Rule #11, from my former company, HR department: "Be very mindful of what you are watching on your phone while passengers are off the bus. You never know who has eyes or ears on you." They did mention, however, that if we were caught viewing a Motorcoach World video, we would automatically get a $1.00 raise 😀
Then have all of James's videos on a secret Playlist on repeat and have the volume at zero and hopefully the bossman gives you that raise #ProblemSolved
LOL Nice! so thats whats been driving up my view numbers.... LOL What do you get if you subscribe??? Thanks so much for your kind words as always Steve!
Up until 2021, Greyhound drivers were not allowed to use a GPS, it was actually a fire-able offense. We had turn by turn directions on paper (think Mapquest) that we were told to use when we didn't know where we were going. If that failed (which it did frequently), we were actually told to ask the passengers where to go. Like you said, that looks completely unprofessional.
Back in the day.... Greyhound used copiers to copy pages of map books. And used a stamped printed on the page of a Greyhound, and the route you had to take ? This was before the internet....
I've noticed today that drivers for Flixbus use a GPS when driving - when I was on one, it routed us onto a fairly narrow road where there was only room for one large coach bus or truck to go either direction and there just so happened to be a truck wanting to go the opposite direction. We were stopped awkwardly there until the truck driver backed away and we were allowed to cross. It's no surprise you saw this policy change once Flix bought out Greyhound...
@@westerlywinds5684 1. GPS units can be stolen. 2. GPS can get a virus and stop working. 3. liquid will destroy a unit fast. 4. it could get lost or forgotten somewhere.
I am 82 and drive a Prevost motor home. I have over 3M miles under my belt but not all in this bus. Trucks, cars, motor homes, etc. I just wanted to tell you that I don’t haul passengers but I do enjoy many of your posts and do find them enlightening even with my experience. Thank you and keep up the good work!
One thing I see a lot is ex truck drivers coming over to do charter bus, because they want easier trips, and to be home every night. A lot of times these guys forget to do stuff like turn on the lights and HVAC systems, leaving the passengers in a cold, dark bus. You guys have to remember that you’re not driving around a box truck full of freight, you have people back there.
I would say... anyone coming into this industry assuming they already know everything is going to have a hard time. Ive met ex truckers, even ex bus drivers that come on and dont want to be open minded about the way we do things... and they find them selves unhappy with us and we were usually unhappy with their performance.
Whenever a guy confesses that he was dumb, young and full of ego my respect for him skyrockets. That's somebody I can get along with and befriend. Myself? Old but still dumb. Ego? Depends on who's watching😂
#12. Do NOT I repeat Do NOT compromise your safety. I’ve seen a lot of rookie drivers get into situations like hitting awnings or other low clearances, getting stuck (especially this one hotel in orlando (Coco Key) or in areas that even a 30ft bus would not fit all because someone told them “go that way, you’ll fit”. I myself have left the bus and walked somewhere to see if I’ll fit especially if there was a last min change of plans during the trip. When I trip plan I also look at satellite images of areas to see if anything could be a permanent obstruction.
What really grinds my gears is seeing a coach go down the road so close to the vehicle ahead, it's like they're running at Talladega. Absolutely NO excuse for that. One thing I like about my Garmin is that even if I'm in an area with no cell service (which naturally renders a phone useless), that Garmin just keeps on working off the satellite signals. (NOTE: The voice commands are always muted.)
The GPS on my phone doesn't require cell service. Some GPS-related *apps* may require cell service but any GPS-related app worth its salt has the ability to pre-download maps.
Great vid. My two cent’s worth would be having ear buds in to either listen to music or make/take calls. In Australia we have a LOTTTTT of Indian bus drivers including taxi and rideshare drivers. I see the vast majority of them have their ear pieces in (very illegal in all states and territories of Australia for any driver to do) and they spend all day and night chatting with their mates or listening to music. The moment I see any driver with an ear bud in, their professional appearance has greatly diminished in my eyes.
All the things mentioned are true, should be policy: I would add: * don’t creep the bus at stop lights * don’t use abrupt inputs on brakes, acceleration, steering * listen if pax complain about interior temp * pay attention to where you load/unload, example: make sure the pax don’t step off the bus into a puddle 😊
@@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176 when at a stop, the driver allows the bus to slowly inch forward while still in a traffic stand-still (like at stop light). Happens when a driver is either in a hurry or being lazy with their application of pressure on the brake pedal. This is very uncomfortable for passengers and is sloppy driving.
Don't change the temperature if just one person asks immediately when getting on the bus. It's more likely to make the bus less comfortable and what are you going to do if two passengers request opposite adjustments?
Boarding and Alighting. Insurance companies wanted the Driver or Tour Directors to be at the door for assistance if needed. It is also a great way to create passenger interaction. GPS has taken away from proper preparation on Tours and Charters. I’ve been in the industry since 1972. Your videos are great for the industry….
Hey Mp Stenz. Thank you sir. I could probably learn a lot from you. You have a lot of years under your belt. Yes, Im not opposed to GPS but it scares me when i meet a driver that wont know how to get there without it. It should be used as an Aid.
Good point, James. I had a driver who just started with the company doing a NYC trip with me. Before we left the garage, I asked him if he had any questions, and uh he understood getting from the Lincoln tunnel to our first stop at Rockefeller Ctr. He just says I got it all punched into my gps (a car one). I offered him a few NYC area maps, which he declined. So naturally, we got separated by traffic which I expected. He showed up at Rock Ctr 30 minutes after me. He blamed it on his gps. He got lost every other step of the trip. But he wouldn’t take my help or listen to me, so nothing else I could do. This is a prime example of a gps being used as an aid and not the sole source of navigating.
When I was a trainee driver one company rule was that whenever you were outside the coach, you had to wear your uniform cap, whether greeting passengers, loading luggage etc.
I completely agree with keeping the drivers area clean. Such a pet peeve to take over a bus and there are wrappers, coffee cups, crumbs and garbage all over the place.
I have occasionally seen city route bus drivers ask passengers where to go but it usually happens in a situation where the driver is doing a run they don't normally do and are unfamiliar with (and so they will get help from a passenger who rides the route regularly). I have also seen city route bus drivers smoking in no smoking zones. Its bad enough when passengers do it but drivers should know better. (although again its an isolated thing and at least they do seem to move away from where passengers are waiting and don't do it in underground/indoor bus stations)
British driver here; about 15 years ago, I was working as an agency driver, about 450 miles away from home; and was asked to do a run which they didn't normally allocate to agency drivers (the attitude was to teach us just enough runs to make up a few shifts, so the regulars could cover the rest of the work.). The controller said "I know you haven't been shown it, I don't care how you do it; just take the bus there and work the route back." As luck would have it, I knew which way the service went to get out of the town, and after that , just a rough idea; but as I got to the Asda superstore, on the outskirts of the town, a passenger got on, wanting to go to the terminus. I asked him if he could show me the route, and once he said "Yes", I gave him a free ride, for his help. When I got back to the bus station, I told the controller what I'd done, and he said that was fine; the company would rather lose one single fare, than potentially lose several, if I got lost, and the bad repute due to the bus going the wrong way.
As a driver of my MCI and a passenger I see 0 problems with utilizing a GPS system, regardless of where its mounted. Having more information at your disposal to plan a route and get to your destination in a timely manner while being able to navigate obstacles, accidents, closures, etc is paramount. No one wants to arrive late. At the same time it does add some stress when you see that arrival time increase when you're in the middle of your trip and can become a distraction trying to manage a new route while underway. For example if you're fiddling with your phone trying to re-route and you keep bouncing on the bumpies in the lanes... But I believe keeping people informed of situations that are out of your control so they can plan accordingly is just another level of courtesy you can add to your service. If they're needing to be at a tour, dinner, or event by a certain time, they could possibly phone ahead and make accommodations. It also helps when navigating thru city streets that might have tight turns so you can properly plan your lane changes, etc. Especially in traffic where no one wants to provide room for a 45' bus to merge in.
I have to agree wholeheartedly with the GPS thing, although that Google about got me in trouble a couple times (stupid Chicago by the D&D Spa with a 11'3" bridge)
Something that goes back to when I had to drive school runs as a spare, I still write out turn by turn instructions to and from my destination if I’m not familiar with the area. I also have it on my Garmin, but mainly use it as a map for street names. Usually drivers that have assigned units are the ones with ‘clean coach pride’. Thanks for posting. Rick
Disembarking or Disembarkation.. the word ive heard used is mostly is Alighting or Alight meaning descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport
Yes yes yes. 1st one off and last one on. Ive had to catch at least 5 senior citizens over the years. Even when I do line runs, I do the same. Also, imagine means alot. Calvin Horne, Dave Deleon and I have contests on whose bus looks the best. Polished rims and tire shine. But I can see that being a little overboard. Be careful when touching your phone as well even if its just for directions. And there is nothing wrong with a GPS. Customers like to see ETA not to mention, traffic updates. Shout out to Joshua for looking ON POINT in uniform. Final thing. Even if you are in a multi bus move, you still need to do your homework and know which way to go or which way the lead is going.
Putting your "Junk" between the dashboard and the front windshield is not a good ideal. As stopping fast, a,k,a, breaking hard might just push that windshield out onto the highway. Loosing a windshield to a deer is one thing. Loosing a windshield to "Your crap" sitting on the dashboard, is yet another. My GPS was a Rand-McNally U.S. map book and a Rand-McNally Chicago and suburban map book. That's all I ever needed. James, As always a great video.
"Asking passengers how to get there". I do a lot of school charters where the sporting events have different location of certain sports such as hockey, tennis, even drama or the arts. I sometimes will ask the coach what is the best area to drop off. They have been to these schools and are familiar with the locations. I don't feel weird about it. I think it's beneficial to both of us.
This is a great video. I think that first and foremost, a driver must have a DESIRE to look and act like a professional. I am an over the road truck driver, and it seems to me that professionalism is all but dead in my industry. Hopefully it’s a lot more prevalent in yours.
