less as the years when on. When I finally left for good I hadn’t driven in over a year (due to covid) and pay was $14.50 an hour. In 2013 the state had budget cuts and myself and 19 people were laid off so I decided then I would be going into driving transit buses. That’s where I made good money. I made $27 and change an hour there at top rate. I started out around $18 an hour. That was in 2013 when I started. I worked there for just over 6 years. I decided to go back into driving a motorcoach. Transit can be dirty work and I didn’t care for the buses being that they are low floor. the high floor buses were nice but were all phased out. I didn’t like sitting so low to the ground in a bus. Felt like you sat up about the height of the average pick up truck while driving a long vehicle. Was really awkward and I was always worried about getting in a head on collision. Driving a motorcoach made you feel like you’re actually driving a true coach. You sit up high like an airplane pilot and are much more comfortable. Also, you don’t feel as vulnerable sitting so low to the ground with nothing in front of you besides a windshield. I just recently accepted a job with Trailways in NY. They are a union company And pay well. I am excited to start this new chapter of my life and hope to like the job for years to come.
@lucas87322 жыл бұрын
Hello, Do you know anything about Trailways Burlington Iowa? Are they different than Trailways in NY ? Also how is it going with in your current role?
@kimberlyokeeffe53603 жыл бұрын
I started driving in 1989 and not much has changed in the pay scale since. In my area, starting pay is 17 - 20 per hour. You are spot on with your assessment of the pay rates and pay schemes. I do want to add that exceptional drivers will be snapped up if they want to change companies. That's a fancy way of saying that reputation matters. Driver's see and hear a lot about other drivers and companies and talk - a lot to each other and to the company. There is also a slightly different skill set between line runs and charter. Both require smooth driving but the charter demands exceptionally customer service as well.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hi Kim. Thank you for your comment. Well said.
@Qrail Жыл бұрын
That is a great video. A lot of bus companies are hurting. A lot of prospects can’t pass the drug test, some don’t like the low pay. Being a coach operator is like being on vacation all the time. I remember early in my life going on a school field trip. That is what did it for me. Some of my peers in high school thought I was having low expectations, but I did alright. Doing a job that is fun, and getting paid for it! What a life! Taking a group to the Super Bowl, or a high school band to March in the Rose Parade. Other highlights include going to 6 different National Parks. I retired from coach operations in 2001 in favor of operating a city bus. Between the 2 jobs I did 48 years. When I drove charter and tour bus, I owned a Cadillac, so it was enough money at the time. Now, from talking with friends in the industry, not so much. The bus line owners need to recognize and value the employee. If I have a request charter, give it to me. If the customer includes a tip, when paying for the charter, pass it onto the driver. And finally, give me a good unit to drive. I don’t care if it’s an MC9 or 4106. Oh, and the full time, part time thing? Don’t tell me that if I don’t work 7 days a week, that I am considered a part time employee. I do understand the “busy” season. The new electronic log books have cured some of the cheating, but companies shouldn’t “double dispatch” drivers out either.
@victord58683 жыл бұрын
Hi James, great intro on bus industry which often overlooked and never get recognitions for this line of work. Bus industry is not glamorous and not for everyone. There's so many variables when driving heavy vehicles and carrying passengers such road objects e.g. trees, light poles and road barriers, pedestrian and other motorists and trucks. Plus, you have drive in a safe manner so the passengers feel safe and secure in their seats. Then there's issue of employment and depending on each individual capable of doing their work.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Victor!
@YesterchipsMIG2 жыл бұрын
It is always a pleasure to watch your videos. I have two retired full-time bus drivers in the neighborhood (Germany here) and both have done line-service in their active careers mostly. This means regional transfers within a radius of approx. 100 km. We never talked about salary (it's just not common in Germany), but both built nice houses and started families with two or more children. So her salary was certainly not bad. Both return to their old jobs quite often for scheduled services or charter trips. They say, they do it just for fun and that they miss driving around in "their" Setra's. As far as I can tell: happy men :)
@Brazil24k Жыл бұрын
I am a class B driver I recently just got hired with a motorcoach company training is $31 an hour after you receive your own route you are paid $37 an hour. I am in San Bruno California that is next to San Francisco.🎉🎉🎉
@MotorcoachWorld Жыл бұрын
Congratulations! I hope you love your job
@hmmmm7982 ай бұрын
What company are you driving for?
@jameswilliams94163 жыл бұрын
Great job James thanks 🙏🏽 I was just like you 30 years ago and still Love Motor Coach life.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hey Thanks James! Love your name too by the way! LOL. Always love meeting a fellow bus nut! Keep on bussing my friend! Stay safe!
@troygates57233 жыл бұрын
I always wanted to drive motor coach sense the age of 5. I would take my mother shopping cart turn it on its side with one of the wheels as my steering wheel , and have my brothers and sister sit on our couch and they will be my passengers lol.
@andyfashant46773 жыл бұрын
Great channel and content! From one Bus Nut to Another!
