Had this happen with an Eagle 10 back in the day (the early 80s). Ran out of fuel (somebody siphoned off the fuel as it was parked in the motel's back lot). As a stroke of luck, we were only an eighth of a mile from a little stop on the side of the Wyoming highway that sold fuel. Passengers pushed it up to the fuel pump, we fueled up, and were on our way. Passengers considered it an adventure (thank goodness).
In PR we know that a bad situation can be controlled and actually get you accolades instead of tantrums. When a bus breaks down on the road the first thing that should be done is getting another bus out there immediately not trying to fix it first. Then you can try troubleshooting to see if you can get the bus going again. If it restarts then you can cancel the rescue bus but you want passengers on side of the road for a little time as possible. The bus company should realize that if a breakdown has caused passengers to miss flights and incur additional expenses they need to be ready to eat those costs. When a bus is booked the person should be informed of the company's trip interruption policy that states how the group will be compensated. Most importantly a breakdown needs to be planned for. Bus companies should work together like airlines so they have the ability to rebook passengers on other company buses if necessary and be allowed to take their bus to the companies shop for repairs and there should be a flat rate that everybody agrees to pay. Also even during busy times there should always be a bus and driver on standby in case a bus breaks down, not just for your buses but also for other bus companies. Passengers will be mad, yes without a doubt. But if the rescue bus pulls up within a reasonable amount of time with coolers full of sodas and waters and snack bag on every seat with a company t-shirt, it won't be as bad. People like free stuff and food always calms people down. With that said there will always be some people that you can't please and you just ignore them but do right by them.
I was getting on the bus to go home from school and the bus's rear door wont close, so they had to turn it off and wait for a mechanic bus (that I saw on the way home in my trusty Territory) it happened on black friday, so after the school route, there would be a lot of angry shoppers.
My best breakdown story was in the Phillippines where the bus ran off the road in a mud slide. The locals helped get the bus back on the road and changed the blown tire for him. This was during a typhoon so a memorable experiance for me. They carry a relief driver so you have same 2 drivers on the bus the entire trip. Mine ended up being a 30 hour trip because of the typhoon. Normaly 21 hours. This happened about 12 years ago.
I suffered my first road failure before I was even hired by my first motorcoach carrier in 2008 (I was a school bus driver since 2006). I was taking a road test with the owner of the company in an MCI 1988 C102 with a Detroit 6V92. On our way back to the garage, I was climbing a long step hill on the interstate. I just passed the rest area before the exit we needed to get to, and the engine blew up, blowing all the coolant out. After pulling to the shoulder, Ira (God rest his soul) pulled me from the seat and rolled the bus back into the rest area. My road test ended with the bus being towed, and me riding back to the garage in the tow truck sitting on a 5 gallon bucket between the tow driver and Ira. I sheepishly asked if I passed the test, and got the job. He assured me it was nothing I did, and said I had the job. I would only work for him for 3 years, and I would suffer from numerous other breakdowns since then. Here I am almost 15 years later, and Ira's chance on me, has led to a successful career that saw me recently not only training future coach driver's, but also attaining status as a NYS Article 19-A Certified Examiner. The key to any breakdown is to secure the safety of yourself, passengers and vehicle. Communicate with your management, and coordinate response. Finally be transparent with your passengers. Doing all of that will alleviate much of the stress, and possibly retain future business from your clients.
Another excellent video, James. Regrettably, I have had my share of these in my 10 pax vans and mini busses. At my former company, when a bus broke down 600 miles away from our yard, it was all hands in deck with the entire management team in the conference room.
The 3 mechanical failures you listed all have happened to me. Not fun at all. Your advise about not losing your cool in front of the passengers is spot on. I never lied to my passengers and also tried to keep it 'light'. My go to was humor and that usually helped keep the stress level manageable. I've also been the one to rescue another bus. One of the best was when the driver was my Husband. That was, umm, interesting to say the least. We still get asked about that and it's a real fun story when we get to tell it together.
As a former school bus driver, I had a few breakdowns. One time the accelerator cable broke just before my first pickup in the morning. Another time a radiator hose failed. One of the worst was I was returning from a field trip full of passengers, the bus just cut off on me. Later I found out that it was a fuel pump failure. Crazy times.
Great video James. I always felt sorry for drivers when we had a mechanical breakdown. As they are the direct face of the company, they get the s**t. Sometimes trying to communicate was difficult, as they are stressed beyond words. Working with fellow operators instead of fighting with them is a big key in resolving the situations. Joining organizations such as ABA, UMA, etc ,and especially IMG, PAY NOT COST! They are invaluable. Everyone has problems, no one’s immune from them. How they are handled makes the difference. Thanks for the post. Have a good day. Rick
Thank you James for another excellent and informative video. As you probably know, I have described a road failure experienced by me in one of your previous videos. The process of getting the passengers moving again is pretty much described in your video. One thing I might add; is trying to keep the passengers warm on a freezing cold winters day when the coaches air conditioning and heating system is not working. Road failures in New Zealand are not uncommon especially when you have buses built in the 1980s transporting children to school.
I’ve experienced this as a shuttle bus driver. Our coach bus broke down in Niagara Falls and not in a great location, as it was on a small road next to farms. It was in the late evening so it was dark and no street lights. I was in Toronto about to finish my shift when the boss said he needed me to do an emergency run to Niagara and pick up our guests. Ended up being a 16 hour day. I got our guests back to their hotel safely. Eventually a mechanic went down and fixed the bus.
I have a breakdown story. I was on a greyhound, on my way to a new trucking company. It was the last leg, and I got lucky to get a seat in the back of the bus, right by the bathroom and engine. We had just left the terminal, and was about to hit the highway, when I heard a huge pop and a whine from the engine bay. I then noticed that our driver was struggling to get the bus up to speed, so that told me one thing; Turbo went out. I told the guy next to me that we are probably going to return to the terminal, and get put on a new bus. Sure enough, not long after that, our driver announced that we were returning to the terminal, and getting a different bus. Once we got back to the terminal, I asked her if it was a turbo failure. She looked astonished, and was like “How did you know that?” I showed her my CDL, and she was like, “want to help me pre-trip the new bus?” I accepted. So, I got to run through the gauntlet of a pre-trip. Due to security reasons, I couldn’t actually start the engine. But I was outside, having her run the lights, and checking fluid levels. Once I gave her the all clear from the back, she got things organized, and informed the terminal that her bus is good to go. I got to board first, as I helped her out with the Pre-trip. It was kinda awesome!
Stumbled upon your channel by accident. Very informative and entertaining videos! I’m a bus/coach driver in Australia and have always dreamed of driving buses/coaches in the US of A! 🇺🇸
Hi Matthew. Thanks for the comment and the kind words. We are definitely hiring drivers here. if you ever make it to the US and decide to move to Illinois, let us know.
Back in the Dark ages before (Cell Phones) 1969 I was on a bus returning home to Montreal from Buffalo N.Y. While Driving on the Highway, The Bus had a Blow-out. sounded like an explosion... followed by a-lot of Rattling from the back of the bus... The driver safely pulled over calmly assessed the situation then proceeded to the next Rest area where he called for a tow truck.. .They came aprox. 20 mins later and replaced the blown tire and we were on our way again with in an hour. Kudos to the driver very calm and collected and no one hassled the driver so Kudos to the passengers also....
Sounds like the kind of driver I would love to have on my team. Cellular devices have definitely made travel safer and easier to get help. Thanks for sharing
I no longer drive coaches, but back in the late 80s as part of a three-bus move of skiers from Southern California to Park City, UT, bus #2 in our convoy busted a drive axel. The driver-side duals and axelrod separated from the coach and hurled down Interstate-15 and into the median ditch. It was 3 a.m., miles from anywhere, in the Utah winter. Us other two coaches were able to absorb some passengers, drive to the next place with a payphone, and call the company, who dispatched a local company to pick up the remaining skiers and their equipment. A tow service and rush repair was ordered for the broken coach. All three busses were 4-speed manual transmission MC-8s.