About the navigating... I primarily have the phone screen OFF when navigating, and only turn it on for the parts I know for sure I don't know... and that's part of preplanning the route - I check the route before pulling away, for things like road numbers and names, which junction and left/right/etc. That's why I don't have it in an 'obtrusive' location, but easily accessible without having to shift in my seat - so as easily accessible by hand while in the relaxed back position as my turn indicators and wiper controls, and gearbox selector of whichever kind it happens to be. This forces me to learn routes quicker, and often enables me to make repeat trips entirely without electric or paper navigation aid. Rerouting, however, I do see one possible 'some see it as professional, others as not' would be to do a small stop to give yourself safe time, not driving, to figure out your new path and *announce* to the passengers you are doing so, For instance, "Ladies and Gentlemen, unfortunately due to a road closure on our route, I'll have to perform a quick stop to check for an alternative safe route avoiding the
That’s a great idea, Steve. And encourage drivers who don’t already to subscribe to this channel. There is always something interesting in the videos. What Canadian company are you with?
Oh boy nothing like having lots of cheeeeeeeeeeese burgers and taaaaaaaaaaater chips all over the dashboard 😂 as well as all the sodie pops and caaaaaaaaaandy bars And I never had an issue with using GPS myself
Hey thank you for the comment. Yeah it definitely slows down for us too in the summer. I think that's pretty common in the industry unless a company has some kind of unique contract for summer work.
I had my first passangers today. One of them wanted to buy six tickets for her group. I was like "goddamit what's two euros and sixty cents times six...?!?!!" My heart raced. lol Totally not prepared for this.
GPS is more for checking on traffic conditions. Drivers need to plan ahead, so they aren't driving like they are rushed. Like leaving a good space in front of your vehicle. Driving with cruise control can be tempting, but needs to be limited to out of town distance work.
Great video. I don't know if this would qualify, but what about a driver who concentrates less on driving and more on entertaining passengers? Case in point, back in 1993 I had a driver taking us home from school, who had some sort of obsession with a song by Wynonna Judd and her single at the time called Tell Me Why. He kept playing that song over and over again, because of one little kid (not me) and the rest of us thought this guy was a freak. I can't hear that song without that memory and I haven't heard it since then, unless I really want to be brave and pull it up on TH-cam.
I drove transit buses for over 30 years. Being ex-US Army I used to be squared away with a clean drivers area. My career was early 1970's to the late 2000's.
And here's a BIG one: when you get fuel, PLEASE.. for the love of all that is holy... NEVER EVER block the fuel aisle under ANY circumstances!!! That's a good way to piss off other drivers and get beat up or otherwise chewed out... or ultimately end up on bonehead truckers
And while fueling, NEVER stand in front of the fuel door. Step off to the other side of the fuel door. That way, if fuel splashes out, it doesn’t hit you on your clothes or in your face. You’ll stink for days. And use gloves while fueling!
@@jollygreen4639 good call out, if there's also shoe booties you can use id use those as well, Justin case... I've splashed many a def on my shoes and wrecked em :(
August, 2013, Greyhound from Richmond, VA, to Raleigh-Durham, NC, a deadheading driver took over the front row on the right side of the coach, reclined both seats all the way back into my row, and proceeded to stretch out across them - feet dangling into the aisle - and went to sleep. He refused to accept complaints from myself and the passenger next to me, that the seats were too far back - so far that my knees were on either side of the seatback and I would have been pinned in my seat in an emergency. The active driver ignored the complaints too. Before we reached our destination, a complaint, complete with photos, was sent to Greyhound corporate offices. I don't know what they did, but in hindsight I regret not making a bigger stink.
When you say drivers that dont have pride in their uniforms.....of course, Coach USA.... I was one of the few that had a uniform, with the epaulets, the US flag on my shoulder, even my bus drivers badge (that was a very old NY thing). But having long hair back then...people always had something to say. About the tailgating, back when traffic into NYC was heavy, like early 2000s, getting into the Lincoln Tunnel, we had the bus lane (it was the left lane of opposing traffic, on the other side of the jersey divider). You could tell a new driver that was doing 5mph lol, though a few had died in collisions. I mean, you're right on the corner if another buss veets in, and theres just cones between your lane and the oncoming. But, the biggest thing was passenger cars sneaking in AFTER the toll plaza. So if you had any gap, they would just cut it front of you. So, we used to do this thing called driving an 80 foot coach. So you would be doing 30-40mpg, about a foot off the bumper of the bus in front of you. You saw nothing in front, just tail lights. It was routine back then. The only part where you backed off was right at the entrance, in case the bus in front would hit the side wall, and come to a flat halt. Then you would slam into that bus (it happened once, but just once). It amazes me though, how we streamlined all of that. It wasnt a matter of luck, since thousands of buses were coming through just in that 2 hour window, every day. Now, fewer people commute to NYC, so the routes are cut in half, and theres no more need for this type stuff.
Does your company have GPS equipped buses? I would think the company dispatcher would know exactly where you are at all times. And if something came up on the road, they could vector you to your destination, like air traffic controllers do with airplanes. And the background music on the video is very relaxing. Where can I find that on TH-cam?
We do not issue or install GPS systems in our buses. However our buses are trackable by dispatch and management. What you mentioned dosent happen often but It has been done. The song I used is called Purple Fire by ELFL. Thanks!
Nothing wrong with a coach operator using GPS. Is the driver really expected how to navigate from every point of origin to every destination and be able to reroute enroute if there are crashes, construction or other major delays
As a coach driver in Australia, I have to say I don't get the whole "do not use GPS" thing. I'm not saying it should be solely relied upon, but it is a very useful tool, especially in todays' time-conscious world. Delays are sometimes unavoidable, but I personally find having a GPS running and showing my route, I am prepared for anything the road throws at me - be it an accident or other unexpected detour into unfamiliar territory. It saves me stopping somewhere and looking up where I have to go either on a paper map or on the GPS while I have 50 or 60 pairs of eyes burning a hole in the back of my head! Some of the GPS units even have live traffic updates that will warn you of an impediment along your route and ask if you want to consider this or that alternative route. It can be a lifesaver and has saved my butt a few times when I used to work as an airport bus operator where we just could not be late arriving!
The most annoying thing that bus drivers do, in my opinion, is to hurry. Putting the cruise control on the maximum governed speed (100km/h here). Creeping up to a car in the right lane, maybe with 10 meters distance, waiting till the last moment to overtake. Or mash the brakes at the last moment if it turns out - surprise - another vehicle is already in the passing lane and the bus driver can't initiate an overtake, and get all huffy about it. Yes, you are allowed to do 100km/h, but although it's more work to overtake in a bus than in a fast car, don't be a little bitch about it and risk the lives of people who drive 90 or 95km/h in a passenger car in the slow lane. I've witnessed this multiple times in western europe, and it bothers me a lot. Especially if it's not a scheduled route, wait one minute more and overtake when it's safer to do so. If you hit one single traffic jam, all the time saved by doing dangerous overtaking manouvres is lost instantly. In general, i don't send complaints to management ever. I don't want to make someone lose their job, even if i'm a bit unsatisfied. But in the case of tailgating to do risky overtakes, i make an exception to my life philosophy. Personally, i don't give a crap about what my driver wears. I do appreciate a traditional outfit with a driver's cap for aesthetic reasons, but we don't have such things here.
I work in the UK for a city bus company and our controllers are constantly sending drivers out with maps and verbal directions as well as refusing to teach us how to start a new bus that we have been given.
My very very best friend is a bus driver and he absolutely loves the job but it's a very very big responsibility he works for a bus company called quinces and that is owned by Australian transit group
Not sure about bus drivers on the highways, b-b-b-ut, I've heard from a tow truck driver that Washington State Police are starting to ticket car drivers for the phone/gps mounted on the windshield. It's considered an obstruction and distraction making piloting a car less efficient. Might even be a DUI ticket.
Somebody shared a listing with me a few years ago. It had each state and their laws on windshield mounting. It’s online out there somewhere. I do believe it’s been challenged as to bus windshield mounting.
The last one, KNOW AND LEARN YOUR EQUIPMENT!! One time I was helping dispatch answer phones, we kept getting a bunch of calls from passengers on a moving bus saying there was a beeping coming from the driver’s area that the driver wasn’t turning off. Turns out it was the low air alarm! The guy had a hole in one of the brake cans that set off the low air alarm every time he used the brakes. How he passed his CDL exam I don’t know but after that trip he was pulled off trips and retrained.
LOL We had a new driver that doesn't work for us anymore , call a technician saying that his bus would not air up. When we went out to the bus to see what was wrong with it, He didn't even start it. ... LOL
@@MotorcoachWorld Oh yeah? I fixed my bosses (a certain vice prez at A...W) computer, and he called me on the road complaining it didn't work, I'm an idiot, etc... I then asked him if he turned it on... Silence.... He said OH..... and hung up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I had to drive a Prevost for a four day trip to Boston after a complete breakdown on 90 East. Computer fried and shut everything down. I’d never driven a Prevost. Always MCI or Vanhool. Trailways loaned it to us. Not much instruction time. I had to call their dispatcher to figure out how to get into the locked fuel door. And being the markings on the dash switches were worn off, I ended up turning on the 4ways, inside lights, reading lights and several other things before I found the switch to lower the driver window as I’m pulling up to the toll booth getting on the MassPike. Lol. Last day heading home was a lot easier!
@@jollygreen4639 yeah Prevost and especially Van Hool have a very steep learning curve! If possible I like to take extra time by myself with a new bus to learn how stuff works by just playing with dash switches.
I have a Prevost motorhome that I have operated for over 200k miles---I know, not much compared to professional drivers, but quite a bit of time with this rig. While not hauling passengers other than friends and family, I take pride in knowing everything possible about my coach including proper braking procedures in the mountains such as using my Jake brake going downhill. My wife and I took a trip to the Canadian Rockies by train, but there was a side trip on a motor coach. It was quite scary. The driver did not know about or how to use the transmission retarder on the coach. We were going down very long 6+% grades and she was riding the brakes the entire time. When we got to a stop, all of the brakes were smoking and stinky. It was disappointing to know that she was not properly trained on this skill especially operating in mountain territory. None of the other passengers seemed to have a clue, but I was studying the controls and planning for action if it looked like she was losing control. Fortunately, she didn't. It was not readily apparent who the operator was or I would have likely made a phone call. Thanks for these videos. I learn something new all the time.