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Andy! Always glad to meet a fellow bus nut! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
@jeffherdzina67163 жыл бұрын
Being a line driver and a charter driver, Both have good and bad days. Charter driver, I made far more in tips, Doing trips like the Kentucky derby, Major sporting event (NASCAR, NHL, NFL,MLB, NBA.) in and around Chicago. and even out of state games. Concerts, Rolling Stones and Metallica come to mind. The funnest group are any Senior group going to a horse race track. Who wanna help bet your money. LOL And any request (return) groups. I was always busy with return groups. Being a line driver.....OMG ! Once they were gone, they were gone! Had some weird ones on Greyhound. Met some really cool people as well.
@alblua3 жыл бұрын
Such a theoretically simple topic, but so much depth still to it! Great video as always :D
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Albert! Really appreciate it!
@markmanz88973 жыл бұрын
Always great explanations, and I'm not just saying that because my picture was at the beginning of the video. For people who are aware - MC9's, and 8's and 7's, there was a "button" beneath the center of the windshield that you could press and open the door. I was on a charter in high school - from Milwaukee to DC. At one point, everyone was antsy to get on the bus, and i mentioned to our driver that i knew i could push the button, but i didn't have permission to do so. He got the biggest smile ever, and said, " If there isn't a padlock on it, go ahead and let them in." That's when i asked him why the bus company bought an MC9 with a Jersey Cap. His Smile got even bigger.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Lol thanks Mark!
@usatourpros3 жыл бұрын
Your research and attention to detail in your videos are very impressive. Now, the Motorcoach Industry needs a few lobbyists in DC with some pull. Our Motorcoach Operators are afterthoughts for the average politician until they are campaigning or need to score political points for finding some coaches to move the National Guard. Keep illuminating the industry, you have created a nice platform to inform 👍🏻
@mls5153 жыл бұрын
Somehow the industry had the political pull to keep the old hours of service regs for drivers when the rules were changed/modernized for truck drivers back in the early 2000's.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your kind words. This gives me the drive to do what I do. Thanks for taking the time to write to me!
@RickRoood2 жыл бұрын
Very informative. I may actually begin training to a motorcoach company. Currently leaving NY post pandemic so getting my CDL seams like the best way for me to provide for my family. You earned a sub from me bud
@buss80093 жыл бұрын
In Norway, you get the same hourly pay as a city bus driver, a school bus driver ( And they both drive with the same buses and the same company in that city/town), and also if you drive an express route. You only get a tip if you drive a tour bus (Motorcoach) And people from Japan or the USA are the those giving the most. Me as a bus driver in the city, I make 212 Norwegian krone's About 26,5 US dollars. (2019) We get a union-negotiated raise/increase pay every year. You need to be hired for at least 9 years to get to top hourly pay. A full-time job is 7,5 hours a day, 163 hours per month, or about 1950 hours in a year. After "office" hours, (evenings) we get 25% extra, 50% on weekends (Saturday and Sunday,) and 100% (double pay) if we work overtime. We do get 5 weeks of paid holiday/vacation every year from the very first year you get hired. If you are above 62, you get 1 extra week. Personally, I drive both school and ordinary routes on my shift, and I have the same shift every day. But, it is a split shift, and I get as compensation for that, paid a little more than one hour extra pay per shift/day. Many drivers have different shifts in a week and drive on a rotation that can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 6 weeks rotation with different shifts. I on the other hand have two hours more than I'm "supposed" to have every day, (11-hour total with split) but that's so I can have free whenever schools do. 8 weeks in summer, usually starts around June 20., and I have one week off in autumn, 1 week and sometimes a few days around Christmas, 1 week in the winter, and one week and a day or so at easter. And a day like 1. May if it's not on the weekend, and our national day 17. Mai and a couple of days here and there. In one year, you have a pay everything from about 50.000 68.750 US dollars depending on your rotation, and what type of extra % you have each day. When you think about that you can not close your eyes for just 3 seconds, and the responsibility you have as a driver, not having a "co-pilot" if something goes wrong, the pay is very bad. Norway is expensive! Stay safe, your bus friend from Norway. ( I do apologize for misprints. English isn't my language)
@usatourpros3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the details, fascinating to see a different country’s approach.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Love reading your posts B Noname! Much Appreciated! I love knowing more about drivers in other parts. I've visited Finland but never Norway! Would love to one day!
@DellAnderson2 жыл бұрын
It is sometimes hard to compare internationally however due to wide differences in other perks like health insurance costs or taxes.
@BigBones21093 жыл бұрын
Hi James! I have the same passion as you do only for trucks! Ever since I saw my grandpa stop home with his tractor trailer for lunch I've known I was going to be a truck driver.
