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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- 12 hours of driving in circles in downtown Chicago. This was a event shuttle for McCormick place. I was assigned the Hilton hotel in Downtown Chicago so I drove my bus between the Hilton hotel and McCormick Place for 12 hours. I also got to driving through the mysterious tunnel that goes underneath the city of Chicago called the bus way.
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Video edited using Shot Cut Video editor
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It's always a pleasure watching someone enjoy what they do. I can clearly see the pride you take in your work, and also in your video editing. Don't ever let go of that.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I remember my first McCormick run on the bus way as a driver. The first few times you do it, you think there's no way you'll ever be able to do it safely. You just have to dive in and do it and then after the first few hours you get the hang of it and start to feel invincible. If you can do a mccormick shuttle for 12 hours then you can drive anywhere! The first run is always stressful. I had to pick up at Westin and Drake hotels and man that was tough at times. The long lunch breaks were definitely a nice treat.
You described it to the T!
Driver at the bottom of the steps offering an arm to the passengers as the disembark. Really makes a huge difference in perception of the professional look of a company. Hadn't paid close attention until now but you made it look good!
Thank you 👍😊
Used this many a time from 25th South to the Lower Wacker and the River. We used to call it Daley’s Highway. It was designed for the movement of Convention Buses from Mc Cormack Place to hotels by Michigan Ave and Wacker. They did not want all those buses clogging up Michigan Ave.
congesting. you cant "clog" a road, its not a pipe or a culvert. you might be able to clog a tunnel though.
While driving one thing I dislike was doing the Mary Kay shuttling in Dallas during their National Convention.
Your a video production is excellent !
A lot of people don’t realize what it takes to make a good quality video; Which involves storytelling, establishing shot, panning, camera angles, audio, etc. as well as the various editing techniques to make the video informative and engaging.
I love your style of production and look forward to seeing more of your work.
Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated
Nothing like good old Jim’s right next to Maxwell St. - Those fries stay piping hot for ages and go great with that polish loaded with the onions and mustard
Mr. Wang, Thank you for sharing a work shift with us. This was really cool to watch. Nice Bus too.
"Never under-estimate Chicago traffic" - A fascinating insight into a working day in Chicago. This was a pleasure to watch this working day and geography lesson. At least "someone" thought about getting mass-transit (motor coaches) across the city during the last phase of construction (I still prefer the Blue Line in from O'Hare, but that's partly because of the inspiring view of the cityscape as you head eastbound to the city). As a semi-regular visitor to Chicago from the UK, you have alerted me to another piece of city infrastructure which helps to keep Chicago moving. Excellent to see a cheerful pre-check at 2:09 before the working day! I finally realised where you were at 9:09 - lovely city tour. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words
I attended a conference at McCormack Place and stayed at the Hyatt on Wacker Ave. I boarded the shuttle bus and we went a couple blocks and turned right and went into something that looked like an under ground parking garage. I blurted out WHERE IN THE HELL IS THIS GUY GOING. We came out on a blacktop by the rail yard and went all the way to McCormack Place a private road for shuttle buses pretty neat. I did shuttle work in my day be happy you have automatic and not a manual tranny. Neat to see Tri State Tours out of Galena IL. a nice company.
I'm a locla bus driver here in Florida and I'm so interested in applying to some sort of multi-state charter, especially after watching this, being more OTR seems like such cool lifestyle
It's an awesome video!! My dad was an intercity bus driver in San Francisco. Brings back great memories. I'm very excited that I found you here on TH-cam. Looking forward to share many more adventures with you. Thank you for sharing and safe journeys. 😊
This video reminded me of the cruise ship excursions.
2 hour drive from the depot to the Cruise Ship, then 7 hours of doing a 1 hour Lap where the excursion was going over a particular road. 2 hour drive then clean the coach. Did that as a passenger who will be a Bus driver soon enough.
I find it kinda crazy that routes aren't preassigned so you actually have some time to figure out where you need to be.
Just driving through Chicago was a nightmare.
I can't imagine it for 12 hours! Ugh!
instantly gained a new subscriber in the first 3 minutes - keep up the quality content!
Thank you so much! Appreciate the sub. Welcome aboard.
Hi James, Wow a 12 Hour day with all the stops, starts & traffic, & You Love it!!
As for Bryan & Me...neither one of us likes it & only 2 times have we drove to Chicago to see Scotty!!
Thanks for sharing Your video & the place you love to eat at!!
I Wish you the Best at Your Job & for Your Family!! Have a Wonderful Evening James, Lidiya, Leah, & Vera!!❤
Love Barb from Central Illinois
Thank you Barb!
James, I did the underground trip many times driving for Lamers Bus Lines. That was without gps which was not invented yet and also with a stick shift, double clutching, about 25 yrs ago. Did this many times from my home at Green Bay durning my 36 year career driving for Lamers. The first time with a new J series MCI was really a big improvement. Over 400 trips to Chicago during my career. Enjoy your videos, keep the info coming. Jim Young, Green Bay ,Wosc
Great video! I used to be a school bus driver in a smaller town. Always wondered what it would be like trying to navigate Chicago in a bus.
Wow long 12h + Schaumburg transits of 3+h total, but happy it was safe and thanks for sharing the ride!
Great video, as a driver myself ( SUV Black Car Service ) in Chicago I appreciate your detailed video. Thank you 👍
Thanks for the ride J. Great views of Chicago on a sunny day ☀️
While you were providing a free shuttle from the Hilton to the McCormick Center bus depot, anyone could have walked out to the front of the Hilton on S. Michigan and hopped on the #3 Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus. In less than 10 minutes the #3 CTA drops one off in front of McCormick Center. Of course one would have had to purchase a Ventra Card to use the CTA bus. The bus runs by the Hilton about every 7 to 10 minutes. Not a Chicago native. Whenever I visit Chicago and my stay involves visiting McCormick, I stay at hotels near S. Michigan and take the #3 to the convention center.