My company has a lot of schools and colleges that we drive for sports and field trips and because they tend to trickle into the bus and they are young I don’t always get out and assist them but with weddings and all other events that are mostly adults I always get out and assist with entering and exiting ..
I never hint to anyone I'm lost, I'm taking the scenic route. I drive for a small family firm in the UK, we wear a 3 piece suit on every hire - when you look professional, you drive and act professional. (Also here in the UK we're encouraged to 'hog' the left lane - it's the proper side of the road 😉)
Coming back from Virginia Beach and we stop at a rest area south of DC. Well, dumb me doesn’t realize that I somehow was in the HOV Express lane into DC, which was not my intended route. Here comes the Pentagon, Jefferson Memorial, then 14th St bridge…. Tour escort leans forward to me, “hey Bob did we come down this way?” “No, but I heard on the CB there was a bad truck accident on the 495 Beltway. Backed up for miles…”. “Hey kids, heres the Washington Monument, the Capital Bldg, that’s the White House…”. I never let on that I just screwed up royal. 😆😆
+1 .. Luv viewing the words Peoria Charter as the bus rolls overhead through the open. 0:03 ... Our family has fond generational roots in Peoria... Glen Oak Park and the Zoo ... Is the Zoo still there? .. It's been decades ... Herr James, great bus industry content as always... (subscribed). .. Cheers, Vail, Colorado
James, I almost fell out of my seat with your "red neck rendition" of opposing newer technology. I'm a transit bus operator, so I can't get out of my seat every time a passenger boards or alights from my bus, but my number 1 desire is to be professional and courteous. While ties are optional, I am with tie everyday I'm working. In my opinion, nothing says more about one's professionalism than being smartly dressed. As far as new technology goes, anything that makes us safer on the road is a good thing. Being a former mainframe system programmer ("nerd"), I enjoy experimenting and working with new technologies any way.
Hey Roy. That's awesome. Always love meeting a Nerd bus operator! I know several people that used to be in the software development field that also drive buses. I kind surprised myself with that redneck accent,. I never knew I had it in me LOL
Where I am from, the transit drivers do not load or unload luggage, the passengers are expected to handle their own items, and it is a policy. However, one day I found out that some drivers get really snotty if you go ahead and open the luggage bay door while loading proceeds and they are unaware of it. I got told off for my troubles, and I casually shot back to the guy, that while it is not his duty to handle the items, perhaps he could have made the effort to open the bay up prior to loading. Oddly enough, I have opened and closed multiple bay doors, most drivers do not get excited about it, but I do inform them that I have placed item(s) in the luggage bay. Some will get out and check that the door is properly latched. Letting them know now, avoids confusion later when you want to get off the bus and the driver is not aware that you had items stowed in the luggage bay.
As far as standing at the door. For older passengers or most chartered trips, I absolutely do. I have to admit though with our company switching to almost all athletic trips now I've been bad about it. There are times it's 10 minutes of on and off before they are actually "off" the bus for the trip. Same with DC 8th grade trips, its usually drop and run there.
Hi Your video have been of real help to me thanks alot There is a problem am facing in my transport business. My drivers kinda like take the vehicle out for public transport but then they are to remit my portion to me after a days work but that's where the problem is they take the vehicle out, run it for a whole day and won't pay. They'll just be giving you different complain some would not even return the vehicle to the park. So what i would really need your help with is, is there any way i can run it and have control over the money passengers pay ? Then by month end i could then pay the drivers. Pls assist
Not sure if you will see this but, I made a comment a while ago about the shuttle buses used to ferry employees to and from the employee parking to the airport i work at. They got new ones...just a newer model. But they are different. The old ones had the passenger cabin set on top of the drive train....you never noticed the drive train or wheel well when inside...The new ones have the cabin lowered. Doing this caused 2 changes. 1. Now there is a small wheel well hump inside the cabin by the back wheels. 2. There is a small hump by the driver F 550XL front covering the drivetrain. Why was this change made? The cabin is otherwise unchanged. Does the lowered cabin mean smoother ride?
Hey Adam, Sorry I missed your comment previously. This is a good question. My only guess is that the newer ones are more step friendly. Everyone is moving towards easier mobility for passengers. And the lower the deck is the easier it is for the passengers to get on. But in order to make the deck lower, they have to somehow not rub the wheels. So the wheel wells were extended into the cabin, usually hidden over seats so that its not that noticeable or intrusive.
@@MotorcoachWorld interesting. Makes me wonder..as the steps are shallower but now instead of three steep steps in Its three shallow steps..the. a turn then a really shallow one..that seems worse...
I was a bus driver at Disney World. When I’m at the parks or Disney Springs or at a resort that is a one-stop resort like Disney’s Pop Century, I would stand up by driver’s seat until everyone gets off so I can close the back door before greeting the guests boarding outside the door. If I have a multi-stop resort, like Disney’s Old Key West, I would not get up, unless I have a guest that requires the access ramp at one of the stops.
I agree with all of these EXCEPT that left lane rule. I traverse a lot of roads with my bus that have left lane HOVs, and you bet every single dollar that I'm in that HOV lane whenever possible with the bus as it keeps the bus moving than being with regular traffic OR if I need to get in the left lane to pass a vehicle.
I started driving in 1986 I love it I don't like anything in my area I love the commodity The meeting if new guests Treat everyone the way you want to be treated
I've always wanted to have a career driving large vehicles- mostly trucking but I often thought about driving a bus too. Unfortunately, I realize that my mental health is too poor to do that. I don't think I'm capable of being responsible of so much and potentially blamed for things that aren't my fault. DOT is not very kind to large vehicle operators, and the average driver has no idea how to behave around busses and trucks. Wish I could handle that life.
My 5 cents as a passenger: I don't see how having a navi makes a driver look "unprofessional" or like he/she doesn't know where they're going. This is so narrow-minded. I mean navigations are not just for following the road, although it's the most obvious use. You also look to check traffic, road closures and detours, possible accidents ahead, etc, etc. Actually, if I see a driver without a modern navigation, will raise a lot of suspicion in me. Another thing - just because there are 50 people behind you - does not mean, that they all watch you. Actually the vast majority of them couldn't care less about you and if you are looking at a navi or not, as long as the bus stays on the road / in lane :)) We, as people, tend to over-think what others think of us, and thus we think they watch and judge us all the time, which is wrong most of the time and for most of the people. People are too busy to deal with themselves, than to deal or think about you (for good or bad, it is how it is). When I pick up a city bus or whatever -I think about my stuff, take a look at my phone or consider where I'm going and what will I do, when I get there. I don't stare at the bus driver.
Hi James. When i was driving and i wasn't sure of how to get to a destination i always conferred with the group leader. I always made sure that we were on the same page especially if it was a multi day trip. I never had the chance to work with the ELD since I stopped driving before they came out. I originally had a Class A CDL and got my P&S endorsements driving a school bus for a year. When I decided to go coach I went to a major company in the DC Metro area. Yes I knew pretty much what I needed to know but still had to go through their 6 week training course along with the drivers who only had a Class B learners permit. We wore dark blue or black pants with light blue button down shirts. We got company hats. Yeah i was a know it all when it came to the rules of the road almost in over load going through it again. I pretty much aced the weekly quizzes. When it came to driving we practiced on whatever was available. J-4505 DL3 DL. No two were alike.By me already holding my CDL with P after the first week of driving they allowed me to go out with the rookies since by the DOT and FMCSA the rookies had to have a licensed driver in that class vehicle. Of the 9 rookies in our class when it came time to take the road test they all passed. Not a single retest. This is when they had to do the alley docking. This company has a good reputation and made sure all their drivers followed the rules. They are a part of Gray Line Tours and Trailways. Prior to Covid their main bread and butter were scheduled tours of Washington DC Arlington and Mt Vernon VA. I was just on their website just now and read they they are now charging a $20 bag fee if you have a second bag. First one is free. In a way I miss the business whenever i see a coach go by. I do however have an emergency bus kit in my car. A bathroom key and the "L" wrench for the Setra Van-Hool and Prevost side compartments. Stay safe out there..
When I drove for a tour bus co in the 90'S I had a passenger comment on how I would get out of the couch at every tour stop to aid the passengers get off the coach. Her BROTHER who drove for the same co would just sit in the seat and watch.
Thankyou James for a insightful 👍 Video 📹 .I started Schoolbusing 🚍 & 🚎 Transit in 1976.The Video was refreshing Even after 3 Million 😮{Miles..You never stop Learning( If a vehicle Gives me a Break Always 🖐 Thanks & or Flash the 4ways "🔅🔅" 🙂 ) Tanks again James 🙏🇺🇦
10:40 Can confirm that bus drivers should not listen to passengers for directions. I was on a bus from Baltimore to New York. But there was an accident near Edison New Jersey. The bus diverted and after everyone was yelling about where to go. The driver took us into this weird demison populated by giant skeletons walking on all fours, insects the size of a large dog filling the air and screaming corpses that created this unending choir of raw unending suffering. Surrounded by massive rock pillars and thousand feet deep canyons filled with mushrooms. All while the sky was red and appeared to be on fire. Thankfully we left Newark New Jersey and went to the American dream mall.
The argument that the navigation attached to the window says that the driver does not know what he is doing is pointless to put it mildly. Navigation is not only a map (the world has moved on) but also real-time notifications about accidents and possible detours. You may be the best bus driver, but so what if you and your passengers are stuck in traffic for an hour and a rookie takes a detour because he had navigation.
#10 is a hoot because the drivers that are opposed to the new technology are the same drivers that long for the good ole days of double-clutching on a PD-4106.
Hey hey now! Some of us 4106 drivers retired when we had enough! There ought to be an age limit on CDL’s. Is a 75 year old retired Greyhound driver who had 47 years seniority a good fit at your company?
@@Qrail Wow I would love to meet you and just listen to your stories. I bet you have a lot of them. Ive always said that the best stories come from Bus drivers. You know we have drivers that work for us that are 75. They still pass their DOT physicals and they still want to drive. So we send them LOL.