@tangyorange65092 жыл бұрын
Feel asleep to your videos last night. Needed something interesting enough to distract my mind but something I know nothing about so I can’t question any of your statements. Love your stuff man
@davidiangould3 жыл бұрын
hi - just found your channel today - i was a line driver for 8 years on buses - which we would call "service". Buses were you follow a route and people can hop on and off. I drove single, double deck and bendi (articulated ) buses. Then i moved over to charter coach driving. We just call that a coach driver here - all in i have been doing it for about 12 years. It seems much the same where you are from. I do want to move over to the USA at some point. I live in Glasgow Scotland UK. I dont think i will get into the USA with coach driving but i do work for a fiber cable company now. have been doing that for some years. so never know . great channel
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hi David. Thank you for taking the time to write a comment. I love hearing from drivers from other parts of the world. Love the insight. Never say never. You may end up here one day driving a coach. I would hire you!
@davidiangould3 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld i always visit my "family" in Indianapolis quite often. they said they would help me to come over. I am also a Funeral Operative . so maybe a embalming course to qualify me . who knows. but i would never rule driving buses/coaches out. I love the USA . totally - love your chinese backgound also. i would love to visit hong kong some time
@christianleal42293 жыл бұрын
I worked for a limousine/ charter bus company in California wine country. We were generally paid a base hourly wage, no less than minimum wage plus received a built in gratuity of 15-20% of the hourly rate of the vehicle. On average you were earning $20+/hr. For school trips it was a fixed $18/hr. Occasionally you were tipped more by the passengers. For tours and charters the hourly rate the vehicle went for governed your pay rate.
@JDnBeastlet3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the in-depth information. I agree - it's not a route to quick riches. My impression is that (A) you work REALLY hard for the money, and (B) the most successful drivers will be the ones who love what they do and communicate that positively to their passengers.
@NBHank3 жыл бұрын
Hey J, your vids are awesome! You really have a great manner, which I hope translates to lots of tips on the road. I have been curious about the coach industry but disappointed to learn a couple of years ago about the abysmal pay of a local operator - not a lot over min wage. I guess he's not alone. I have been a so-called pro driver for years and always assumed human cargo in a tour or school bus was much more valuable and harder to manage than 30 tons of paper, pigs, or peat moss and hence paid much better. Guess I was wrong ;-) I ALMOST went across the country last feb to buy a bus for the local cruise ship business as I love showing off my area. Being delayed somewhat was a real blessing as our cruise season was cancelled last summer AND this year as well. Dodged a bullet! Anyway, let me say again your vids are informative, well planned, and with a great presenter to boot. Maybe you missed your calling. Stay safe and shiny side up.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hi Al! Thank you for your kind words. Really appreciate it. Yeah pay needs to go up a bit in the industry. Its been an especially tough year due to this pandemic. Thank you for your comment. Stay tuned for more!
@berylwhite29833 жыл бұрын
You did a great job! I used to take the bus line that you're talking about to go gambling. That stopped in 2020 maybe again soon my retirement hasn't stopped yet. It'll restart. And yes please tip your driver they treat you very well especially as you get older!
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Beryl White. Do you live near Urbana IL?
@berylwhite29833 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld how'd you guess LOL it's generally the Illini swallow but we have got the Peoria coaches. And if you go a little further south we Turner coaches. I'm sure we've taken several day trips with your company. And I know multiple day trips with you at least three times. All of those have been super.
@johnp1393 жыл бұрын
Perfect! Thank you!
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks John! Appreciate the comment! Means a lot!
@_Jin_Kim_3 жыл бұрын
I enjoy your videos. Very informative!
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jin! Appreciate that man!
@jasonminier67823 жыл бұрын
Such great information, and your presentation is stellar.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Jason! Really appreciate the kind words
@traveladventureswithcindy28873 жыл бұрын
A good overview of this industry!!
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Cindy! Much appreciated!
@JoeClarkCinema3 жыл бұрын
In the Seattle area. I work my buns off driving motorcoach. We average, with tips and overtime $50-70k a year. More if you're a great driver like myself and says "YES!" to any hours he can get. I am also of the opinion that motorcoach operators are severely underpaid industry wide and under-represented in the US. 😁
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Yes agreed! Thanks for your comment!
@stevedavenport12023 жыл бұрын
Which company do you work your buns off for?
@areguapiri3 жыл бұрын
Stop begging for "tips". Customers should not have to tip.
@Truckeractivityy3 жыл бұрын
@@areguapiri on charters they do and they usually put a tip in the fee. Just don't ride the bus.
@synesthesia002 жыл бұрын
You get overtime? My company does not pay overtime due to some obscure federal law regarding transportation. I have read the law multiple times and it is pretty obscure. We have set routes in state and never cross over state lines. 13-14 hour shifts. And because traffic is such an issue I rarely get more than a 15 to 20 minute break.
@cleenlivin3 жыл бұрын
I just found your videos and find them very informative and interesting. It is surprising the pay is not higher when you consider the responsibility to passengers and for the coach operators equipment. I hope some companies offer good benefits though.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment. Its like that for the entire transportation industry.
@grasscutter1963 Жыл бұрын
I was thinking about that meal allowance, wouldn’t it be easier to just give the drivers a debit card of some kind and the company could just keep putting money on it.