@@MotorcoachWorld yes. It could have been so much worse-caused a accident, or, I hate to think about it breaking in the snowy Utah mountains later that morning. At least the driver was able to keep the engine running and heat going for the remaining souls onboard while they waited for the rescue. Truly enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work! 😊
I had 2 buses (Both Coaches, 1 Major and 1 intermediate) fail on me. The first was a brand new bus (less than 3,000 Miles) lose coolant on FL-417 (Bringing people to Disney) due to a plastic connector failing. Safely got to the shoulder and luckily dispatch was able to get another driver/coach to rescue the guest within 10 mins. The Second was a really old bus (400K miles) and lost the turbo (Returning from Busch Gardens back to Orlando). Couldn't go over 45 (Basically went into limp mode) and that is dangerous on I-4 especially when it was getting dark fast. Anyhoo, maybe I shall see you roaming I-Drive when you come to the expo. Love the Content. And make sure you hop on the I-Drive Trolley
I love this video just because I didn't know there was an new Prevost H coming this soon. I knew it was next for redesign (X was in 2020), but I did not know it was coming this year. I am hoping to order a new Featherlite Bus Conversion in the next few years and I am hoping Prevost will add a retractable driver's window like those found in a Setra Bus. Nobody uses that little coin-toss window for tolls anymore....everyone has EZPass nowadays and some states don't even take cash/coins anymore. Time for a real window and I would consider it a personal favor if you'd check on that for me during the reveal. Thanks so much for all your video info!
That was a very good informational video especially for new drivers. Thank you so much James. Please keep these videos coming please! You have no idea of the impact and how much you’re helping newbies. ✌️out!
Great video, James. Once again, the parallels of motor coaches and aviation are striking. If you think your Karens are bad, try the ones that paid 10s of thousands for a charter flight! Glad I don't have to do that anymore. 🤣 Happy holidays, bud!
Worst one I had I blew an airbag on the tag axle. Stationary with the parking brake on you couldn't tell there was a problem. When the parking brake came off the whole side lost its air suspension.
Great video glad to see you vloging. I think all of the points in your video are correct and accurate. My I go back from1970 to 1992. The company I worked for had three lines and multiple schedules 24 hours a day. We serviced the rural communities that were on two lane highways. We didn't have cell phones and I didn't knock on the door of any farm house at 2 a.m. in the mourning. I drove GM 4905As and Eagle 01, 05, and 10s and never had a check engine light come on LOL. No fancy computers on those buses. My opinion good maintenance eliminates many problem and good maintenance starts with the driver and his post trip report. I hope you and your family have a great 2023.
I agree. The term breakdown sounds like a severe mechanical issue that could easily become a safety concern. As a truck driver, almost all unplanned maintenance events I've experienced have been safety non events. As stated in the video, issues with new technology are the most common. The only safety related issue I can recall in 1.5 million miles was when I changed lanes to avoid a tire piece only to have another truck hit it and throw it back in my path. The "gator" ripped the air line under the trailer and brought me to an abrupt stop before I could reach the shoulder on I-10 in Texas with an 80 mph speed limit. I wasn't kind to the transmission, but I pulled the trailer off the travel lane. I don't think self driving technology can handle that situation like a human.
@@hewhohasnoidentity4377 What the vision is would be when your truck breaks down in a lane, the vehicle would communicate to the road infrastructure and other vehicles that it's stuck. It would create a virtual lane closure and cars would automatically change lanes safely before the breakdown. A new speed limit could be imposed and all traffic would slow down in advance. When the wrecker comes, the highway authority could close multiple lanes to allow it to safely pull the truck to an exit. This is called Vehicle to everything communication, V2X.
Had the windshield wipers come apart on a return trip somewhere between Madison Wis and Milwaukee in a major snow storm. The tab that held the arms to the bus had snapped. Someone brought me a pull tab from a beer can, popped it on and was moving in 10 minutes. 20 miles later the 2nd one popped., driver side. Yes, we replaced that one as well. I collected a few of them ....just in case.
Bus companies can be like airlines when they crash: carry a few cans of Flexidip, when the bus breaks down, cover the logos with paint. One thing I've seen in trains is that the train company has a breakdown checklist, which is probably a good idea for buses. It gives the driver a set procedure to immediately follow instead of the first few minutes of panic. Questions like is the bus in a safe location, otherwise call 911. Another thing would be to record the symptoms, like what the bus was doing when it broke, how fast you were going, any smells or sounds, any dash lights illuminated. That way the technician can quickly get all the info before the driver forgets.
I've only had one breakdown on an old MCI bus when I was a kid in the late 90s where we had a blowout on a rear drive tire, it also did damage to the inside drive tire as well. We all had to pack into the second bus with all of us sitting on the floor in the aisle. It just goes to show DOT safety didnt really have anything in place to cover this kind of thing at the time.
Hi James! Yes, I'm still watching! I had a main radiator hose split on a Sunday evening line run back to Adelaide, luckily I was just coming into the.small town that was our main meal break stop,,the company rang the local truck mechanic who came out real quick and replaced the hose while the passengers were having their meal! We departed only 10 mins late!
Top tip for international travel. Double check which national events are planned before crossing borders. Going from Flores, near Belize to Guatemala City on an overnight bus. A few groups unhappy with the election results decided to barricade all major highways. Lucky for us, we didn't have any breakdowns, it did extend the trip a good 6 hours or so. But the company had everything ready when we got there. We very lucky to be on a double decker, with reclining seats, tvs and a bathroom. The operator was a legend the entire time. Just snaking through traffic with the rear steer.
Ah yes, this brings back a memory from when I was 8 or 9 when this had happened. During winter of either 1981 or 1982, I was on the way home from school, along with 40 other blind kids (from ages 6 to 21) and we were traveling on a Greyhound bus, courtesy of the Ontario board of education and going from Brantford to Toronto. At some point during the trek, the bus broke down and we had to be heard it on to another bus, with other passengers, and needless to say, we got to our destination late and we missed our rides getting home. I think we went home by taxi, from the Toronto Coach terminal, but I'm not sure. Either way, that's what I remember from when I had experienced a road failure.
I visited W. Ross McDonald school when I was a kid and met a guy there who was totally blind and yet could absolutely kick butt at air hockey. It was quite remarkable!
Had a school trip in high school (year 8or9, mid 90's) where 1 of the 2 coaches blew a turbo in the most hilly section of the trip on the (old) Pacific Highway. Driver said it will take over an hour to Coolongolook (the turbo broke on the second ridge out of Bulahdelah), the coach would be crawling, revving high and blowing a shitload of smoke. The old highway was narrow and winding and the driver didn't want to stop until there was a safe area with room for a tow truck, he was worried if he idled the engine would stall and not restart.
I really have to laugh-at the lady pushing the broken bus w 1 hand, while on the phone w her other hand. (Multitaxing lol). I totally enjoy your content and once drove a bus myself!
Similar to this…I had a German dance group I took to an Octoberfest near Toronto. It rained all day and the place insisted the busses had to park in a dirt and gravel lot. My bus got bogged down and I couldn’t move it. After everything else, all the men got out, each with a pitcher of beer in one hand, and pushed the bus with the free hand. We got moving and none of them spilled a drop of the beers.
I had an incident where I had to take over for another driver because they ran out of hours after sitting on the highway for several hours due to a wreck. We got about two hours up the road and the batteries knocked off, killing the bus completely. Luckily this was pre-covid, and enough buses came by me that we had everyone transferred on to other buses in about 30 minutes. Nowadays, we'd be lucky to be back on the road in under 6 hours.
That just happened to me the other day where I had to find another driver to switch out another driver because he ran out of hours due to construction and delays.