@@MotorcoachWorld thank you James. Yes I have a few stories to tell. 48 years in the transportation industry does that to you! My mentors were those Greyhound drivers I mentioned. Here is one. The company I worked for in the 90’s (Sierra Nevada/Frontier Tours) did standby work, or second and third sections on holiday weekends for Greyhound that didn’t have the equipment or drivers. The dispatcher in Reno knew me from years of running the mainline on a pool arrangement with LTR from the 70’s. GL needed the bus, so I arrived in a Setra, told the dispatcher I was in stall #1. I loaded the through passengers and freight, gave the dispatcher the count. The GL driver thought we were going to convoy together, but the dispatcher told their driver to do the regular route, because I was only hired for 4 hours. (Enough to loop Sacramento from Reno). There was a GL driver who deadheaded an equipment move to Reno, who ended up cushioning back to Sacramento. He wasn’t happy with his pay that day. Deadhead was 1/2 pay, and cushion was 1/4 pay. Plus he stayed in the dorm to get fresh. He was amazed with the Setra that was assigned to me, and couldn’t believe I had a stereo radio and cruise control. (And electric mirrors)!! Line service has it’s positives and negatives, same as charter/tour work. But if you are multi-talented, you can be very successful. I has an accident as a rookie, but then drove 11,655 days without one. I stopped counting when I retired from Charter work. Keywon knows where I went after that…(I became his supervisor!!)
# 12 - I drove for NYCT 26 years before I retired. most annoying for me is when I relief the operator & garbage everywhere in operator area. we have the worst bus operator slobs in America. most common potato chips & bag on floor / greasy steering wheel / pumpkin seeds / soda bottle / can next to brake pedal YES! / Gum stuck near door handle / greasy fingerprints all over the interior mirror, so imagine making 60 local + stops one way & you do 6 trips = 360 stops looking at that dame mirror w/ prints. but I clean everything on each trip & I'm not no clean freak either. Etc. Sorry for the rant.🤣😀😊😂😁😄
If I was a professional driver, (always wanted to be) I would call another (local) bus company in another’s state, depending on to my destination, and ask about the destination spot as to what to look out for, anything I should know about any of my route towards that destination. Best route to use etc, since they are the ones who knows what’s going on as to road constructions 🚧, road closures. Important information that’s needed to plan a perfect trip to minimize the delay time. Another viable information to have, is knowing the big cities, for example like Manhattan, N.Y., the Big Apple…..lol. All Avenues are north and south in Manhattan. Sides streets, that runs east and west, are one way streets. Even number goes towards the east side of Manhattan, odd numbers go towards the west side of Manhattan. Another example. E. 56th St. is one way towards the east, but east of 5th Avenue. W. 56th is towards to the east, but west of 5th Avenue. This definitely helps you to be in the right lane in advance to make ur turns onto the Avenue. There are some main east and west streets that are both ways. And least but not last, the traffic lights on the Avenues, there is a way that you can tell when the traffic lights will turn red, giving you that warning when it’s going to change. When that red, "Do Not Cross" starts to flash for the pedestrians, count 10 times, on the tenth time, it will turn the traffic light to yellow, meaning red light is next. If u can control your bus to a proper speed on the avenue, you should be able to hit every single green traffic lights. If you count 5 "Do Not Cross" it means to add a little bit speed, or you will hit a red light about 4 or 5 blocks up. The Avenues are designed for a 25 mph to be able to hit all green light. Just work it, adjust to it by giving a mile plus or under to stay with the green lights. Trust me, u will not get it the first time, but u will have that wonderful experience when you can hit all green light more than 3/4 of the way on the Avenue that you are on. For example I like to use First Avenue (NB) cause it will take me off Manhattan (Willis Avenue Bridge) then work my way to any Highway necessary. I will take any points and or constructive criticism from any drivers. Safe Driving!
Rookie driver blocking busy intersection because he/she didn't want to wait until the bus can fit on the road after the intersection where slow moving traffic is occupying it (and even worse, doing the same on a train crossing where half the bus is sticking out on the crossing)
We were always a signed our brand new motor coach I should bring her home sometime waxer on my day off clean my aluminum wheels and my bus was my bus I didn't pay the payments but I had it every day that's the way to do it I sign the equipment and take care of it😅😅😅😅
if in not a PREVOST BUS will take a USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D),Enterprise-D Captain ! respect bus drivers the FRIST CONTACTS is the rules is the drivers for A to B get to destintions ! rules !
Hate that about gps showing, as a 1st year driver Im very much relying on my gps. I can preplan all i want, but the part i remember is destination parking entrabce lol
Hi James, I wish you wouldn’t be afraid to make the videos as long as possible to be as informative as possible. Skimming information kind of robs the viewers who are curious how much more you can share with us regarding these topics and I would rather listen and watch your videos than have to read it. Viewers who disagree with long videos can skip or pause or break them over a course of time. Those who are fascinated with your information don’t have the luxury of continuing to watch if you are not sharing it. Thank you
Ooh, I've got one. Ignoring specific directions that customers/dispatch made sure drivers had, over blindly following the SatNav. I organise coaches to music festivals in the UK and we need drivers to drop off at a specific area as part of the events traffic management plan. Cue the one driver who will ignore the instructions and cause total chaos. We've had drivers needing towing out of muddy lanes and worse cause such traffic jams so bad that they actually endangered the event being held at that location again...
From my roommates' 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, to my 1992 Honda Civic DX sedan, I do a pre-trip check even before just going to the store. And at least once a week if I am driving regularly, or before I drive after my car sits for a while, I check tire pressures and fluid levels. It does not take long or much to check things before going anywhere. I check my fluids EVERY time I put fuel in my car. It is those little things that make vehicles and equipment last. And, you become a better driver over all if you actually take the time to get to know and take care of your vehicle. And that goes from my gas powered lawnmower to over the road trucks and buses, heavy equipment and aircraft. I have ridden on a few coach buses to various places, and have to say my favorites were the ones I rode on when I was a kid going to a week long summer camp.
I'm considering becoming a busdriver at 35.. what would you say is the best and worst part of the job? And would you recommend longdistance type of transitlines, instead of citytransit lines? Pros n cons?
# 4 Gps, i use alwyas my gps, even if i am driving somewhere that i have been a lot of times... The gps gives me info about traffic situations further donw the way, it informs me about my arrival time, it gives me info when i need to go a different route because of closed roads (accidents for example) and i gives me info about the next exit (so special when i drive with more drivers following me i know when it is not good the overtake and than take the exit and driver 5 or 6 or further away misses the exit. If the destinations are evryday different than gps is very helpfull (of course sound off) in all cases you need to look up the info about the route before driving ofcourse 🙂
I try and avoid listening to passengers for that exact reason because it seems to be there. Their default mode is to take you were 45' buses can't go. " You can pull through there. It will be fine. Other buses do it all the time" This is also why I run with a minimum of two GPS systems at all times. Sometimes I have all three going. When passengers ask me about it, I point out that they have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, they pull traffic updates from different sources. Being aware of what the strengths and weaknesses of different navigation devices are is critical though. I tell my passengers I do this because I value their time and and wish to get them to their destination as efficiently as possible. I also tell them I don't like surprises. I'm honestly a little surprised at how many drivers just have a phone thrown down by the corner of the dashboard. A lot of them never even look at their phones and just have it feed them turn by turn directions through any earpiece or bone conducting headset.
As a passenger I really don't like when some drivers, who have done that particular line run dozens of times have to keep looking at sheets, maps and asking for directions, its more a safety concern as they are frequently taking their eyes off the road.
I drove tours all across the country if we didn't get off and help the arm of the people off the bus help them get on and do the luggage you were fired😢😢
Rule #11, from my former company, HR department: "Be very mindful of what you are watching on your phone while passengers are off the bus. You never know who has eyes or ears on you." They did mention, however, that if we were caught viewing a Motorcoach World video, we would automatically get a $1.00 raise 😀
Then have all of James's videos on a secret Playlist on repeat and have the volume at zero and hopefully the bossman gives you that raise #ProblemSolved
LOL Nice! so thats whats been driving up my view numbers.... LOL What do you get if you subscribe??? Thanks so much for your kind words as always Steve!
@@adventureoflinkmk2 LOL Work the system. I love it!
@Derek Holcomb Should be mandatory viewing for all motorcoach operators 😀
If you mean while the vehicle is in motion , nobody should be watching anything , or using a phone or tablet while operating any vehicle .
Up until 2021, Greyhound drivers were not allowed to use a GPS, it was actually a fire-able offense. We had turn by turn directions on paper (think Mapquest) that we were told to use when we didn't know where we were going. If that failed (which it did frequently), we were actually told to ask the passengers where to go. Like you said, that looks completely unprofessional.
Back in the day.... Greyhound used copiers to copy pages of map books. And used a stamped printed on the page of a Greyhound, and the route you had to take ? This was before the internet....
I've noticed today that drivers for Flixbus use a GPS when driving - when I was on one, it routed us onto a fairly narrow road where there was only room for one large coach bus or truck to go either direction and there just so happened to be a truck wanting to go the opposite direction. We were stopped awkwardly there until the truck driver backed away and we were allowed to cross. It's no surprise you saw this policy change once Flix bought out Greyhound...
Why navigate the hard way if it can be done easy. Pilots use GPS and a moving map. It's professional and 100% acceptable.
Wow no wonder you see a lot Greyhound bus drivers lost.
@@westerlywinds5684 1. GPS units can be stolen. 2. GPS can get a virus and stop working. 3. liquid will destroy a unit fast. 4. it could get lost or forgotten somewhere.
I am 82 and drive a Prevost motor home. I have over 3M miles under my belt but not all in this bus. Trucks, cars, motor homes, etc. I just wanted to tell you that I don’t haul passengers but I do enjoy many of your posts and do find them enlightening even with my experience. Thank you and keep up the good work!
One thing I see a lot is ex truck drivers coming over to do charter bus, because they want easier trips, and to be home every night. A lot of times these guys forget to do stuff like turn on the lights and HVAC systems, leaving the passengers in a cold, dark bus. You guys have to remember that you’re not driving around a box truck full of freight, you have people back there.
I would say... anyone coming into this industry assuming they already know everything is going to have a hard time. Ive met ex truckers, even ex bus drivers that come on and dont want to be open minded about the way we do things... and they find them selves unhappy with us and we were usually unhappy with their performance.
Whenever a guy confesses that he was dumb, young and full of ego my respect for him skyrockets. That's somebody I can get along with and befriend.