@terrymilburne951 Жыл бұрын
Great video 😊
@PWN_Nation3 жыл бұрын
While there is a ton of responsibility and headache that goes along with being a driver, there is something to be said for a job where the freight walks on and off by itself...😆
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
The passengers may walk off by them selves but their luggage does not not. And there are no pallet jacks or dolly's to move the luggage on or off either. All by hand. On top of that, the passengers are capible of judging and complaining. There are trade offs to both.
@brewmasuisui2216 Жыл бұрын
Pre covid in Hawaii that sounds about right add in the cost of living here we have to live on OT and Tips.
@coover653 жыл бұрын
What a really informative video! I was thinking of doing part time work as a coach driver when I retire (in my profession retirement at 65 is mandatory here in Australia).
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hi Coover. That is interesting to know. There is no mandatory retirement here for Motor Coach drivers. Thanks for your comment!
@buffalobill55262 жыл бұрын
the good oh boy system i see. ive talked to a few of your drivers at Ohare and ive been told about your company.
@captain.john.3 жыл бұрын
Another great video James! Are you still uploading on your other channel?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hey Trucker John. Yes I am. Im sorry its been a while I know. I have not been doing any trips and trying to give everything to my drivers so Im not taking food off the table for them. I should be doing a trip next week in which i will vlog.
@pelgrin213 жыл бұрын
As a truck driver for 24 years its sounds lot of fun when you layover you sleep on a hotel room and not in you truck paid meals but the pay is very little.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Commercial drivers in general are under paid and under appreciated by this country and society.
@rogereugene64632 жыл бұрын
You are my big fan I like watching you
@MotorcoachWorld2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Roger. Appreciate the comment!
@MrMsanders1232 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy your channel, thank you so much for the videos. Do coach bus drivers for long distance routes often get to stay in hotels?
@MotorcoachWorld2 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt. Thanks for your kind words. Yes we stay in hotels all the time for long trips. The company pays for the rooms. It's usually built into the cost of chartering a bus.
@adamfischer67683 жыл бұрын
Some great information! Can you touch upon whether relief drivers are paid for their time while traveling in the company van to relieve another driver on long distance charters?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hi Adam! Absolutely. Our relief drivers get paid regular hourly rates when in vans going to switch out points. They make the same driving vans or buses. Great question and thank you!
@raygrinders39182 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld And those fees are charged to the customer, right?
@OldBiker543 жыл бұрын
One Million Mile Driver here .National Safety Council Awarded.Retired PPBL
@12review963 жыл бұрын
All those precovid faces waddling to the bus, never knew I could miss it.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Good to see your comments on here! Appreciate it! Hope you are well!
@hehehe_68743 жыл бұрын
A bit off topic but you seem like the right person to ask this. What happens if a driver for Megabus or Greyhound starts feeling tired/sleepy mid-trip, to the point where they need a nap? How would that work since the schedule will now be in jeopardy? This is also considering that the driver had sufficient off-duty time but for whatever reason, still feels sleepy mid-trip. (Perhaps had a bad night of sleep) In the trucking industry, we have bunks that would allow us to take a nap mid-trip, should the need arise. But I’m assuming it’s not the same for Coach bus drivers.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
In the company I work in, I tell all my drivers that in the interest of safety, even if you are late, you are still on time. I encourage them not to be afraid to pull over and get out of the bus to do some jumping jacks or stretches if they feel woozy. Professional drivers should never feel the pressure where they will get in trouble if they have to stop and wake up a bit. Even if the group complains about it, Management will never punish the driver. Great question by the way! Thank yoU!
@hehehe_68743 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld I appreciate your reply. But if the driver feels tired enough to where he needs a nap, what would happen? Would they stop at a hotel?
@raygrinders39182 жыл бұрын
@@hehehe_6874 If this came up more than once that driver would probably never again get long trips, and he already screwed up by attempting one. If a nap is needed and a trip greatly delayed, the owner would probably find a replacement driver somewhere in the area. When I drove for Megabus they sometimes had two drivers onboard.
@hehehe_68742 жыл бұрын
@@raygrinders3918 appreciate the reply 👍
@anthonybyrne71213 жыл бұрын
Tipping is not common here in Australia where I drive a bus.
@mls5153 жыл бұрын
I left the industry in 2005. I never made it high enough on the totem pole to be put to work reliably. I was always part time and the work was very seasonal. If I had actually been tipped $1/person per day I may still be driving. At the time I left I figured I was lucky to get much more than $100 to $120 per day. Some of those days were long and fatiguing, with unpaid downtime in the middle that weren't counted as duty hours even though you weren't getting rest. My best job was my last, I worked for a limo company that also had 1 motorcoach and a few mini-buses. They paid by the hour so I was at least fairly compensated for the time spent at work versus being paid solely by the mile, and if the coach wasn't booked there was nothing wrong with grabbing a sedan and doing a few airport runs to bring in extra income. I sure did enjoy and do miss the best of the charters and tours with great groups.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I hear you. In some companies its hard to move up. I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience. I appreciate you taking the time to write!