If you drive these things long enough, road failure will happen eventually. Sounds like you have lots of good stories to tell with all those years under your belt lol. Thank you
first day in service got too close to a metal and glass bus stop and touched it. that was ok but when i reversed out the bus shelter collapsed. fortunately no one was in it at the time. next one was on black ice when a car decided to turn right up a farm entrance. I was a bus length behind it but my old leyland tiger/ plaxton had brakes which locked up and i drifted into the back of the car. many years later a prop shaft fell off on a hill in driving snow and had to spend 2 hours directing traffic around me until i was rescued. Others have been broken water and fuel pipes and once a wheel blew out. fortunately it was an inside back and did not injury any of the 100 kids i had on board st the time. I was lucky and did not have any costly accidents. Once a lorry ploughed into the right hand drivers side and fortunately i saw him coming, took action to avoid the incident and none of the 4-7 year olds on board were hurt. The worse ones we had at Westward travel were engine failures. Old coaches with good maintenance but tired engines and as a result we had pistons go through the sides of engines and failures of computers and wiring looms on the Alexander tridents which were 10 years old.As usual my mishaps always happened on a school run and at the most inconvenient places in the road, either at junctions. traffic lights or on blind corners. We always had a phone number for the tow lorry company and they were always on site as quickly as they could. As you say customers were always picked up by us or nearer companies and i helped out stranded passengers on the first buses quite often. My philosophy was that all bus/coach drivers were professional drivers and we all helped each other out in times of trouble. Best passengers i had were stewards from the Glastonbury pop festival who all slept the 30 miles from the site to Bristol railway station and were no trouble. Most demanding were older people who would not get off the coach allowing us drivers to take our breaks in peace. worse were rugby teams where kids were not the problem but the parents drank like fishes before getting on the returning coach and had to stop at every rest stop on the way home. Took hour to get there and 21/2 to get back. Im sure you have similar tails to tell and we could write books about our adventures. caroline
I’m curious… If that Peoria Charter bus that was in Denver, CO not too long ago was to have a road failure in Denver, does PCC have ties with any local companies in the region who would be able to send a bus out if need be? If so, what bus line(s)?
Wellcome home from trip to Mercedes Bus Plant vist 👍..Last month my Schoolbus rad hose burst on the #16 Edmonton AB.Called my Office/Shop Useing phone/2way radio As the bus service personal on their way..With a replacement Bus...(25 minutes away)Then I spoke to my School teacher/group..the up date as what is the problem😳 Telling them is like a firedrill Have your things ready so when's it time to go on the releaf bus we can do it a safe manner NO rushing..Thankyou for your video on this 100% ✅️ Bless you and your family a Safe 2023...🙏 🇺🇦
The newer bus actually breaks more than the older ones due to the increase in emissions control technology, and the newer buses also have a lower, build quality and have more components to break.
I have enjoyed your videos on this Channel as well as the other. My dad and I have a small hauling business with dump trucks. I’ve always wanted to try out driving motor coach. Would like to get my passenger endorsement and find a company that would allow me to do a weekend trip here and there. Do companies look for part timers as such? For me it wouldn’t be about the money, I would just like to do it for fun really, and to do something different. Lol. Thanks for all the info James!
Hi cleckler. Some companies do have part time driver positions like what you described. One of them is my company,. Peoria Charter. If you love near Urbana IL, Peoria IL or Chicago IL you should apply
@@MotorcoachWorld that would be awesome if I was close to your company. I’m actually near Wilmington, NC/ Jacksonville, NC. But I think I will check out a couple companies near by. One of the companies I know of is Sunway Charters. They seem to be a pretty large outfit in NC. They have the Amtrak contract for this area as we do not have Amtrak rail here.
I know that things will happen, but proper Maintenace, proper training of EVERYONE, and planning for such an event makes a big difference! Thats why I LOVE the company I am with now.
Yes very true proper maintenance and training will greatly reduce the chances of a breakdown or other incidents. I'm glad you work for a good company that values these things.
I have been writing greyhound for many many years and I have been on a lot of busses that have broken down stranded a bital nowhere but still I take grandhound because that's the only transportation that I could use going through the good USA
Hi. Question for your next question time. Do coach bus drivers wave to each other? Perhaps not on "stroads" or highways. But two-lane road waves? When I lived in Japan in the 80s they did the "one hand up" wave. Air cool VW drivers used to when those were everywhere. Bikers still wave. Do American coach drivers wave? Thanks.
By the way, coaches in Japan in the 80s had "flight attendants" lol. She would stand/sit at the front during the ride in a uniform and cap. What a different time.
Most drivers wave to each other. On two lanes, definitely. On highways, it’s usually a flash of the hi beams during the day, and at night it’s a click on the turn signal or four ways, or flash off the headlights. Everyone has a different way of their own…
That was a very interesting “breakdown “ from an engineering point of view there is a minimum reaction time from the initial call to the technician climbing into the truck and heading out. He or she isn’t just sitting around awaiting the call… he will be in the middle of a task, inspection, repair or whatever so he will have to take that task to a point where it can be safely interrupted and then leave information as to where he has got to. He has to then think about and take on board the nature of the failure, something simple like a puncture or some more complex failure, then he needs to consider the tools required, including specialist diagnostics. The likely spares needed from the stores, a list noted so that they than be properly booked to the vehicle, financial accounting is all part of the job. He then needs to think about the transport, in a well run operation the service van should have the basics on board ( coolant, oils, engine, transmission etc, a selection of belt, hoses, assorted nut and bolts). It has been known for these things to be used and not replaced. Talk to the driver, however this can be of limited use as the driver may not have much in the way of mechanical knowledge (it went bang and all the lights came on…) And finally… a trip to the loo, you are off to goodness knows where, you haven’t a clue as to how long it will take and you have no idea if there is going to be any toilet facilities available… Experience shows that it takes about an hour for this from the initial phone call to you trundling off down the road, and that doesn’t include travelling to the incident.
Really well thought out. I can definitely tell you are a engineer. I love working with engineering minded people. You guys are so logical and solution driven.
As someone who would be a passenger on the outside. I tend to be understanding and won't blame the driver or the company. I guess being a car enthusiast and a casual bus observer probably helps with that.
A good driver will do a thorough pre trip and post trip. I know some drivers are in a hurry or scared to mark a defect on a DVIR. Thankfully at last place I drove a semi they would put something out of service if you marked it down. Not so reputable companies will try to coax a driver to drive something defective. They are not worried about you getting CSA points if DOT stops you.
Another great video apparently you think you're moving up in the world because you're behind the steering wheel! LOL keep up the great work. Very nice topic
Does the government require companies to keep a percentage of their fleet in reserve in case of a national emergency? I had a company tell me that one time.
That is a great question. The answer is no there is no requirements on any bus company to keep a certain amount of their fleet and drivers behind to do rescues. Some bus companies simply can't afford to keep anything behind because of the cost of pay and equipment. Imagine making payments every month on a half million dollar bus and being told that you cannot run it because it has to be ready to do rescues. Your investment on that bus will never make you any money.
Last summer we were meeting a friend from chicago at an amusement park in indiana He was taking greyhound. Ironically greyhound had subcontracted this particular trip out to baron bus...which in this instance had the bus originate from cleveland (where we started from and live) Apparently something went wrong with the busses hvac system causing it to need repaired as the passenger cabin would have become unbearable. Either greyhound or baron bus decided it would be a good idea to have the bus go to the nearest available bus repair shop WITH the passengers and have them wait for what started at 2 hours and was extended to 4 hours. We ended up simply driving 45 mins to go get our friend. After watching this video it makes me wonder. Why didnt greyhound/baron bus somehow send a rescuse bus rather than making a bus full of passengers wait at a bus repair spot which was never designed to handle a full bus load of passengers? Could it have been because baron was out here in cleveland? And greyhound technically didnt own the bus. It just seemed like that was the worst option in that situation. Heck my friend was coming from chicago...they could have asked you to send one of yours to rescue rofl.
@@MotorcoachWorld it really was...its odd that greyhound seems to only contract out with baron. By my standards they are newer. And i always said wow there are a lot of baron busses on the road. That was because they were running greyhounds routes. Lol..i know this now. Before i was like how is this clevelans based company so popular so fast
Just thought of another great story. When i was in high school onnthe way home on the school bus a tire blew. I had no idea what that meant. They got a rescuse bus and we shifted over. Funny thing is i always liked sitting on the tire hump. And i was sitting on the tire that blew... i had no idea...didnt notice a change in how the bus felt like as a passenger.
@@MotorcoachWorld honestly i dont know.. at that time that system was refreshing their fleet (all blue bird) many were either rear engine or hybird snub to front engine..perhaps that played a factor...but...i genuinely did not feel it. I also seem remember that my driver (who drive a rear engine school bus) ended up swinging the front too much over the curb when coming in to load and hit one of the teachers in the head with the mirror. She ended up with brain damage.. dang no wonder i like your channel. Who knew i had so many bus stories.
I think new technology is cause of break downs . I have a 1980 prevost with county coach conversion with series sixty Detroit with 13 speed Eaton Manuel gear box, Detroit Apu. Conversion has bus HVAC pluse one run off Apu or city power. It is like a 1980 car compared to 2023 car. I grease mine before each trip so I could check running gear. Hoses are big cause of break down. They should be changed before they get too old they may look good but will spring leak long hoses to front heater rust on the big cooling pipes from engine to radiator . Don't forget brake hoses and chambers if bus is exposed to salty roads. Air dryers need to be checked and filters changed every fall
If the bus has a mechanical issue, does the bus company reimburse passengers for their loss to wherever they were going? Or is that covered under special insurance?