Myself? Old but still dumb. Ego? Depends on who's watching😂
LOLOL I think you and I can be good friends LOL! Thanks for the comment!
#12. Do NOT I repeat Do NOT compromise your safety. I’ve seen a lot of rookie drivers get into situations like hitting awnings or other low clearances, getting stuck (especially this one hotel in orlando (Coco Key) or in areas that even a 30ft bus would not fit all because someone told them “go that way, you’ll fit”. I myself have left the bus and walked somewhere to see if I’ll fit especially if there was a last min change of plans during the trip. When I trip plan I also look at satellite images of areas to see if anything could be a permanent obstruction.
What really grinds my gears is seeing a coach go down the road so close to the vehicle ahead, it's like they're running at Talladega. Absolutely NO excuse for that.
One thing I like about my Garmin is that even if I'm in an area with no cell service (which naturally renders a phone useless), that Garmin just keeps on working off the satellite signals. (NOTE: The voice commands are always muted.)
The GPS on my phone doesn't require cell service.
Some GPS-related *apps* may require cell service but any GPS-related app worth its salt has the ability to pre-download maps.
GPS is a valuable tool. I don't have any problem with that. And yes, we don't want to hear the turn-by-turn.
Great vid. My two cent’s worth would be having ear buds in to either listen to music or make/take calls. In Australia we have a LOTTTTT of Indian bus drivers including taxi and rideshare drivers. I see the vast majority of them have their ear pieces in (very illegal in all states and territories of Australia for any driver to do) and they spend all day and night chatting with their mates or listening to music.
The moment I see any driver with an ear bud in, their professional appearance has greatly diminished in my eyes.
All the things mentioned are true, should be policy: I would add:
* don’t creep the bus at stop lights
* don’t use abrupt inputs on brakes, acceleration, steering
* listen if pax complain about interior temp
* pay attention to where you load/unload, example: make sure the pax don’t step off the bus into a puddle 😊
Nice. Thank you! Love your points. I agree. It drives me nuts when a driver keeps creeping at stop lights. Good way to get rear eneded too.
Gotta be careful with those temp changes too
Can someone please explain the creep, creeping means? Thanks.
@@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176 when at a stop, the driver allows the bus to slowly inch forward while still in a traffic stand-still (like at stop light). Happens when a driver is either in a hurry or being lazy with their application of pressure on the brake pedal. This is very uncomfortable for passengers and is sloppy driving.
Don't change the temperature if just one person asks immediately when getting on the bus. It's more likely to make the bus less comfortable and what are you going to do if two passengers request opposite adjustments?
Boarding and Alighting. Insurance companies wanted the Driver or Tour Directors to be at the door for assistance if needed. It is also a great way to create passenger interaction. GPS has taken away from proper preparation on Tours and Charters. I’ve been in the industry since 1972. Your videos are great for the industry….
Hey Mp Stenz. Thank you sir. I could probably learn a lot from you. You have a lot of years under your belt. Yes, Im not opposed to GPS but it scares me when i meet a driver that wont know how to get there without it. It should be used as an Aid.
Good point, James. I had a driver who just started with the company doing a NYC trip with me. Before we left the garage, I asked him if he had any questions, and uh he understood getting from the Lincoln tunnel to our first stop at Rockefeller Ctr. He just says I got it all punched into my gps (a car one). I offered him a few NYC area maps, which he declined. So naturally, we got separated by traffic which I expected. He showed up at Rock Ctr 30 minutes after me. He blamed it on his gps. He got lost every other step of the trip. But he wouldn’t take my help or listen to me, so nothing else I could do. This is a prime example of a gps being used as an aid and not the sole source of navigating.
When I was a trainee driver one company rule was that whenever you were outside the coach, you had to wear your uniform cap, whether greeting passengers, loading luggage etc.
Ooo I love this. Very Military. And very professional. I miss drivers hats. I loved those old companies that had airline style hats for their drivers.
being a freight driver I'd like to be offered a "Schirmmütze" like the old-time long-haul men used to wear
Things that will make me a better motorcoach, 1. DON'T EAT PASSENGER LUNCHES.
Got it👍🏼
LoL 🤣
I completely agree with keeping the drivers area clean. Such a pet peeve to take over a bus and there are wrappers, coffee cups, crumbs and garbage all over the place.
Good stuff!
I have occasionally seen city route bus drivers ask passengers where to go but it usually happens in a situation where the driver is doing a run they don't normally do and are unfamiliar with (and so they will get help from a passenger who rides the route regularly).
I have also seen city route bus drivers smoking in no smoking zones. Its bad enough when passengers do it but drivers should know better. (although again its an isolated thing and at least they do seem to move away from where passengers are waiting and don't do it in underground/indoor bus stations)
British driver here; about 15 years ago, I was working as an agency driver, about 450 miles away from home; and was asked to do a run which they didn't normally allocate to agency drivers (the attitude was to teach us just enough runs to make up a few shifts, so the regulars could cover the rest of the work.). The controller said "I know you haven't been shown it, I don't care how you do it; just take the bus there and work the route back." As luck would have it, I knew which way the service went to get out of the town, and after that , just a rough idea; but as I got to the Asda superstore, on the outskirts of the town, a passenger got on, wanting to go to the terminus. I asked him if he could show me the route, and once he said "Yes", I gave him a free ride, for his help. When I got back to the bus station, I told the controller what I'd done, and he said that was fine; the company would rather lose one single fare, than potentially lose several, if I got lost, and the bad repute due to the bus going the wrong way.
As a driver of my MCI and a passenger I see 0 problems with utilizing a GPS system, regardless of where its mounted. Having more information at your disposal to plan a route and get to your destination in a timely manner while being able to navigate obstacles, accidents, closures, etc is paramount. No one wants to arrive late. At the same time it does add some stress when you see that arrival time increase when you're in the middle of your trip and can become a distraction trying to manage a new route while underway. For example if you're fiddling with your phone trying to re-route and you keep bouncing on the bumpies in the lanes... But I believe keeping people informed of situations that are out of your control so they can plan accordingly is just another level of courtesy you can add to your service. If they're needing to be at a tour, dinner, or event by a certain time, they could possibly phone ahead and make accommodations. It also helps when navigating thru city streets that might have tight turns so you can properly plan your lane changes, etc. Especially in traffic where no one wants to provide room for a 45' bus to merge in.
I have to agree wholeheartedly with the GPS thing, although that Google about got me in trouble a couple times (stupid Chicago by the D&D Spa with a 11'3" bridge)
@@adventureoflinkmk2 Google is always for cars despite the fact they have DIESEL routing available.. It's crazy
Something that goes back to when I had to drive school runs as a spare, I still write out turn by turn instructions to and from my destination if I’m not familiar with the area. I also have it on my Garmin, but mainly use it as a map for street names. Usually drivers that have assigned units are the ones with ‘clean coach pride’. Thanks for posting. Rick
Disembarking or Disembarkation.. the word ive heard used is mostly is Alighting or Alight meaning descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport
Yes yes yes. 1st one off and last one on. Ive had to catch at least 5 senior citizens over the years. Even when I do line runs, I do the same. Also, imagine means alot. Calvin Horne, Dave Deleon and I have contests on whose bus looks the best. Polished rims and tire shine. But I can see that being a little overboard. Be careful when touching your phone as well even if its just for directions. And there is nothing wrong with a GPS. Customers like to see ETA not to mention, traffic updates.
Shout out to Joshua for looking ON POINT in uniform.
Final thing. Even if you are in a multi bus move, you still need to do your homework and know which way to go or which way the lead is going.
Putting your "Junk" between the dashboard and the front windshield is not a good ideal. As stopping fast, a,k,a, breaking hard might just push that windshield out onto the highway. Loosing a windshield to a deer is one thing. Loosing a windshield to "Your crap" sitting on the dashboard, is yet another.
My GPS was a Rand-McNally U.S. map book and a Rand-McNally Chicago and suburban map book. That's all I ever needed.
James, As always a great video.
@Jeff Herdzina .. +1. Agreed. .. The good ole tried and true Rand-McNally printed road map. .. "Don't leave home on a Road Trip without it" ...
One Million Mile Accident Free Driver ,,Peter Pan Bus Lines,,,Retired,,,went to Postal Service, Vehicle Services,,,Mail dosent talk,,
"Asking passengers how to get there". I do a lot of school charters where the sporting events have different location of certain sports such as hockey, tennis, even drama or the arts. I sometimes will ask the coach what is the best area to drop off. They have been to these schools and are familiar with the locations. I don't feel weird about it. I think it's beneficial to both of us.
This is a great video. I think that first and foremost, a driver must have a DESIRE to look and act like a professional. I am an over the road truck driver, and it seems to me that professionalism is all but dead in my industry. Hopefully it’s a lot more prevalent in yours.
@Damon Price ... +1. Agreed. . The old adage applies.. "Anything worth doing is worth doing well" .. Cheers
About the navigating... I primarily have the phone screen OFF when navigating, and only turn it on for the parts I know for sure I don't know... and that's part of preplanning the route - I check the route before pulling away, for things like road numbers and names, which junction and left/right/etc. That's why I don't have it in an 'obtrusive' location, but easily accessible without having to shift in my seat - so as easily accessible by hand while in the relaxed back position as my turn indicators and wiper controls, and gearbox selector of whichever kind it happens to be.
This forces me to learn routes quicker, and often enables me to make repeat trips entirely without electric or paper navigation aid.
Rerouting, however, I do see one possible 'some see it as professional, others as not' would be to do a small stop to give yourself safe time, not driving, to figure out your new path and *announce* to the passengers you are doing so, For instance, "Ladies and Gentlemen, unfortunately due to a road closure on our route, I'll have to perform a quick stop to check for an alternative safe route avoiding the
Very good video; I'm going to show it at my next driver meeting. Canadian ciach operator. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Steve. I'm honored. Seriously. I'm glad these videos can help drivers
That’s a great idea, Steve. And encourage drivers who don’t already to subscribe to this channel. There is always something interesting in the videos. What Canadian company are you with?
Oh boy nothing like having lots of cheeeeeeeeeeese burgers and taaaaaaaaaaater chips all over the dashboard 😂 as well as all the sodie pops and caaaaaaaaaandy bars
And I never had an issue with using GPS myself
Paraphrasing Bonehead Truckers channel? Lol
@@jollygreen4639 yessir :) I couldn't resist, sorry James 😁😂😂😂😂
I hate when cars trucks and buses hog that left and second from the left lanes too irks me !