@mls5153 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld Not a bad experience, just not good enough to continue. One night, not far from your home base, I came to a determination to do something different with my life. I had a hockey club at the ice arena in Danville on one of those long days that finish after 3am. I packed a sleeping bag hoping to catch a nap during the game before facing the 4+ hour drive home to Iowa. As circadian rhythms go, the nap never came and at some point I thought to myself, "I have a college degree. Why am I sleeping on the floor of a bus in Danville, Illinois?"
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
@@mls515 😆 lol I can totally understand!!! That was a great story. Yes you were very close that day to me.
@mls5153 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld One other time I had the same club out there late in the hockey season. Thankfully they hotel-ed it since it was a multi game playoff series and even better they decided to stay in Champaign instead of Danville. On that trip I stopped into Illini-Swallow Lines' garage to dump the lav. I guess they're long gone.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
@@mls515 yeah they closed down long time ago.
@wernerdanler27423 жыл бұрын
I always wondered what coach drivers made. I remember even inquiring about a job once in the early nineties. I don't remember the proposed pay setting a fire under me to go for the job. When you think about it it really is not well enough paid for the responsibility involved.
@Flamindaemon893 жыл бұрын
In America the pay is quite low - in Australia you can easily make $55k USD per year as a metro driver, more if you do overtime regularly
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Some parts pay lower than others. Most motorcoach operators make a comfortable living prior to COVID
@westerlywinds56842 жыл бұрын
The cost of living is very high in Australia. You will need the $55k to survive on.
@brewmasuisui22163 жыл бұрын
Not surprised we are the worst paid. My company seniority plays a big roll in Tour work us charter guys usually make our hours busy season lots of OT. And if your a dependable worker dispatch will reward you with good bus and when available special assignments. And yes tips makes a big difference for our tour drivers. A good tour driver will make more from tips then their pay.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
The US does not hold high regards to us coach operators. Its sad really. Considering all the responsibility we have we should be making more.
@grasscutter1963 Жыл бұрын
James, your videos, that I’ve just stumbled on are such great help. A wealth of information 👍. I’m going to be a newbie very soon. I have a lot of questions. Should I worry about getting sued God forbid I have an accident? Or does the insurance from the company cover me?
@DMSparky3 жыл бұрын
Man that’s a lot of work and responsibility for $12 an hour (at the low end). I’d say drivers deserve at least $25USD an hour. I’d imagine there is a lot of skill, responsibility and pressure put in the driver, $12 is honestly insulting. Makes me a bit more thankful for the job I do have. I’m an electrician but I hate it hahah.
@Truckeractivityy3 жыл бұрын
Depends on the company my job pays over 25.00
@PennilessPolitics3 жыл бұрын
This is the #BEST KZbin ever! 3 years old. Me too. Actually, I took the Civil Service test in NYC. I passed the test right at the time NYC was bankrupt. So like millions of White folks from New York, I moved to Florida. I wanted to be a Motorman on the Subway but wound up driving city buses and charted coaches for over a half century. ~~~~~~~ You are correct. Grabbing overtime is required to claim slightly higher paychecks but the destinations and venues visited were much more exiting. I got to meet Leonard Bernstein in Wolftrap. Bobby Hebb in concert and other celebrities. ~~~~~~~~~~ Free food. When you drive s charter. you get meals comped at the restaurant your group eats at. Everywhere from the buffets at casinos to the Delaware House in the middle of the Northeast Corridor. ~~~~~~~~~ Sometimes, if you're good, your tips on a charter can easily be greater that your pay. I got stuck in a blizzard upstate NY and was FIVE HOURS late returning to Brooklyn NY. The passengers pass a paper bag around like a church collection plate to collect the tip for the driver. Standing at the door helping the last passenger to "watch your step," I gratiously accepted the paper bag. I stuffed the bag into my coat pocket and dumped the contents on the kitchen table when I got home. I had gotten off the NYS Thruway to travel on secondary state roads for safety's sake. I wound up driving through downtown Siracuse. There were no tire tracks or footprints on the freshly fallen snow. The scene was spectacular. The Christmas decorations on the storefronts were even more bedazzling as reflections against the unmolested fallen Snow. ~~~~~ There was $148 and some change on the kitchen table. Almost twice what my pay was for the two day charter. The tour guide ( I met the same guide on another job for BISS Tours) said the passengers thought I detoured from the Thruway so they could see the extraordinary Christ display. Nope! Hadn't a clue we'd see those lights! On one trip with three coaches, someone forgot the drivers' sleeping arrangements. We thought we were deadheading back to the garage when the customer said he wanted the buses to remain at the hotel with the group for the pre-dawn departure. The hotel was booked full. There was a roadside motel down the road, we told the group's representative. "NO" she said. "You're staying here." We three drivers wound up sharing the Honeymoon Suite. I spent two hours in the Jacuzzi Bathtub! ~~~~~~~ No I am not rich and I'm too sick to hold a CDL but I'm still looking out for my passengers in cyberspace. Get your seats online at Facebook.com/groups/PatriotsParticipate or at VOTUS.us ~~~~~~ Happy Motoring!
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to write this. I enjoyed reading it.