Insurance typically does not cover any type of refunds at the bus company has to give back to the passengers during any kind of a breakdown. Every bus company has their own policy on when they will refund passengers and how much they will give back. Typically if it's our fault at my company we will take care of the passengers. But if the passengers are delayed based on other uncontrollable factors we will not.
@@MotorcoachWorld I was thinking of travel insurance. I know someone who had to cancel their cruise. and they got back most of their money because they purchased insurance.
As a pilot, airlines are slammed with everyone mad over even the 1 minute delay. Everyone needs to understand, the travel industry is a concrete jungle and you will hit a concrete wall.
Passenger and Driver Stress I was on a coach trip from Cairo to the Pyramids, the coaches were travelling in convoys of 12 coaches each with two front seat passengers ! with UZI Machine guns, due to terrorist threats I was in coach four, which broke down in the middle of some desert type place, The rest of the convoy passed us and we were alone After about twenty minutes all the ciggarette smokers insisted they were let off to smoke, which the did, Unfortunately as the doors opened and they got out about a million flies decided the air conditioned coach was better than the desert 🙂After and hour or ninety minutes the first coach of the convoy came back and picked us straglers up and took us to the Pyramids, leaving the coach driver and his two UZI Carrying pals back on the broken down bus omg
I only have one road failures in a bus, was one of those days where me and my friend is going to makati from laguna (Philippines) to visit and bond with our friends there, since before the bus departs the station, I noticed that the rpm is unusually high for a bus and I thought to myself "isn't this a diesel engine? why does it rev so high?" then off we went, the bus runs fine for a few minutes until we get to the expressway called SLEX (es-leks) or south luzon expressway, anyways we were on the second out of the four lanes then the ac turned off, then the engine shutdown, then the next thing we know the bus driver gently steered the bus into the right emergency side of the expressway for safety, good thing that we don't have other vehicles behind us, because that wouldn't be good if there were, anyways after we stopped the cabin started to become suffocatingly hot and good thing that the driver let us out of the bus, others decided to stay inside, I thought to myself again "wow first time to lay foot to slex this is nice" then vehicles doing fast speeds probably breaking the speed limit drove pass us, other passengers may be quiet but I knew that they blamed the driver for the incident, I mean yes I guessed it was a little bit his fault but I mean the bus runs fine then boom the engine shutdown so it's not like he can do anything about it right? so he called a backup bus to pick us up, some buses of the same company picked up some passengers that are willing to stand, because the rescue bus took so long maybe an hour or less, then a tow truck arrived first to tow the bus then few minutes later the rescue bus arrived then we didn't know what happened to the bus after, probably a week later I saw that the bus is back in service and didn't heard a thing about the incident.
This was a great read for me. Thank for sharing. I see similarities and differences in the way we do things in the bus in the street between our two countries. I hope they fix the bus properly LOL
@@MotorcoachWorld I mean the bus is from a reliable brand being Daewoo and all, but the bus is probably nearing it's 15 years service life and at that age and number of kilometers travelled in different routes, it's kinda expected but it never happened again so it's still as reliable as brand new it just comes with the age of the bus
Got it catch up with you and your post…All the way to Istanbul !! LoL…I seen the post but haven’t watched it, yet…I’ll comment if anything of question comes up…This topic should be funny to watch, also…Broke down coach bus…OMG 🤦🏻♂️ LOL…😆
Great question yes you can remote into your buses if you have the right software but you can only diagnose so much and even if you successfully diagnose the problem repairing it is still the factor that causes delays in time consuming
I been on the broken bus it Sucked but the drive did all he could went above and behind to have the relief bus being drinks and pizza .on the NJTP on the why back from six flags . The state trooper came and sat. Behind the bus till the relief bus came .. broke fan belt N air pressure leak .
I was in Winter Park, Co at the bus parking lot in the ski area and once I was loaded, I found out the snow had melted under my hot tires, and I couldn't move! So, using that half of a brain all drivers are issued, I used that OSHA approved (NOT!) method of getting busses off the ice.... I off loaded my passengers and had them push the bus off the ice and reloaded again and off I went! 😁
I learned from old timers when I started, and I pound it into new drivers when I work with them doing ski trips; when you get into the parking lot and get the people off loaded, move the bus forward a few feet. Then after another few more minutes, move it back and to one side or the other. That way, you won’t melt the snow or ice under the hot tires and refreeze the water by sitting in the same spot. I also did this at hotels or anyplace I was at in cold weather and snow. When I was done with post trip, move it a little. It becomes a habit, one that saved my butt many times. 👍
@@jollygreen4639 I did know that, but you know what happens.. Got talking with the passengers about who ran into how many trees, laughing at all the stories... Not paying attention.... At the time I'd been driving ski runs for 20 years, still screwed up! Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself..... Nearly 20 years later the same group (now driving their kids....) still tells that story! 🤣🤣🤣
Had this happen with an Eagle 10 back in the day (the early 80s). Ran out of fuel (somebody siphoned off the fuel as it was parked in the motel's back lot). As a stroke of luck, we were only an eighth of a mile from a little stop on the side of the Wyoming highway that sold fuel. Passengers pushed it up to the fuel pump, we fueled up, and were on our way. Passengers considered it an adventure (thank goodness).
In PR we know that a bad situation can be controlled and actually get you accolades instead of tantrums. When a bus breaks down on the road the first thing that should be done is getting another bus out there immediately not trying to fix it first. Then you can try troubleshooting to see if you can get the bus going again. If it restarts then you can cancel the rescue bus but you want passengers on side of the road for a little time as possible. The bus company should realize that if a breakdown has caused passengers to miss flights and incur additional expenses they need to be ready to eat those costs. When a bus is booked the person should be informed of the company's trip interruption policy that states how the group will be compensated. Most importantly a breakdown needs to be planned for. Bus companies should work together like airlines so they have the ability to rebook passengers on other company buses if necessary and be allowed to take their bus to the companies shop for repairs and there should be a flat rate that everybody agrees to pay. Also even during busy times there should always be a bus and driver on standby in case a bus breaks down, not just for your buses but also for other bus companies.
Passengers will be mad, yes without a doubt. But if the rescue bus pulls up within a reasonable amount of time with coolers full of sodas and waters and snack bag on every seat with a company t-shirt, it won't be as bad. People like free stuff and food always calms people down. With that said there will always be some people that you can't please and you just ignore them but do right by them.
I was getting on the bus to go home from school and the bus's rear door wont close, so they had to turn it off and wait for a mechanic bus (that I saw on the way home in my trusty Territory) it happened on black friday, so after the school route, there would be a lot of angry shoppers.
My best breakdown story was in the Phillippines where the bus ran off the road in a mud slide. The locals helped get the bus back on the road and changed the blown tire for him. This was during a typhoon so a memorable experiance for me. They carry a relief driver so you have same 2 drivers on the bus the entire trip. Mine ended up being a 30 hour trip because of the typhoon. Normaly 21 hours. This happened about 12 years ago.
That was nice of them. Thanks for sharing.
Honestly, if it was in the us, I’m sure no one would help
It's more fun in the Philippines, as they say 😀
I suffered my first road failure before I was even hired by my first motorcoach carrier in 2008 (I was a school bus driver since 2006). I was taking a road test with the owner of the company in an MCI 1988 C102 with a Detroit 6V92. On our way back to the garage, I was climbing a long step hill on the interstate. I just passed the rest area before the exit we needed to get to, and the engine blew up, blowing all the coolant out. After pulling to the shoulder, Ira (God rest his soul) pulled me from the seat and rolled the bus back into the rest area. My road test ended with the bus being towed, and me riding back to the garage in the tow truck sitting on a 5 gallon bucket between the tow driver and Ira. I sheepishly asked if I passed the test, and got the job. He assured me it was nothing I did, and said I had the job.
I would only work for him for 3 years, and I would suffer from numerous other breakdowns since then. Here I am almost 15 years later, and Ira's chance on me, has led to a successful career that saw me recently not only training future coach driver's, but also attaining status as a NYS Article 19-A Certified Examiner.