Enjoy your content. Been driving buses in Orlando. Fl for 5 years. Want to know do you stay busy during the summer months. Here it kinda decrease.
Hey thank you for the comment. Yeah it definitely slows down for us too in the summer. I think that's pretty common in the industry unless a company has some kind of unique contract for summer work.
Disembarkation , Disembarking or alighting (to alight from a bus or train)
I had my first passangers today. One of them wanted to buy six tickets for her group. I was like "goddamit what's two euros and sixty cents times six...?!?!!" My heart raced. lol Totally not prepared for this.
Lol I've been there 🤣! Not counting euros but dollars and cents 😂
€15 :60😂
GPS is more for checking on traffic conditions. Drivers need to plan ahead, so they aren't driving like they are rushed. Like leaving a good space in front of your vehicle. Driving with cruise control can be tempting, but needs to be limited to out of town distance work.
Great video. I don't know if this would qualify, but what about a driver who concentrates less on driving and more on entertaining passengers?
Case in point, back in 1993 I had a driver taking us home from school, who had some sort of obsession with a song by Wynonna Judd and her single at the time called Tell Me Why. He kept playing that song over and over again, because of one little kid (not me) and the rest of us thought this guy was a freak. I can't hear that song without that memory and I haven't heard it since then, unless I really want to be brave and pull it up on TH-cam.
Oh wow that sounds like that would get annoying . Yeah Drivers should never impose on their passengers with their music.
I drove transit buses for over 30 years. Being ex-US Army I used to be squared away with a clean drivers area. My career was early 1970's to the late 2000's.
Oh nice man. Thanks for your service. I have a lot of respect for military and veterans. what was your MOS?
@@MotorcoachWorld 11-Bravo Infantry Rifleman.
And here's a BIG one: when you get fuel, PLEASE.. for the love of all that is holy... NEVER EVER block the fuel aisle under ANY circumstances!!! That's a good way to piss off other drivers and get beat up or otherwise chewed out... or ultimately end up on bonehead truckers
And while fueling, NEVER stand in front of the fuel door. Step off to the other side of the fuel door. That way, if fuel splashes out, it doesn’t hit you on your clothes or in your face. You’ll stink for days. And use gloves while fueling!
@@jollygreen4639 good call out, if there's also shoe booties you can use id use those as well, Justin case... I've splashed many a def on my shoes and wrecked em :(
Also a great idea.
A driver should never curse, discuss religion, politics, or controversial topics with his passengers.
Rule 11: Never show up for work naked.
That is definitely a very important rule. 😆
August, 2013, Greyhound from Richmond, VA, to Raleigh-Durham, NC, a deadheading driver took over the front row on the right side of the coach, reclined both seats all the way back into my row, and proceeded to stretch out across them - feet dangling into the aisle - and went to sleep. He refused to accept complaints from myself and the passenger next to me, that the seats were too far back - so far that my knees were on either side of the seatback and I would have been pinned in my seat in an emergency.
The active driver ignored the complaints too.
Before we reached our destination, a complaint, complete with photos, was sent to Greyhound corporate offices.
I don't know what they did, but in hindsight I regret not making a bigger stink.
pinned in your seat and they refused complaints? isn't that a form of kidnapping?
I drive semi trucks but I think you motorcoach guys are awesome!
Thank you. I think you semi guys are pretty cool as well
When you say drivers that dont have pride in their uniforms.....of course, Coach USA....
I was one of the few that had a uniform, with the epaulets, the US flag on my shoulder, even my bus drivers badge (that was a very old NY thing). But having long hair back then...people always had something to say.
About the tailgating, back when traffic into NYC was heavy, like early 2000s, getting into the Lincoln Tunnel, we had the bus lane (it was the left lane of opposing traffic, on the other side of the jersey divider). You could tell a new driver that was doing 5mph lol, though a few had died in collisions. I mean, you're right on the corner if another buss veets in, and theres just cones between your lane and the oncoming. But, the biggest thing was passenger cars sneaking in AFTER the toll plaza.
So if you had any gap, they would just cut it front of you. So, we used to do this thing called driving an 80 foot coach. So you would be doing 30-40mpg, about a foot off the bumper of the bus in front of you. You saw nothing in front, just tail lights. It was routine back then. The only part where you backed off was right at the entrance, in case the bus in front would hit the side wall, and come to a flat halt. Then you would slam into that bus (it happened once, but just once).
It amazes me though, how we streamlined all of that. It wasnt a matter of luck, since thousands of buses were coming through just in that 2 hour window, every day. Now, fewer people commute to NYC, so the routes are cut in half, and theres no more need for this type stuff.
Does your company have GPS equipped buses? I would think the company dispatcher would know exactly where you are at all times. And if something came up on the road, they could vector you to your destination, like air traffic controllers do with airplanes. And the background music on the video is very relaxing. Where can I find that on TH-cam?
We do not issue or install GPS systems in our buses. However our buses are trackable by dispatch and management. What you mentioned dosent happen often but It has been done. The song I used is called Purple Fire by ELFL. Thanks!
Just drive safe. Get your passengers there in one piece
Exactly be safe stay calm and love the job
Nothing wrong with a coach operator using GPS. Is the driver really expected how to navigate from every point of origin to every destination and be able to reroute enroute if there are crashes, construction or other major delays
As a coach driver in Australia, I have to say I don't get the whole "do not use GPS" thing. I'm not saying it should be solely relied upon, but it is a very useful tool, especially in todays' time-conscious world. Delays are sometimes unavoidable, but I personally find having a GPS running and showing my route, I am prepared for anything the road throws at me - be it an accident or other unexpected detour into unfamiliar territory. It saves me stopping somewhere and looking up where I have to go either on a paper map or on the GPS while I have 50 or 60 pairs of eyes burning a hole in the back of my head! Some of the GPS units even have live traffic updates that will warn you of an impediment along your route and ask if you want to consider this or that alternative route. It can be a lifesaver and has saved my butt a few times when I used to work as an airport bus operator where we just could not be late arriving!
But do they give you the restricted rout's that large can't be on? I've done semi trucks and school busses also.
The most annoying thing that bus drivers do, in my opinion, is to hurry.
Putting the cruise control on the maximum governed speed (100km/h here). Creeping up to a car in the right lane, maybe with 10 meters distance, waiting till the last moment to overtake. Or mash the brakes at the last moment if it turns out - surprise - another vehicle is already in the passing lane and the bus driver can't initiate an overtake, and get all huffy about it.
Yes, you are allowed to do 100km/h, but although it's more work to overtake in a bus than in a fast car, don't be a little bitch about it and risk the lives of people who drive 90 or 95km/h in a passenger car in the slow lane.
I've witnessed this multiple times in western europe, and it bothers me a lot. Especially if it's not a scheduled route, wait one minute more and overtake when it's safer to do so. If you hit one single traffic jam, all the time saved by doing dangerous overtaking manouvres is lost instantly.
In general, i don't send complaints to management ever. I don't want to make someone lose their job, even if i'm a bit unsatisfied. But in the case of tailgating to do risky overtakes, i make an exception to my life philosophy.
Personally, i don't give a crap about what my driver wears. I do appreciate a traditional outfit with a driver's cap for aesthetic reasons, but we don't have such things here.
Yes very well said. Thanks for the comment. Where are you from?
@@MotorcoachWorld the Netherlands
Just became a bus driver after being in the insurance industry, so far i love it
I work in the UK for a city bus company and our controllers are constantly sending drivers out with maps and verbal directions as well as refusing to teach us how to start a new bus that we have been given.
Ouch! That's not being very helpful to the drivers... Im sorry to hear that!
@@MotorcoachWorld its all good the union has got involved but i dont think its the entire company just out depot
some of those shady bus companies I seen a few drivers smoking a cigarette in there bus not good
Having a I don't care attitude with your Passengers...
My very very best friend is a bus driver and he absolutely loves the job but it's a very very big responsibility he works for a bus company called quinces and that is owned by Australian transit group
GPS is a valuable tool!!)))
A driver thar really cares, that can't be hidden
Not sure about bus drivers on the highways, b-b-b-ut, I've heard from a tow truck driver that Washington State Police are starting to ticket car drivers for the phone/gps mounted on the windshield. It's considered an obstruction and distraction making piloting a car less efficient. Might even be a DUI ticket.
Somebody shared a listing with me a few years ago. It had each state and their laws on windshield mounting. It’s online out there somewhere. I do believe it’s been challenged as to bus windshield mounting.
Oooo Interesting. I should look into this. I definitely do not want a ticket.
Great voice James
The last one, KNOW AND LEARN YOUR EQUIPMENT!! One time I was helping dispatch answer phones, we kept getting a bunch of calls from passengers on a moving bus saying there was a beeping coming from the driver’s area that the driver wasn’t turning off. Turns out it was the low air alarm! The guy had a hole in one of the brake cans that set off the low air alarm every time he used the brakes. How he passed his CDL exam I don’t know but after that trip he was pulled off trips and retrained.
LOL We had a new driver that doesn't work for us anymore , call a technician saying that his bus would not air up. When we went out to the bus to see what was wrong with it, He didn't even start it. ... LOL
@@MotorcoachWorld 🤣
@@MotorcoachWorld Oh yeah? I fixed my bosses (a certain vice prez at A...W) computer, and he called me on the road complaining it didn't work, I'm an idiot, etc... I then asked him if he turned it on... Silence.... He said OH..... and hung up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I had to drive a Prevost for a four day trip to Boston after a complete breakdown on 90 East. Computer fried and shut everything down. I’d never driven a Prevost. Always MCI or Vanhool. Trailways loaned it to us. Not much instruction time. I had to call their dispatcher to figure out how to get into the locked fuel door. And being the markings on the dash switches were worn off, I ended up turning on the 4ways, inside lights, reading lights and several other things before I found the switch to lower the driver window as I’m pulling up to the toll booth getting on the MassPike. Lol. Last day heading home was a lot easier!
@@jollygreen4639 yeah Prevost and especially Van Hool have a very steep learning curve! If possible I like to take extra time by myself with a new bus to learn how stuff works by just playing with dash switches.