@rawel43002 жыл бұрын
They pay 275-300 a day where I’m at
@sleepythespian14553 жыл бұрын
7:40 Not when my English teacher did it. She successfully shoved her 46’ bus into a McDonald’s drive-thru, and the bus came out fully intact.
@raygrinders39182 жыл бұрын
James made a video on this! (Under "J Wang".)
@DellAnderson2 жыл бұрын
As a former occasional traveler pre-Covid, I had no idea that tipping a professional driver was expected. But I also had no idea how little drivers and airline pilots for that matter make these days. It's almost as though inflation has driven up costs on everything but not wages. Back to tipping: I hate it. Putting this expectation in writing before booking might make it more tolerable. But if the company thinks that the driver needs a certain compensation for the job, it would be better if they include that in the charter estimate. Tipping drivers for good driving or pleasant personality as though they are wait staff seems a tad demeaning and almost insulting. Giving someone $3 extra for getting a human being there alive safely is both redundant and seems illogical. Could they do less? Isn't safe driving and courtesy part of being a professional? Do you tip your doctor, dentist, nurse, and pharmacist? Do you tip your plumber, supermarket clerk, and postal clerk? How about the airline reservation staff or flight stewards? Do you tip the pilot? What about the staff at Disneyland? Must be a cultural thing, but I would hope that bus drivers could be compensated more professionally and fairly up front. They deserve much better than porters and bell boys for the difficult job they are doing. The whole travel industry seems to be organized around these little pay-for-niceness traditions and it just feels wrong - like little paper cuts where people on vacation are constantly reminded of the importance of money. Maybe that was why Club Med includes tips in the cost of the vacation. And let's not talk about those leased white "Ghost Bus" charters that hire sketchy drivers, skimp on maintenance, and save terminal expenses by doing pickups on the side walks. And have 7x's the rate of vehicle collisions as bigger charters.
@MotorcoachWorld2 жыл бұрын
Very true. The US has very low regard for service based industries. From bus drivers to cashiers to weight staff to janitors and even teachers. They are all kind of treated very poorly
@老马识途-m2d3 жыл бұрын
Our coach drivers made only UI last year and this year would almost be the same.
@merrittvillekid3 жыл бұрын
I did a 3 day trip back in 2012 it was a travel agency from london ontario to geneseo new york for hiking in a state park. I picked them up from different hiking points and shuttled food and water and ended up with a 600 dollar tip the best tip I ever got driving buses to this date
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
That is a good tip Brian! You are probably a good driver! Would love have you over here driving for us! maybe some day! LOL
@merrittvillekid3 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld I will apply someday
@turtle19dad2 жыл бұрын
I drive city bus. Not gonna lie. Motorcoach has intrigued me. I live in CA.
@robertgoss48423 жыл бұрын
You are very good presenter. Did you have professional training? Also, very interesting videos.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks for the kind words. Appreciate you taking the time to write to me. No I didn't have any kind of training. Just started talking to a camera one day wondering if this channel would get any interests... I guess it did lol
@raygrinders39182 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld Teleprompter?
@MotorcoachWorld2 жыл бұрын
@@raygrinders3918 Yes I started to use a Teleprompter after my 4th video. I realized that a typed out script allowed me to keep the topic more organized.
@robin_miller_music3 жыл бұрын
Thought I'd add some UK numbers to this... get ready... We've just had a pay rise and our standard charter work pay rate is now £10.75 per hour ($14.80) in August 2021. And remember the cost of living here in the UK is generallyy higher than the US. Yep, we're badly paid...
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hey Robin. Thanks man. I love reading about our industry from other countries! Appreciate the post
@FriedShrimpPoBoy6 ай бұрын
What about perks? For instance if you’re taking fans or a team to a ballgame are you comped with a hotel room and sideline passes? Also, unrelated but I’m a trucker for 27 years and I am amazed at how many motorcoach drivers speed and tailgate.
@hernandoarce5804 Жыл бұрын
Nice video. I work in San Antonio Tx & my limo company is shifting to more coach bus business. The owner just bought 4 MCI buses from Illinois. I m starting to learn how to drive them. Any tips would be appreciated 😊
@jballard32533 жыл бұрын
I know some companies only pay for "live" (with passengers) hours/miles. Example -> from the yard to the pick-up point (in congested downtown traffic) is 20 miles but takes 1.5 hours to arrive. At the end of the trip the mileage & driving time to the yard is the same. Does your company and/or most other carriers pay for that time & what method? Also, in the unlikely event of a breakdown, how is a driver paid for "sitting"? I ask these questions because I've seen it handled in different ways. Some places pay "deadhead" miles/time but on a different scale then "live" miles/time OR not at all (paid only when passengers are on the bus). Also breakdowns are paid differently (similar to above) OR not at all. I've personally seen drivers abandon empty broken down buses because of "no pay" status.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Yes this is a great quesiton. Our drivers are paid from the time they show up to the garage to the time they get back.