The key to any breakdown is to secure the safety of yourself, passengers and vehicle. Communicate with your management, and coordinate response. Finally be transparent with your passengers. Doing all of that will alleviate much of the stress, and possibly retain future business from your clients.
Another excellent video, James. Regrettably, I have had my share of these in my 10 pax vans and mini busses.
At my former company, when a bus broke down 600 miles away from our yard, it was all hands in deck with the entire management team in the conference room.
The 3 mechanical failures you listed all have happened to me. Not fun at all. Your advise about not losing your cool in front of the passengers is spot on. I never lied to my passengers and also tried to keep it 'light'. My go to was humor and that usually helped keep the stress level manageable.
I've also been the one to rescue another bus. One of the best was when the driver was my Husband. That was, umm, interesting to say the least. We still get asked about that and it's a real fun story when we get to tell it together.
In the old west. Stagecoach passengers were three class. When on a steep road: First class ride. Second class walk. Third class push.
🤣
As a former school bus driver, I had a few breakdowns. One time the accelerator cable broke just before my first pickup in the morning. Another time a radiator hose failed. One of the worst was I was returning from a field trip full of passengers, the bus just cut off on me. Later I found out that it was a fuel pump failure. Crazy times.
Loved it win the school bus broke down at the first school had test that day and Missed it loved it did not study for that test .
Thanks for sharing
Great video James. I always felt sorry for drivers when we had a mechanical breakdown. As they are the direct face of the company, they get the s**t. Sometimes trying to communicate was difficult, as they are stressed beyond words. Working with fellow operators instead of fighting with them is a big key in resolving the situations. Joining organizations such as ABA, UMA, etc ,and especially IMG, PAY NOT COST! They are invaluable. Everyone has problems, no one’s immune from them. How they are handled makes the difference. Thanks for the post. Have a good day. Rick
Thank you James for another excellent and informative video.
As you probably know, I have described a road failure experienced by me
in one of your previous videos.
The process of getting the passengers moving again is pretty much described in your video.
One thing I might add; is trying to keep the passengers warm on a freezing cold winters day
when the coaches air conditioning and heating system is not working.
Road failures in New Zealand are not uncommon especially when you have buses built in the
1980s transporting children to school.
I’ve experienced this as a shuttle bus driver. Our coach bus broke down in Niagara Falls and not in a great location, as it was on a small road next to farms. It was in the late evening so it was dark and no street lights. I was in Toronto about to finish my shift when the boss said he needed me to do an emergency run to Niagara and pick up our guests. Ended up being a 16 hour day. I got our guests back to their hotel safely. Eventually a mechanic went down and fixed the bus.
I have a breakdown story. I was on a greyhound, on my way to a new trucking company. It was the last leg, and I got lucky to get a seat in the back of the bus, right by the bathroom and engine.
We had just left the terminal, and was about to hit the highway, when I heard a huge pop and a whine from the engine bay. I then noticed that our driver was struggling to get the bus up to speed, so that told me one thing; Turbo went out.
I told the guy next to me that we are probably going to return to the terminal, and get put on a new bus. Sure enough, not long after that, our driver announced that we were returning to the terminal, and getting a different bus.
Once we got back to the terminal, I asked her if it was a turbo failure. She looked astonished, and was like “How did you know that?” I showed her my CDL, and she was like, “want to help me pre-trip the new bus?” I accepted.
So, I got to run through the gauntlet of a pre-trip. Due to security reasons, I couldn’t actually start the engine. But I was outside, having her run the lights, and checking fluid levels. Once I gave her the all clear from the back, she got things organized, and informed the terminal that her bus is good to go. I got to board first, as I helped her out with the Pre-trip. It was kinda awesome!
Stumbled upon your channel by accident. Very informative and entertaining videos! I’m a bus/coach driver in Australia and have always dreamed of driving buses/coaches in the US of A! 🇺🇸
Hi Matthew. Thanks for the comment and the kind words. We are definitely hiring drivers here. if you ever make it to the US and decide to move to Illinois, let us know.
Back in the Dark ages before (Cell Phones) 1969 I was on a bus returning home to Montreal from Buffalo N.Y. While Driving on the Highway, The Bus had a Blow-out. sounded like an explosion... followed by a-lot of Rattling from the back of the bus... The driver safely pulled over calmly assessed the situation then proceeded to the next Rest area where he called for a tow truck.. .They came aprox. 20 mins later and replaced the blown tire and we were on our way again with in an hour. Kudos to the driver very calm and collected and no one hassled the driver so Kudos to the passengers also....
Sounds like the kind of driver I would love to have on my team.
Cellular devices have definitely made travel safer and easier to get help. Thanks for sharing
Municipal buses break down too. Once got to transfer to another bus on a freeway bridge. With lights and sirens to keep traffic away.
I no longer drive coaches, but back in the late 80s as part of a three-bus move of skiers from Southern California to Park City, UT, bus #2 in our convoy busted a drive axel. The driver-side duals and axelrod separated from the coach and hurled down Interstate-15 and into the median ditch. It was 3 a.m., miles from anywhere, in the Utah winter. Us other two coaches were able to absorb some passengers, drive to the next place with a payphone, and call the company, who dispatched a local company to pick up the remaining skiers and their equipment. A tow service and rush repair was ordered for the broken coach. All three busses were 4-speed manual transmission MC-8s.
Wow that sounds like quite a trip. Thanks for sharing
@@MotorcoachWorld yes. It could have been so much worse-caused a accident, or, I hate to think about it breaking in the snowy Utah mountains later that morning. At least the driver was able to keep the engine running and heat going for the remaining souls onboard while they waited for the rescue.
Truly enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work! 😊
I had 2 buses (Both Coaches, 1 Major and 1 intermediate) fail on me.
The first was a brand new bus (less than 3,000 Miles) lose coolant on FL-417 (Bringing people to Disney) due to a plastic connector failing. Safely got to the shoulder and luckily dispatch was able to get another driver/coach to rescue the guest within 10 mins.
The Second was a really old bus (400K miles) and lost the turbo (Returning from Busch Gardens back to Orlando). Couldn't go over 45 (Basically went into limp mode) and that is dangerous on I-4 especially when it was getting dark fast.
Anyhoo, maybe I shall see you roaming I-Drive when you come to the expo. Love the Content. And make sure you hop on the I-Drive Trolley
Thanks for sharing. Just goes to show, even brand new coaches will fail on you. Thanks for sharing
I love this video just because I didn't know there was an new Prevost H coming this soon. I knew it was next for redesign (X was in 2020), but I did not know it was coming this year. I am hoping to order a new Featherlite Bus Conversion in the next few years and I am hoping Prevost will add a retractable driver's window like those found in a Setra Bus. Nobody uses that little coin-toss window for tolls anymore....everyone has EZPass nowadays and some states don't even take cash/coins anymore. Time for a real window and I would consider it a personal favor if you'd check on that for me during the reveal. Thanks so much for all your video info!
That was a very good informational video especially for new drivers. Thank you so much James. Please keep these videos coming please! You have no idea of the impact and how much you’re helping newbies. ✌️out!
Well thought out and communicated James. Your experience shines.
Thank you so much Cindy!! Happy new year!
Great video, James. Once again, the parallels of motor coaches and aviation are striking. If you think your Karens are bad, try the ones that paid 10s of thousands for a charter flight! Glad I don't have to do that anymore. 🤣 Happy holidays, bud!
Worst one I had I blew an airbag on the tag axle. Stationary with the parking brake on you couldn't tell there was a problem. When the parking brake came off the whole side lost its air suspension.
Great video glad to see you vloging. I think all of the points in your video are correct and accurate. My I go back from1970 to 1992. The company I worked for had three lines and multiple schedules 24 hours a day. We serviced the rural communities that were on two lane highways. We didn't have cell phones and I didn't knock on the door of any farm house at 2 a.m. in the mourning. I drove GM 4905As and Eagle 01, 05, and 10s and never had a check engine light come on LOL. No fancy computers on those buses. My opinion good maintenance eliminates many problem and good maintenance starts with the driver and his post trip report. I hope you and your family have a great 2023.
Thanks for the story. Yes I agree. The simpler, the more reliable. Thank you happy New Year to you too.
I like the term road failure. Sounds alot better than breakdown. Lol
Right, like calling a hot case of diarrhea an evacuation! Lol
I agree. The term breakdown sounds like a severe mechanical issue that could easily become a safety concern. As a truck driver, almost all unplanned maintenance events I've experienced have been safety non events. As stated in the video, issues with new technology are the most common.