Rule #11 if in chicago you must stop at Jim’s original 😅
I love this rule!
@@MotorcoachWorld me too lol 😂
Hold on? I thought you drive a tour/charter bus? I drive public transit and I thought we dealt with unruly passengers and even our own co-workers.
Lol 😂
I have a Prevost motorhome that I have operated for over 200k miles---I know, not much compared to professional drivers, but quite a bit of time with this rig. While not hauling passengers other than friends and family, I take pride in knowing everything possible about my coach including proper braking procedures in the mountains such as using my Jake brake going downhill. My wife and I took a trip to the Canadian Rockies by train, but there was a side trip on a motor coach. It was quite scary. The driver did not know about or how to use the transmission retarder on the coach. We were going down very long 6+% grades and she was riding the brakes the entire time. When we got to a stop, all of the brakes were smoking and stinky. It was disappointing to know that she was not properly trained on this skill especially operating in mountain territory. None of the other passengers seemed to have a clue, but I was studying the controls and planning for action if it looked like she was losing control. Fortunately, she didn't. It was not readily apparent who the operator was or I would have likely made a phone call. Thanks for these videos. I learn something new all the time.
as a rule at my job we stand by the door as everyone gets off then go back in coach make sure everyone is off then shut door then unload baggage’s
My company has a lot of schools and colleges that we drive for sports and field trips and because they tend to trickle into the bus and they are young I don’t always get out and assist them but with weddings and all other events that are mostly adults I always get out and assist with entering and exiting ..
I never hint to anyone I'm lost, I'm taking the scenic route.
I drive for a small family firm in the UK, we wear a 3 piece suit on every hire - when you look professional, you drive and act professional.
(Also here in the UK we're encouraged to 'hog' the left lane - it's the proper side of the road 😉)
LOL thats a good one! Yeah ive missed my exit before and told my passengers, Im not lost. We get paid by the mile. LOL
Or I’m not lost, just temporarily misplaced.
I tell them if I miss the turn that we are in a tour coach and we are taking a longer tour!🙃
Coming back from Virginia Beach and we stop at a rest area south of DC. Well, dumb me doesn’t realize that I somehow was in the HOV Express lane into DC, which was not my intended route. Here comes the Pentagon, Jefferson Memorial, then 14th St bridge…. Tour escort leans forward to me, “hey Bob did we come down this way?” “No, but I heard on the CB there was a bad truck accident on the 495 Beltway. Backed up for miles…”. “Hey kids, heres the Washington Monument, the Capital Bldg, that’s the White House…”. I never let on that I just screwed up royal. 😆😆
I am a OTR trucker for UPS, and I enjoy your videos.
I have my class A, do they require experience?
+1 .. Luv viewing the words Peoria Charter as the bus rolls overhead through the open. 0:03 ... Our family has fond generational roots in Peoria... Glen Oak Park and the Zoo ... Is the Zoo still there? .. It's been decades ...
Herr James, great bus industry content as always... (subscribed). .. Cheers, Vail, Colorado
Hey Michael! Thank you for the comment! If you ever come back to visit, let me know. Ill give you a tour of our facility!
James, I almost fell out of my seat with your "red neck rendition" of opposing newer technology. I'm a transit bus operator, so I can't get out of my seat every time a passenger boards or alights from my bus, but my number 1 desire is to be professional and courteous. While ties are optional, I am with tie everyday I'm working. In my opinion, nothing says more about one's professionalism than being smartly dressed. As far as new technology goes, anything that makes us safer on the road is a good thing. Being a former mainframe system programmer ("nerd"), I enjoy experimenting and working with new technologies any way.
Hey Roy. That's awesome. Always love meeting a Nerd bus operator! I know several people that used to be in the software development field that also drive buses. I kind surprised myself with that redneck accent,. I never knew I had it in me LOL
Too bad I missed the question I would have added something. Thanks for the video James!
Hey Captain John! Dude I would still love to hear what you have to say. List it here! Hope you are well
Here is one… Drivers who don’t unload the luggage.
Always a red flag 🚩 in a group move.
Where I am from, the transit drivers do not load or unload luggage, the passengers are expected to handle their own items, and it is a policy.
However, one day I found out that some drivers get really snotty if you go ahead and open the luggage bay door while loading proceeds and they are unaware of it. I got told off for my troubles, and I casually shot back to the guy, that while it is not his duty to handle the items, perhaps he could have made the effort to open the bay up prior to loading.
Oddly enough, I have opened and closed multiple bay doors, most drivers do not get excited about it, but I do inform them that I have placed item(s) in the luggage bay. Some will get out and check that the door is properly latched. Letting them know now, avoids confusion later when you want to get off the bus and the driver is not aware that you had items stowed in the luggage bay.
I'm with you together from saudia Arabia but something l need is sound of music name
Purple fire by ELFL
As far as standing at the door. For older passengers or most chartered trips, I absolutely do. I have to admit though with our company switching to almost all athletic trips now I've been bad about it. There are times it's 10 minutes of on and off before they are actually "off" the bus for the trip. Same with DC 8th grade trips, its usually drop and run there.
That's exactly what I am saying. Kids maybe, adults same, elderly no question.
I drive 22 seaters and 25 seaters. Will I be able to drive a couch?
Go find a coach bus company and apply. Some companys will provide training without any prior experience. All you can do is try.
Hi
Your video have been of real help to me thanks alot
There is a problem am facing in my transport business. My drivers kinda like take the vehicle out for public transport but then they are to remit my portion to me after a days work but that's where the problem is they take the vehicle out, run it for a whole day and won't pay. They'll just be giving you different complain some would not even return the vehicle to the park. So what i would really need your help with is, is there any way i can run it and have control over the money passengers pay ? Then by month end i could then pay the drivers.
Pls assist
Not sure if you will see this but,
I made a comment a while ago about the shuttle buses used to ferry employees to and from the employee parking to the airport i work at.
They got new ones...just a newer model. But they are different. The old ones had the passenger cabin set on top of the drive train....you never noticed the drive train or wheel well when inside...The new ones have the cabin lowered. Doing this caused 2 changes.
1. Now there is a small wheel well hump inside the cabin by the back wheels.
2. There is a small hump by the driver F 550XL front covering the drivetrain.
Why was this change made?
The cabin is otherwise unchanged. Does the lowered cabin mean smoother ride?
Hey Adam, Sorry I missed your comment previously. This is a good question. My only guess is that the newer ones are more step friendly. Everyone is moving towards easier mobility for passengers. And the lower the deck is the easier it is for the passengers to get on. But in order to make the deck lower, they have to somehow not rub the wheels. So the wheel wells were extended into the cabin, usually hidden over seats so that its not that noticeable or intrusive.
@@MotorcoachWorld interesting. Makes me wonder..as the steps are shallower but now instead of three steep steps in
Its three shallow steps..the. a turn then a really shallow one..that seems worse...
I was a bus driver at Disney World. When I’m at the parks or Disney Springs or at a resort that is a one-stop resort like Disney’s Pop Century, I would stand up by driver’s seat until everyone gets off so I can close the back door before greeting the guests boarding outside the door.
If I have a multi-stop resort, like Disney’s Old Key West, I would not get up, unless I have a guest that requires the access ramp at one of the stops.
True
I agree with all of these EXCEPT that left lane rule. I traverse a lot of roads with my bus that have left lane HOVs, and you bet every single dollar that I'm in that HOV lane whenever possible with the bus as it keeps the bus moving than being with regular traffic OR if I need to get in the left lane to pass a vehicle.
I started driving in 1986 I love it
I don't like anything in my area
I love the commodity
The meeting if new guests
Treat everyone the way you want to be treated
I've always wanted to have a career driving large vehicles- mostly trucking but I often thought about driving a bus too. Unfortunately, I realize that my mental health is too poor to do that. I don't think I'm capable of being responsible of so much and potentially blamed for things that aren't my fault. DOT is not very kind to large vehicle operators, and the average driver has no idea how to behave around busses and trucks. Wish I could handle that life.
My 5 cents as a passenger:
I don't see how having a navi makes a driver look "unprofessional" or like he/she doesn't know where they're going. This is so narrow-minded. I mean navigations are not just for following the road, although it's the most obvious use. You also look to check traffic, road closures and detours, possible accidents ahead, etc, etc.
Actually, if I see a driver without a modern navigation, will raise a lot of suspicion in me.
Another thing - just because there are 50 people behind you - does not mean, that they all watch you. Actually the vast majority of them couldn't care less about you and if you are looking at a navi or not, as long as the bus stays on the road / in lane :))
We, as people, tend to over-think what others think of us, and thus we think they watch and judge us all the time, which is wrong most of the time and for most of the people. People are too busy to deal with themselves, than to deal or think about you (for good or bad, it is how it is).
When I pick up a city bus or whatever -I think about my stuff, take a look at my phone or consider where I'm going and what will I do, when I get there. I don't stare at the bus driver.
Hi James. When i was driving and i wasn't sure of how to get to a destination i always conferred with the group leader. I always made sure that we were on the same page especially if it was a multi day trip. I never had the chance to work with the ELD since I stopped driving before they came out.
I originally had a Class A CDL and got my P&S endorsements driving a school bus for a year. When I decided to go coach I went to a major company in the DC Metro area. Yes I knew pretty much what I needed to know but still had to go through their 6 week training course along with the drivers who only had a Class B learners permit. We wore dark blue or black pants with light blue button down shirts. We got company hats. Yeah i was a know it all when it came to the rules of the road almost in over load going through it again. I pretty much aced the weekly quizzes.
When it came to driving we practiced on whatever was available. J-4505 DL3 DL. No two were alike.By me already holding my CDL with P after the first week of driving they allowed me to go out with the rookies since by the DOT and FMCSA the rookies had to have a licensed driver in that class vehicle. Of the 9 rookies in our class when it came time to take the road test they all passed. Not a single retest. This is when they had to do the alley docking.
This company has a good reputation and made sure all their drivers followed the rules. They are a part of Gray Line Tours and Trailways. Prior to Covid their main bread and butter were scheduled tours of Washington DC Arlington and Mt Vernon VA.
I was just on their website just now and read they they are now charging a $20 bag fee if you have a second bag. First one is free.