@stevedavenport12023 жыл бұрын
At MTR Seattle, when I left in March of 2020, the hourly rate was $20.50/hour. During peak season they would rack up serious OT pay and tips. Our better driver were making in the high 70ks per year. The way to stay busy during the winter was to. take those ski trips up to the passes.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment and info Steve! That is really awesome! We need to get together some day and have lunch. Let me know next time you are in Chicago!
@bazabal13 жыл бұрын
Coach operators don’t get paid enough to put up with all those passengers. That’s fact.
@a-totally-random-person3 жыл бұрын
This job requires a professional license with a great amount of responsibility. You can make more at Amazon in a lot of places.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment! Yes you can but Its more fun to drive a coach bus
@a-totally-random-person3 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld We agree on that.
@pelgrin213 жыл бұрын
If you don't need the money I suppose,but I don't drive for fun.
@pixelhand9421 Жыл бұрын
Amazon kills us and our dsp don't even provide actual amazon vehicles. Get stuck driving broken down garbage a third of the time. Im actually looking to get into a paid training bus program. At least I won't have to eat like an athlete or suffer bad consequences.
@blackcruze13793 жыл бұрын
next week we’re getting a raise from 25.40 an hour to 26.50 an hour😃
@thearsenalmisfit24143 жыл бұрын
Every company I have worked for in Canada would have fired me if I let the passengers load thier luggage, Even if I offered to help them do it. The only time it was permissible to let them do it was if there were special items that need to be loaded a certain way. Something a concert band where the have a lot of lot of big items. Even then We are to make it clear that we are in charge.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
During COVID we are not allowed to touch passengers luggage. before COVID we assigned drivers luggage handlers when passenger volume is high
@randykroells80493 жыл бұрын
Our tour bus driver got a $300 tip for a 4 day run.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Not too shabby!
@mastersingleton3 жыл бұрын
I hope that Motor Coach Operators globally can survive the global travel restrictions and reduced demand for Motor Coaches due to decreased overall demand for Motor Coach Charters.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Agreed! Thank you for your positive wishes. Appreciate the comment
@carvellaustiniii33793 жыл бұрын
Hello there! I’m 23 and im currently a school bus driver driver and I think I want to try something new! Would you say this would be something I could do still being in college?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Absolutely. I drove only on Friday evenings and Sundays and used Saturdays to study. I did this my entire college career even my masters. Go for it!
@carvellaustiniii33793 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld Thanks for the reply! Definitely something to think about
@actemple32823 жыл бұрын
I started out a 1986 truck driver I came to buses and 2000 I totally love buses all the tourist I made you some money doing this not as much as I made driving truck but I love my job I wouldn't give it up or anyting
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Adam! Thanks for writing. Love reading your comments.
@Stupidboi1 Жыл бұрын
The food is everything. I love food! LOL
@vinsonfamilycollectibles82132 жыл бұрын
Wow dude, you explained tips and pay sooooo well. Been driving 20+ years and I really dont want to meet you because we would have war stories like craaaazzzzzy! I see most companies are different as are many charters. I would NEVER ask for a tip...Tacky...Also one must factor in the restaurants, games, concerts, and other events we are invited into, the hotels we stay in when our "work" for the day is drop in the am and P/U tonight. We meet fantastic people, many more than the occasional jerks. Good and bad with all jobs, but gimme the highway.
@wswinc6133 жыл бұрын
Just curious.if you did a job with no tip do you ask the dispatch not to send you that group again?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Good question. No. Our drivers are trained not to expect tips. It's not mandatory for our customers to tip our drivers. But appreciated if they do. Our drivers are expected to give the same service with or without tip.
@straightpipediesel3 жыл бұрын
How often do drivers get a free meal when they take their group somewhere? I've also heard that if the trip is catered with box lunches or there's something like a wedding buffet, the driver is usually offered the extras.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Usually fast food chains will offer our drivers free lunches if we bring groups. Otherwise, we provide our drivers meal allowances.
@johnwright37103 жыл бұрын
James, We pay a Per Diem for drivers that is about $50.00 per day.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Nice. That's decent!
@johnwright37103 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld I'm sure to a foodie such as yourself it would not be near enough! LOL!
@Tiedye63362 жыл бұрын
Could someone get pay hourly one trip and get get paid by the miles on the next trip during the same week?
@khalilreid41992 жыл бұрын
YOU HAVE SUCH A COOL PEERSONALITY
@MotorcoachWorld2 жыл бұрын
Well thank you Kahlil.. appreciate the kind words.
@nimrod2753 жыл бұрын
👍👍👍Thanks for the video. What is the average hours per week do part time vs full time and what are the slow months? Ive never rode in a charter buy if I do I will definitely tip the driver. 🇺🇸
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
So for part timers it depends on the time of the year. Some weeks they have 0 hours. Some weeks they work just as much as a full timer. For Full timers the can expect 11 to 15 hour days for up to 4 days I think. Then they have to have a day off because they can only work up to 70 hours a week.