The only safety related issue I can recall in 1.5 million miles was when I changed lanes to avoid a tire piece only to have another truck hit it and throw it back in my path. The "gator" ripped the air line under the trailer and brought me to an abrupt stop before I could reach the shoulder on I-10 in Texas with an 80 mph speed limit. I wasn't kind to the transmission, but I pulled the trailer off the travel lane. I don't think self driving technology can handle that situation like a human.
@@hewhohasnoidentity4377 What the vision is would be when your truck breaks down in a lane, the vehicle would communicate to the road infrastructure and other vehicles that it's stuck. It would create a virtual lane closure and cars would automatically change lanes safely before the breakdown. A new speed limit could be imposed and all traffic would slow down in advance. When the wrecker comes, the highway authority could close multiple lanes to allow it to safely pull the truck to an exit. This is called Vehicle to everything communication, V2X.
It sounds like they are blaming the road.
Had the windshield wipers come apart on a return trip somewhere between Madison Wis and Milwaukee in a major snow storm. The tab that held the arms to the bus had snapped. Someone brought me a pull tab from a beer can, popped it on and was moving in 10 minutes. 20 miles later the 2nd one popped., driver side. Yes, we replaced that one as well. I collected a few of them ....just in case.
Haha that's some thing Macgyver would do... Does anyone still watch MacGyver?
Bus companies can be like airlines when they crash: carry a few cans of Flexidip, when the bus breaks down, cover the logos with paint. One thing I've seen in trains is that the train company has a breakdown checklist, which is probably a good idea for buses. It gives the driver a set procedure to immediately follow instead of the first few minutes of panic. Questions like is the bus in a safe location, otherwise call 911. Another thing would be to record the symptoms, like what the bus was doing when it broke, how fast you were going, any smells or sounds, any dash lights illuminated. That way the technician can quickly get all the info before the driver forgets.
My boss wonders why I like driving busses we bought from other companies, other than the DOT sign, there's no company name or number on the bus!
Your announcement of your upcoming bus “ conventions” make me feel like a kid in a candy store! I can’t wait to see everything you’ll have to show us.
Thanks Richard. Happy New Year
I've only had one breakdown on an old MCI bus when I was a kid in the late 90s where we had a blowout on a rear drive tire, it also did damage to the inside drive tire as well. We all had to pack into the second bus with all of us sitting on the floor in the aisle. It just goes to show DOT safety didnt really have anything in place to cover this kind of thing at the time.
Thank you for presenting another assertive, logical and useful video!
Hi James! Yes, I'm still watching! I had a main radiator hose split on a Sunday evening line run back to Adelaide, luckily I was just coming into the.small town that was our main meal break stop,,the company rang the local truck mechanic who came out real quick and replaced the hose while the passengers were having their meal! We departed only 10 mins late!
Wow that is a really fast response time. Are you back to driving again?
@@MotorcoachWorld no, this was some years ago, still sticking needles in veins! And loving it!
@@katherinerice7921 ah ok lol. Happy new year Katherine!
@@MotorcoachWorld Happy New Year James!
Thank you James for the Timely Video and I wish you and your Family a Happy 2023
Thank you Kerwin. Happy new years to you and yours
Your videos are always informative. Thank you
Top tip for international travel. Double check which national events are planned before crossing borders.
Going from Flores, near Belize to Guatemala City on an overnight bus. A few groups unhappy with the election results decided to barricade all major highways.
Lucky for us, we didn't have any breakdowns, it did extend the trip a good 6 hours or so. But the company had everything ready when we got there.
We very lucky to be on a double decker, with reclining seats, tvs and a bathroom. The operator was a legend the entire time. Just snaking through traffic with the rear steer.
It's easy to see why you're the new CEO
I think SWA may want to hire James as a consultant 😂. Happy new year Motorcoach World - looking forward to 2023 content! 🎉
Haha they got them selves into a bit of a mess this holiday season.
Ah yes, this brings back a memory from when I was 8 or 9 when this had happened. During winter of either 1981 or 1982, I was on the way home from school, along with 40 other blind kids (from ages 6 to 21) and we were traveling on a Greyhound bus, courtesy of the Ontario board of education and going from Brantford to Toronto.
At some point during the trek, the bus broke down and we had to be heard it on to another bus, with other passengers, and needless to say, we got to our destination late and we missed our rides getting home. I think we went home by taxi, from the Toronto Coach terminal, but I'm not sure. Either way, that's what I remember from when I had experienced a road failure.
I visited W. Ross McDonald school when I was a kid and met a guy there who was totally blind and yet could absolutely kick butt at air hockey. It was quite remarkable!
Had a school trip in high school (year 8or9, mid 90's) where 1 of the 2 coaches blew a turbo in the most hilly section of the trip on the (old) Pacific Highway. Driver said it will take over an hour to Coolongolook (the turbo broke on the second ridge out of Bulahdelah), the coach would be crawling, revving high and blowing a shitload of smoke. The old highway was narrow and winding and the driver didn't want to stop until there was a safe area with room for a tow truck, he was worried if he idled the engine would stall and not restart.
Wow I'm sure that driver was stressed out. LoL. Thanks for sharing
Hi James
Hi James, I work for a private school that is ready to make the jump to a coach bus, got any good used ones for sale?!!!!
I really have to laugh-at the lady pushing the broken bus w 1 hand, while on the phone w her other hand. (Multitaxing lol). I totally enjoy your content and once drove a bus myself!
LoL 😆 I just noticed it after reading your comment. Haha that would irritate me if I was pushing next to her.
Similar to this…I had a German dance group I took to an Octoberfest near Toronto. It rained all day and the place insisted the busses had to park in a dirt and gravel lot. My bus got bogged down and I couldn’t move it. After everything else, all the men got out, each with a pitcher of beer in one hand, and pushed the bus with the free hand. We got moving and none of them spilled a drop of the beers.
Happy new year. Hope you have a great 2023
(I would normally comment more...had many breakdowns but...been kind of a crap month)
Sorry to hear you're having a bad time lately. Happy New Year I hope the new year goes better.
I had this on a line bus in the winter, had to wait 15 min in the cold fpr the next bus.
Looking forward to seeing you my friend at the UMA Show in Orlando
Hey Kevin! I really enjoyed our breakfast we had at long beach! Yes can't wait to see you at Orlando!
I had an incident where I had to take over for another driver because they ran out of hours after sitting on the highway for several hours due to a wreck. We got about two hours up the road and the batteries knocked off, killing the bus completely. Luckily this was pre-covid, and enough buses came by me that we had everyone transferred on to other buses in about 30 minutes. Nowadays, we'd be lucky to be back on the road in under 6 hours.
That just happened to me the other day where I had to find another driver to switch out another driver because he ran out of hours due to construction and delays.
pop the bus in neutral and the passengers push lol
Lol
as a newly retired coach driver im used to road failures in my 18 years. Talk to passengers and keep them informed at all times.
If you drive these things long enough, road failure will happen eventually. Sounds like you have lots of good stories to tell with all those years under your belt lol. Thank you
first day in service got too close to a metal and glass bus stop and touched it. that was ok but when i reversed out the bus shelter collapsed. fortunately no one was in it at the time. next one was on black ice when a car decided to turn right up a farm entrance. I was a bus length behind it but my old leyland tiger/ plaxton had brakes which locked up and i drifted into the back of the car. many years later a prop shaft fell off on a hill in driving snow and had to spend 2 hours directing traffic around me until i was rescued. Others have been broken water and fuel pipes and once a wheel blew out. fortunately it was an inside back and did not injury any of the 100 kids i had on board st the time. I was lucky and did not have any costly accidents. Once a lorry ploughed into the right hand drivers side and fortunately i saw him coming, took action to avoid the incident and none of the 4-7 year olds on board were hurt. The worse ones we had at Westward travel were engine failures. Old coaches with good maintenance but tired engines and as a result we had pistons go through the sides of engines and failures of computers and wiring looms on the Alexander tridents which were 10 years old.As usual my mishaps always happened on a school run and at the most inconvenient places in the road, either at junctions. traffic lights or on blind corners. We always had a phone number for the tow lorry company and they were always on site as quickly as they could. As you say customers were always picked up by us or nearer companies and i helped out stranded passengers on the first buses quite often. My philosophy was that all bus/coach drivers were professional drivers and we all helped each other out in times of trouble.