In a way I miss the business whenever i see a coach go by. I do however have an emergency bus kit in my car. A bathroom key and the "L" wrench for the Setra Van-Hool and Prevost side compartments.
Stay safe out there..
When I drove for a tour bus co in the 90'S I had a passenger comment on how I would get out of the couch at every tour stop to aid the passengers get off the coach. Her BROTHER who drove for the same co would just sit in the seat and watch.
Thankyou James for a insightful 👍 Video 📹 .I started Schoolbusing 🚍 & 🚎 Transit in 1976.The Video was refreshing Even after 3 Million 😮{Miles..You never stop Learning( If a vehicle Gives me a Break Always 🖐 Thanks & or Flash the 4ways "🔅🔅" 🙂 ) Tanks again James 🙏🇺🇦
10:40 Can confirm that bus drivers should not listen to passengers for directions. I was on a bus from Baltimore to New York. But there was an accident near Edison New Jersey. The bus diverted and after everyone was yelling about where to go. The driver took us into this weird demison populated by giant skeletons walking on all fours, insects the size of a large dog filling the air and screaming corpses that created this unending choir of raw unending suffering. Surrounded by massive rock pillars and thousand feet deep canyons filled with mushrooms. All while the sky was red and appeared to be on fire. Thankfully we left Newark New Jersey and went to the American dream mall.
The argument that the navigation attached to the window says that the driver does not know what he is doing is pointless to put it mildly. Navigation is not only a map (the world has moved on) but also real-time notifications about accidents and possible detours. You may be the best bus driver, but so what if you and your passengers are stuck in traffic for an hour and a rookie takes a detour because he had navigation.
#10 is a hoot because the drivers that are opposed to the new technology are the same drivers that long for the good ole days of double-clutching on a PD-4106.
Hey hey now! Some of us 4106 drivers retired when we had enough! There ought to be an age limit on CDL’s. Is a 75 year old retired Greyhound driver who had 47 years seniority a good fit at your company?
@@Qrail Wow I would love to meet you and just listen to your stories. I bet you have a lot of them. Ive always said that the best stories come from Bus drivers. You know we have drivers that work for us that are 75. They still pass their DOT physicals and they still want to drive. So we send them LOL.
@@MotorcoachWorld thank you James. Yes I have a few stories to tell. 48 years in the transportation industry does that to you! My mentors were those Greyhound drivers I mentioned. Here is one. The company I worked for in the 90’s (Sierra Nevada/Frontier Tours) did standby work, or second and third sections on holiday weekends for Greyhound that didn’t have the equipment or drivers. The dispatcher in Reno knew me from years of running the mainline on a pool arrangement with LTR from the 70’s. GL needed the bus, so I arrived in a Setra, told the dispatcher I was in stall #1. I loaded the through passengers and freight, gave the dispatcher the count. The GL driver thought we were going to convoy together, but the dispatcher told their driver to do the regular route, because I was only hired for 4 hours. (Enough to loop Sacramento from Reno). There was a GL driver who deadheaded an equipment move to Reno, who ended up cushioning back to Sacramento. He wasn’t happy with his pay that day. Deadhead was 1/2 pay, and cushion was 1/4 pay. Plus he stayed in the dorm to get fresh. He was amazed with the Setra that was assigned to me, and couldn’t believe I had a stereo radio and cruise control. (And electric mirrors)!!
Line service has it’s positives and negatives, same as charter/tour work. But if you are multi-talented, you can be very successful. I has an accident as a rookie, but then drove 11,655 days without one. I stopped counting when I retired from Charter work. Keywon knows where I went after that…(I became his supervisor!!)
# 12 - I drove for NYCT 26 years before I retired. most annoying for me is when I relief the operator & garbage everywhere in operator area. we have the worst bus operator slobs in America. most common potato chips & bag on floor / greasy steering wheel / pumpkin seeds / soda bottle / can next to brake pedal YES! / Gum stuck near door handle / greasy fingerprints all over the interior mirror, so imagine making 60 local + stops one way & you do 6 trips = 360 stops looking at that dame mirror w/ prints. but I clean everything on each trip & I'm not no clean freak either. Etc. Sorry for the rant.🤣😀😊😂😁😄
If I was a professional driver, (always wanted to be) I would call another (local) bus company in another’s state, depending on to my destination, and ask about the destination spot as to what to look out for, anything I should know about any of my route towards that destination. Best route to use etc, since they are the ones who knows what’s going on as to road constructions 🚧, road closures. Important information that’s needed to plan a perfect trip to minimize the delay time.
Another viable information to have, is knowing the big cities, for example like Manhattan, N.Y., the Big Apple…..lol. All Avenues are north and south in Manhattan. Sides streets, that runs east and west, are one way streets. Even number goes towards the east side of Manhattan, odd numbers go towards the west side of Manhattan. Another example. E. 56th St. is one way towards the east, but east of 5th Avenue. W. 56th is towards to the east, but west of 5th Avenue. This definitely helps you to be in the right lane in advance to make ur turns onto the Avenue. There are some main east and west streets that are both ways. And least but not last, the traffic lights on the Avenues, there is a way that you can tell when the traffic lights will turn red, giving you that warning when it’s going to change. When that red, "Do Not Cross" starts to flash for the pedestrians, count 10 times, on the tenth time, it will turn the traffic light to yellow, meaning red light is next. If u can control your bus to a proper speed on the avenue, you should be able to hit every single green traffic lights. If you count 5 "Do Not Cross" it means to add a little bit speed, or you will hit a red light about 4 or 5 blocks up. The Avenues are designed for a 25 mph to be able to hit all green light. Just work it, adjust to it by giving a mile plus or under to stay with the green lights. Trust me, u will not get it the first time, but u will have that wonderful experience when you can hit all green light more than 3/4 of the way on the Avenue that you are on. For example I like to use First Avenue (NB) cause it will take me off Manhattan (Willis Avenue Bridge) then work my way to any Highway necessary. I will take any points and or constructive criticism from any drivers. Safe Driving!
Rookie driver blocking busy intersection because he/she didn't want to wait until the bus can fit on the road after the intersection where slow moving traffic is occupying it (and even worse, doing the same on a train crossing where half the bus is sticking out on the crossing)
Dude just read your article in Busride magazine GREAT JOB CONGRATS
We were always a signed our brand new motor coach I should bring her home sometime waxer on my day off clean my aluminum wheels and my bus was my bus I didn't pay the payments but I had it every day that's the way to do it I sign the equipment and take care of it😅😅😅😅
if in not a PREVOST BUS will take a USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D),Enterprise-D Captain ! respect bus drivers the FRIST CONTACTS is the rules is the drivers for A to B get to destintions !
rules !
When I'm scrolling through our Facebook group and come across a clip from the same video that throws me off because I feel like I missed somthing 😂
Hate that about gps showing, as a 1st year driver Im very much relying on my gps. I can preplan all i want, but the part i remember is destination parking entrabce lol
Hi James, I wish you wouldn’t be afraid to make the videos as long as possible to be as informative as possible. Skimming information kind of robs the viewers who are curious how much more you can share with us regarding these topics and I would rather listen and watch your videos than have to read it. Viewers who disagree with long videos can skip or pause or break them over a course of time. Those who are fascinated with your information don’t have the luxury of continuing to watch if you are not sharing it.
Thank you
Ooh, I've got one. Ignoring specific directions that customers/dispatch made sure drivers had, over blindly following the SatNav. I organise coaches to music festivals in the UK and we need drivers to drop off at a specific area as part of the events traffic management plan. Cue the one driver who will ignore the instructions and cause total chaos. We've had drivers needing towing out of muddy lanes and worse cause such traffic jams so bad that they actually endangered the event being held at that location again...
From my roommates' 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, to my 1992 Honda Civic DX sedan, I do a pre-trip check even before just going to the store. And at least once a week if I am driving regularly, or before I drive after my car sits for a while, I check tire pressures and fluid levels. It does not take long or much to check things before going anywhere. I check my fluids EVERY time I put fuel in my car. It is those little things that make vehicles and equipment last. And, you become a better driver over all if you actually take the time to get to know and take care of your vehicle. And that goes from my gas powered lawnmower to over the road trucks and buses, heavy equipment and aircraft. I have ridden on a few coach buses to various places, and have to say my favorites were the ones I rode on when I was a kid going to a week long summer camp.
I'm considering becoming a busdriver at 35.. what would you say is the best and worst part of the job? And would you recommend longdistance type of transitlines, instead of citytransit lines? Pros n cons?
Many asians, guides, don't speak English well, or they don't give itinerary. Must ask, they add or change
# 4 Gps, i use alwyas my gps, even if i am driving somewhere that i have been a lot of times... The gps gives me info about traffic situations further donw the way, it informs me about my arrival time, it gives me info when i need to go a different route because of closed roads (accidents for example) and i gives me info about the next exit (so special when i drive with more drivers following me i know when it is not good the overtake and than take the exit and driver 5 or 6 or further away misses the exit.
If the destinations are evryday different than gps is very helpfull (of course sound off)
in all cases you need to look up the info about the route before driving ofcourse 🙂
I try and avoid listening to passengers for that exact reason because it seems to be there. Their default mode is to take you were 45' buses can't go.
" You can pull through there. It will be fine. Other buses do it all the time"
This is also why I run with a minimum of two GPS systems at all times. Sometimes I have all three going. When passengers ask me about it, I point out that they have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, they pull traffic updates from different sources.
Being aware of what the strengths and weaknesses of different navigation devices are is critical though.
I tell my passengers I do this because I value their time and and wish to get them to their destination as efficiently as possible. I also tell them I don't like surprises.
I'm honestly a little surprised at how many drivers just have a phone thrown down by the corner of the dashboard. A lot of them never even look at their phones and just have it feed them turn by turn directions through any earpiece or bone conducting headset.
As a passenger I really don't like when some drivers, who have done that particular line run dozens of times have to keep looking at sheets, maps and asking for directions, its more a safety concern as they are frequently taking their eyes off the road.
Now, why are city busses are doing 'kneeling'? Groan! They were only for certain people need them, but I DONT"!
I drove tours all across the country if we didn't get off and help the arm of the people off the bus help them get on and do the luggage you were fired😢😢