@wagnerbill3 жыл бұрын
Drivers in our area are underpaid, companies do not compensate based on the responsibility the drivers have. Most drivers are retired from other jobs, so they can get away with it. The fringe benefits are few. Tips are seldom received because the majority of our work is "kid trips", such as high school or college day trips where tips are nonexistent. All companies say that they are short drivers, I wonder why... (sarcasm). The other frustration is that out company pays the same for a trip whether you've worked for them 20 years or 1 year. It might be a job that is OK for a single person, but you wouldn't be able to raise a family on your income.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Yes you are right. I do feel like the transportation industry as a whole, Including pilots too should be given higher regards!
@wagnerbill3 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld, the charter companies are in a very competitive industry. The companies undercut each other to get business. The charter companies have no control over equipment costs, fuel costs, insurance costs, etc. One area where they do have control is wages. Hence, wages are depressed and will stay that way.
@jarrellbabb13443 жыл бұрын
Normally I got about $2.00 per passenger on vacation charter.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Very Nice! Where are you out of?
@jonathanc27733 жыл бұрын
I have a class a cdl.I am getting a job has a motor coach operator.What is the cdl passenger skill test maneuvers can you make a video of it.Thankyou very much.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Hey best of luck my friend! Getting a P endorsement is just a test on a computer. At least in Illinois it is. Yes I will definitely do a video on what you need to become a CDL driver in the US.
@sandrahinde337211 ай бұрын
was noticing the placement of the cell phone in the window....wouldn't that be an obstruction to the view in that spot? why not off to the side so its not in the path of the view?
@MotorcoachWorld11 ай бұрын
In the end its about safety. I guess it could be considered a obstruction, but my logic is, if I have to look at my GPS, I'd rather turn my eyes slightly down and to the left rather than completely off the road to look off to the side. If you think about it, Modern day cars have Heads up displays that shines the graphic on the lower side of the drivers window instead of having the driver look down at the dash. Same concept.
@grayson7712 Жыл бұрын
just out of curiosity which have the highest pay salary grehound or a charter company?
@synesthesia002 жыл бұрын
Got a question about this industry. I work for a company that does not pay overtime. 99 percent of the drivers drive locally 12-13 hrs. a day 4-5 days a week. Only a select few drivers do charters and cross state lines. The company though puts us all under an umbrella as over the road drivers. Is this complete BS?
@Andrew-qx6wj3 жыл бұрын
Would you ever refuse a charter based on ethical reasons for the group being transported?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Thats a good question... its also a loaded one... Can you elaborate on what you mean by ethical? I mean If I was aware that the group was on their way to do something illegal I would probably question it.... other than that I stay out of their business no matter what they stood for or on their way to do.... They paid, I'm going to be the best driver I can be for them....
@Andrew-qx6wj3 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld Sorry I didnt intend it to be loaded! Just curious - like extreme example but say you turned up and people had signs with hate speech on, would you be like, charter cancelled?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
@@Andrew-qx6wj I've driven many groups that had agendas that I personally did not agree with. If my passengers are bringing signs or banners, Whether or not I agree or disagree with it, I make sure that its not displayed with the bus so that the company does not get associated with what ever the groups agenda or message is about. So long as they are not doing anything illegal on my coach and they pay, I will provide them service.
@joshuahill61533 жыл бұрын
What education would you recommend to succeed in Coach Operation?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
I got my Masters in business and administration. It opens a lot of doors.
@joshuahill61533 жыл бұрын
Would commerce be of any use?
@troygates57233 жыл бұрын
I started driving motor coach when I was 24 for a small owner operator in 1989 making 75 to 110 a day finished my driving career making 135 to 155 a day in 1999. I drive all types of motor coaches for small medium and large fleet owners.Drove motor coach for one company that had what we call at the time entertainment coach. The biggest tour I was on ,was the U2 Achtug Baby tour in 1991. New York , Philadelphia, Connecticut, Boston. I was on the video shoot for the song ONE. Traveling in a plush out T815 Van Hool the on that had two doors and the sub floor water closet.European for bathroom. Great times in the late 80’s and 90’s I will comment on others great entertainers at another time. Safe motoring 🚌🚍
@MrCgs606493 жыл бұрын
We don't make enough.
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
Amen to that!
@theboyscout01563 жыл бұрын
Can you do a video on the oldest surviving busses?
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
I will definitely add it to my list
@theboyscout01563 жыл бұрын
@@MotorcoachWorld yay, I didn’t know if you still checked the comment on the older video so I put it on the newer one to be safe
@MotorcoachWorld3 жыл бұрын
@@theboyscout0156 thanks for the kind words. I try very hard to read and respond to all of my comments. That will get harder as my comments become more and more. My email is jwang@peoriacharter.com. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or requests. Thanks 👍
@michellec.49942 жыл бұрын
No enough!!!
@chickenandwaffles092 жыл бұрын
What about driving w your knee ?
@Deesaigh2 жыл бұрын
I get $28 per hour for mini coach 57 pax bus and $30 per hour for motor coach driving local in Chicago.and forget about tips, people ride like its city bus no one tips. I’ll tell them to pickup their trash on the way out otherwise the company will charge 250 dollars for cleaning.😂😂