Best passengers i had were stewards from the Glastonbury pop festival who all slept the 30 miles from the site to Bristol railway station and were no trouble. Most demanding were older people who would not get off the coach allowing us drivers to take our breaks in peace. worse were rugby teams where kids were not the problem but the parents drank like fishes before getting on the returning coach and had to stop at every rest stop on the way home. Took hour to get there and 21/2 to get back.
Im sure you have similar tails to tell and we could write books about our adventures. caroline
I’m curious… If that Peoria Charter bus that was in Denver, CO not too long ago was to have a road failure in Denver, does PCC have ties with any local companies in the region who would be able to send a bus out if need be? If so, what bus line(s)?
Are you doing any meet ups in Detroit outside the convention?
Wellcome home from trip to Mercedes Bus Plant vist 👍..Last month my Schoolbus rad hose burst on the #16 Edmonton AB.Called my Office/Shop Useing phone/2way radio As the bus service personal on their way..With a replacement Bus...(25 minutes away)Then I spoke to my School teacher/group..the up date as what is the problem😳 Telling them is like a firedrill Have your things ready so when's it time to go on the releaf bus we can do it a safe manner NO rushing..Thankyou for your video on this 100% ✅️ Bless you and your family a Safe 2023...🙏 🇺🇦
The newer bus actually breaks more than the older ones due to the increase in emissions control technology, and the newer buses also have a lower, build quality and have more components to break.
I have enjoyed your videos on this Channel as well as the other. My dad and I have a small hauling business with dump trucks. I’ve always wanted to try out driving motor coach. Would like to get my passenger endorsement and find a company that would allow me to do a weekend trip here and there. Do companies look for part timers as such? For me it wouldn’t be about the money, I would just like to do it for fun really, and to do something different. Lol. Thanks for all the info James!
Hi cleckler. Some companies do have part time driver positions like what you described. One of them is my company,. Peoria Charter. If you love near Urbana IL, Peoria IL or Chicago IL you should apply
@@MotorcoachWorld that would be awesome if I was close to your company. I’m actually near Wilmington, NC/ Jacksonville, NC. But I think I will check out a couple companies near by. One of the companies I know of is Sunway Charters. They seem to be a pretty large outfit in NC. They have the Amtrak contract for this area as we do not have Amtrak rail here.
I know that things will happen, but proper Maintenace, proper training of EVERYONE, and planning for such an event makes a big difference! Thats why I LOVE the company I am with now.
Yes very true proper maintenance and training will greatly reduce the chances of a breakdown or other incidents. I'm glad you work for a good company that values these things.
happy new year too.
I have been writing greyhound for many many years and I have been on a lot of busses that have broken down stranded a bital nowhere but still I take grandhound because that's the only transportation that I could use going through the good USA
are all the bus seats upgraded or are those only on new buses
Hi 👋 James,so let's see hear, the bus driver threw the bus company under the bus.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year James
Hi. Question for your next question time. Do coach bus drivers wave to each other? Perhaps not on "stroads" or highways. But two-lane road waves?
When I lived in Japan in the 80s they did the "one hand up" wave. Air cool VW drivers used to when those were everywhere. Bikers still wave. Do American coach drivers wave? Thanks.
By the way, coaches in Japan in the 80s had "flight attendants" lol. She would stand/sit at the front during the ride in a uniform and cap. What a different time.
Most drivers wave to each other. On two lanes, definitely. On highways, it’s usually a flash of the hi beams during the day, and at night it’s a click on the turn signal or four ways, or flash off the headlights. Everyone has a different way of their own…
I’m glad that this never has happened to when I have traveled on buses.
I'm glad you have never encountered this. I hope you never have to.
That was a very interesting “breakdown “ from an engineering point of view there is a minimum reaction time from the initial call to the technician climbing into the truck and heading out.
He or she isn’t just sitting around awaiting the call… he will be in the middle of a task, inspection, repair or whatever so he will have to take that task to a point where it can be safely interrupted and then leave information as to where he has got to.
He has to then think about and take on board the nature of the failure, something simple like a puncture or some more complex failure, then he needs to consider the tools required, including specialist diagnostics. The likely spares needed from the stores, a list noted so that they than be properly booked to the vehicle, financial accounting is all part of the job.
He then needs to think about the transport, in a well run operation the service van should have the basics on board ( coolant, oils, engine, transmission etc, a selection of belt, hoses, assorted nut and bolts). It has been known for these things to be used and not replaced. Talk to the driver, however this can be of limited use as the driver may not have much in the way of mechanical knowledge (it went bang and all the lights came on…)
And finally… a trip to the loo, you are off to goodness knows where, you haven’t a clue as to how long it will take and you have no idea if there is going to be any toilet facilities available… Experience shows that it takes about an hour for this from the initial phone call to you trundling off down the road, and that doesn’t include travelling to the incident.
Really well thought out. I can definitely tell you are a engineer. I love working with engineering minded people. You guys are so logical and solution driven.
Yes, towing a bus is a fun experience!
Can't wait to do that again says no one!
LoL do I sense a bit of sarcasm?
As someone who would be a passenger on the outside. I tend to be understanding and won't blame the driver or the company.
I guess being a car enthusiast and a casual bus observer probably helps with that.
Haha thank you. I wish more people can be as understanding as you. But then again, your passion for being a vehicle enthusiast does help .
Do Motor Coach Companies make money from international bus trips?
A good driver will do a thorough pre trip and post trip. I know some drivers are in a hurry or scared to mark a defect on a DVIR. Thankfully at last place I drove a semi they would put something out of service if you marked it down. Not so reputable companies will try to coax a driver to drive something defective. They are not worried about you getting CSA points if DOT stops you.
Companies try to get you to drive a bus that's Out of service. I would be looking for a new company.
@@jeffherdz I drive a Semi not bus. Either way I am semi retired and would never drive something that had defects.
Happy new year James to you and your family. Looking forward to your streams!
Thanks James. I like your name . Happy new year!
Another great video apparently you think you're moving up in the world because you're behind the steering wheel! LOL keep up the great work. Very nice topic
Haha gotta try to climb that ladder.
Marcopolo owns shares in New Flyer who owns MCI. They might be coming to the US very soon.
Drove a Marco Polo back in the 80's. Not a bad ride.
Does the government require companies to keep a percentage of their fleet in reserve in case of a national emergency? I had a company tell me that one time.
That is a great question. The answer is no there is no requirements on any bus company to keep a certain amount of their fleet and drivers behind to do rescues. Some bus companies simply can't afford to keep anything behind because of the cost of pay and equipment. Imagine making payments every month on a half million dollar bus and being told that you cannot run it because it has to be ready to do rescues.
Your investment on that bus will never make you any money.
Last summer we were meeting a friend from chicago at an amusement park in indiana
He was taking greyhound.
Ironically greyhound had subcontracted this particular trip out to baron bus...which in this instance had the bus originate from cleveland (where we started from and live)
Apparently something went wrong with the busses hvac system causing it to need repaired as the passenger cabin would have become unbearable.
Either greyhound or baron bus decided it would be a good idea to have the bus go to the nearest available bus repair shop WITH the passengers and have them wait for what started at 2 hours and was extended to 4 hours. We ended up simply driving 45 mins to go get our friend.
After watching this video it makes me wonder. Why didnt greyhound/baron bus somehow send a rescuse bus rather than making a bus full of passengers wait at a bus repair spot which was never designed to handle a full bus load of passengers?
Could it have been because baron was out here in cleveland?
And greyhound technically didnt own the bus.
It just seemed like that was the worst option in that situation.
Heck my friend was coming from chicago...they could have asked you to send one of yours to rescue rofl.
What a nightmare. I'm glad you guys were able to pick up your friend in short order
@@MotorcoachWorld it really was...its odd that greyhound seems to only contract out with baron. By my standards they are newer. And i always said wow there are a lot of baron busses on the road. That was because they were running greyhounds routes. Lol..i know this now. Before i was like how is this clevelans based company so popular so fast
Just thought of another great story. When i was in high school onnthe way home on the school bus a tire blew. I had no idea what that meant. They got a rescuse bus and we shifted over.
Funny thing is i always liked sitting on the tire hump. And i was sitting on the tire that blew... i had no idea...didnt notice a change in how the bus felt like as a passenger.
Wow you did feel that tire blowout under your butt? Either that was a really well built bus or you were sitting on your backpack or something lol.
@@MotorcoachWorld honestly i dont know.. at that time that system was refreshing their fleet (all blue bird) many were either rear engine or hybird snub to front engine..perhaps that played a factor...but...i genuinely did not feel it. I also seem remember that my driver (who drive a rear engine school bus) ended up swinging the front too much over the curb when coming in to load and hit one of the teachers in the head with the mirror. She ended up with brain damage.. dang no wonder i like your channel. Who knew i had so many bus stories.
I never seen a Marcopolo bus in the US
I think new technology is cause of break downs . I have a 1980 prevost with county coach conversion with series sixty Detroit with 13 speed Eaton Manuel gear box, Detroit Apu. Conversion has bus HVAC pluse one run off Apu or city power. It is like a 1980 car compared to 2023 car. I grease mine before each trip so I could check running gear. Hoses are big cause of break down. They should be changed before they get too old they may look good but will spring leak long hoses to front heater rust on the big cooling pipes from engine to radiator . Don't forget brake hoses and chambers if bus is exposed to salty roads. Air dryers need to be checked and filters changed every fall
If the bus has a mechanical issue, does the bus company reimburse passengers for their loss to wherever they were going? Or is that covered under special insurance?
Insurance typically does not cover any type of refunds at the bus company has to give back to the passengers during any kind of a breakdown. Every bus company has their own policy on when they will refund passengers and how much they will give back. Typically if it's our fault at my company we will take care of the passengers. But if the passengers are delayed based on other uncontrollable factors we will not.
@@MotorcoachWorld I was thinking of travel insurance. I know someone who had to cancel their cruise. and they got back most of their money because they purchased insurance.
As a pilot, airlines are slammed with everyone mad over even the 1 minute delay. Everyone needs to understand, the travel industry is a concrete jungle and you will hit a concrete wall.
I totally agree.
@@MotorcoachWorld also I am getting my CDL at LLCC. Just picked up my study guide and you inspire me
@@Stupidboi1 lol thanks man. Means a lot. Hey send me a pic of you and your bus when ever you start driving.
@@MotorcoachWorld will do! Hopefully with PCC
Passenger and Driver Stress
I was on a coach trip from Cairo to the Pyramids, the coaches were travelling in convoys of 12 coaches each with two front seat passengers ! with UZI Machine guns, due to terrorist threats
I was in coach four, which broke down in the middle of some desert type place, The rest of the convoy passed us and we were alone
After about twenty minutes all the ciggarette smokers insisted they were let off to smoke, which the did, Unfortunately as the doors opened and they got out about a million flies decided the air conditioned coach was better than the desert 🙂After and hour or ninety minutes the first coach of the convoy came back and picked us straglers up and took us to the Pyramids, leaving the coach driver and his two UZI Carrying pals back on the broken down bus omg
Got my $140AUD tool bag for coach driving based out of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. What happens next 🙃 I have no idea🥤🍔🍟 👍
I only have one road failures in a bus, was one of those days where me and my friend is going to makati from laguna (Philippines) to visit and bond with our friends there, since before the bus departs the station, I noticed that the rpm is unusually high for a bus and I thought to myself "isn't this a diesel engine? why does it rev so high?" then off we went, the bus runs fine for a few minutes until we get to the expressway called SLEX (es-leks) or south luzon expressway, anyways we were on the second out of the four lanes then the ac turned off, then the engine shutdown, then the next thing we know the bus driver gently steered the bus into the right emergency side of the expressway for safety, good thing that we don't have other vehicles behind us, because that wouldn't be good if there were, anyways after we stopped the cabin started to become suffocatingly hot and good thing that the driver let us out of the bus, others decided to stay inside, I thought to myself again "wow first time to lay foot to slex this is nice" then vehicles doing fast speeds probably breaking the speed limit drove pass us, other passengers may be quiet but I knew that they blamed the driver for the incident, I mean yes I guessed it was a little bit his fault but I mean the bus runs fine then boom the engine shutdown so it's not like he can do anything about it right? so he called a backup bus to pick us up, some buses of the same company picked up some passengers that are willing to stand, because the rescue bus took so long maybe an hour or less, then a tow truck arrived first to tow the bus then few minutes later the rescue bus arrived then we didn't know what happened to the bus after, probably a week later I saw that the bus is back in service and didn't heard a thing about the incident.
This was a great read for me. Thank for sharing. I see similarities and differences in the way we do things in the bus in the street between our two countries.
I hope they fix the bus properly LOL
@@MotorcoachWorld I mean the bus is from a reliable brand being Daewoo and all, but the bus is probably nearing it's 15 years service life and at that age and number of kilometers travelled in different routes, it's kinda expected but it never happened again so it's still as reliable as brand new it just comes with the age of the bus
Got it catch up with you and your post…All the way to Istanbul !! LoL…I seen the post but haven’t watched it, yet…I’ll comment if anything of question comes up…This topic should be funny to watch, also…Broke down coach bus…OMG 🤦🏻♂️ LOL…😆
You can always get a new one!
Sorry James I forgot to wish you, your family and Peoria Charters a happy new year.🍷🍷🍷
i worked 12 years as a bus driver in israel my buses broke down a lot mainly because of poor maytanance
I'm sorry to hear that. What kind of bus was it. Do you remember?
@@MotorcoachWorld all kinds volvo mostly man mercedes
Happy new year, James.
With the current technology can techs run remote diagnostics? If the equipment was internet activated, it would seem possible.
Great question yes you can remote into your buses if you have the right software but you can only diagnose so much and even if you successfully diagnose the problem repairing it is still the factor that causes delays in time consuming
I had a feeling that you would!😁
Would what???
Haven’t seen anything on your other channel lately
Hey Aaron. You are right. I haven't had any trips lately. I hope that will change this year
I been on the broken bus it Sucked but the drive did all he could went above and behind to have the relief bus being drinks and pizza .on the NJTP on the why back from six flags . The state trooper came and sat. Behind the bus till the relief bus came .. broke fan belt N air pressure leak .
Brilliant bus driver. Thanks for sharing.
Orlando? I live in Orlando!!!
I remember my school bus for broke it flung open and wouldn't close it was the air doot
Happy New Year 2023 🇺🇸 .amen
happy new year
Greetings from the UK.
Hello i m bus driver in brazil ,Is good vídeo , say hello to Brazil 🇧🇷
I know the answer to this question, Lots of experience! Awful experience that is.
That you'd like my name too. Sorry. Too much Nog. Not enough egg.
Zazur bus breakdown
0:25 - Your boss is supposed to go to those expos, not the drivers.
Thanks for clarifying. I guess I'll just stay home then. Shucks 🥺.
😉
ha ... Go there for us Yt viewers!
@@295g295 lol 😆 I will not disappoint you guys! Happy new year!
I was in Winter Park, Co at the bus parking lot in the ski area and once I was loaded, I found out the snow had melted under my hot tires, and I couldn't move! So, using that half of a brain all drivers are issued, I used that OSHA approved (NOT!) method of getting busses off the ice.... I off loaded my passengers and had them push the bus off the ice and reloaded again and off I went! 😁
I learned from old timers when I started, and I pound it into new drivers when I work with them doing ski trips; when you get into the parking lot and get the people off loaded, move the bus forward a few feet. Then after another few more minutes, move it back and to one side or the other. That way, you won’t melt the snow or ice under the hot tires and refreeze the water by sitting in the same spot. I also did this at hotels or anyplace I was at in cold weather and snow. When I was done with post trip, move it a little. It becomes a habit, one that saved my butt many times. 👍
@@jollygreen4639 I did know that, but you know what happens.. Got talking with the passengers about who ran into how many trees, laughing at all the stories... Not paying attention.... At the time I'd been driving ski runs for 20 years, still screwed up! Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself..... Nearly 20 years later the same group (now driving their kids....) still tells that story! 🤣🤣🤣
Even moving it while sitting, it’s amazing that it can still freeze up sometimes. And quickly. Murphy’s Law applies…lol.
@@jollygreen4639 The god of coach drivers, Murphy! 🤣🤣
Sponsored by Tums and Pepto Bismol…
I Started my day off by reading my Bible (KJV) and a Prayer for Protection. Never had any problems ✝️