Large conventions can easily overwhelm local public transit, causing a ripple effect through the city and creating chaos for locals just trying to go about their normal day. Most venues for large conferences require the host have its own adequate transit service. Not to mention many of the attendees at these conferences are usually not locals and certainly not familiar with the public transit routes in the area.
Long days. I really enjoy your videos when I get to watch them. 👍
I have attended a conference at McCormick place, they were even using Greyhound buses in addition to all other private bus companies!
I love your videos coming from a 22 year old motorcoach operator for coach USA here in Atlanta and may I say your videos are amazing!!!!
Thank you for your kind words
@@JWangvlogs since I’m new to the motorcoach world 2 months in may I ask do you have any advice or tips?
I kinda know what you mean about driving around in loops. I drove a transit bus in a downtown loop for eight hours. Loop was only 10 minutes long. 42 miles worth of loop in eight hours.
Great video James. Loved the production as well and the trip to Jim's Original. Just one question as I am not a professional driver, how does that work with your duty hours? I know u were driving legal but how does that work with driving limits? Thanks.
Good question. During the day we were not constantly driving. We had 30 to 45 minutes stops after each round. We also had a long lunch break in the middle of our day. We would show off duty. So though the day was still a 12 hour day.. it wasn't illegal because we were within dot limits
@@JWangvlogsWhat’s a passenger carrier max total on duty time allowed (both driving and on duty not driving)?
@@mjfreespirit if it's anything like a normal truck you can drive 11 hours, no longer than 8 consecutive hours without a half hour non-driving break, all driving time must be done within the first 14 hours of your shift, you can do non-driving work past the 14 hour mark but will need 10 consecutive off-duty hours before driving again.
@@mjfreespirit15 hours on duty, (that includes driving as well as time that you are working but not driving) And 10 hours of driving. When I stopped for breaks or had down time I was no responsible for any passengers so I went off duty. At the end of the day I had about an hour left on my 15 hour clock.
You just gave me PTSD from all the past shuttles. Could have added rush hour traffic.
As a driver I used to appreciate people’s instructions but most people don’t take into account they’re making it worse for you because they’re not intelligent enough to describe it to you with enough detail that it’s actually going to be helpful
haha yeah that has happened to me before. In this case the instructions were very clear, only I didnt like reading them and trying to memorize them 10 minutes before my shuttle starts lol
Yeah, that is typical for a lot of these scenarios. I don't know if it's about intelligence, per se. A lot of people are not skilled communicators.
I watch your videos here in Brazil, I've been a bus driver for 15 years
Always nice to meet a fellow bus operator from a different part of the world. Thank you for watching my videos and appreciate the comment. Safe travels sir!
I like you showing the realistic side of the Motorcoach industry showing up and being overwhelmed with information yet you are still behind the wheel of a coach. 😂
I'd never do these kind of trips (I've tried though), I hate the uncertainty all day. Respect!
hour and a half through Chicago traffic? Sounds about right
Ooo, lower Wacker and Lower Michigan! Those are fun in buses.
Well, I must say that, contrary to others, I LOOOOOOVED the black VH! Interesting tunnel. Am I mistaken or the loop didn´t included using it? A request: more Tourrider videos, pleeeease. Your channel is awesome!
Thanks Rad. Yeah you are correct, My route did not utilize the bus way tunnel. I kind of said that at 7:09 but I didn't finish my sentence so its very misleading. I have a bad habit of not finishing my sentences when im in a rush lol. Drives my wife and coworkers nuts lol. Thank you for your kind words. More videos to come. Including Tourrider content.
The fact that you went to Jim’s, legendary bro
ayeeeee schaumburg here! Great video. If I see you i'll make sure to honk! hehe
I take the Metra Electric District to the city. The Metra Electric District and South Shore Line between McCormick Place Station and Van Buren Station. I have seen the buses on the Bus way along the road.
Interesting video. Thanks for sharing your experience!
You really had a long day but you did a great job. See you next time. Stay safe!
Thank you! Appreciate the comment.
Hey James, Long time no see lol, I've been still playing catch up on your vids. Hope you are well.
Smart looking VH coach you have, and a very tedious shift by the looks! Fair play you love your Jim's Original lol.
Great seeing what you're doing even though just shuttling. Stay Safe Mate!
Awesome video my Cdl brother be safe out there.
Drove coaches from 1990 through 2016. Lower Walker used to be how greyhound exited their terminal back when they were on Clark and Randolph. I always rejected shuttles downtown. Hated it. Did 90% over the road. I don’t miss it.
Auto correct spelled Wacker wrong
Hello Colleague. I have driven such a form of bus driving. From cruise ships and around Copenhagen. Today, I drive route bus. Greetings Kim from Denmark. Congratulations, you have received a press on the subscribe and like button from me.
A town in England uk called Runcorn has its own busway loop, it was designed around the new town construction in the 70s
thumbs up for the jims original. my favorite.
James: nobody wants to drive in circles for 12 hours
Transit bus drivers: 😔😔😔
Transit drivers don't usually work 15 hour days. But even with that said, there's a reason I'm not a transit driver. Ive done that back in the day.
We called it “curb bumping.”
@@TenMinuteTrips LOL
Very enjoyable video, thanks.
Chicago must be more bus friendly now. I did a lot of driving in Chicago in the 90s. Those were "fun" times
Had 8,000 people at a conference, its going to be a week straight of circling about 100 buses.
Seeing all this traffic doesn't make me miss driving MCIs in downtown Cleveland
Well done!
Thank you!
I thought driving here in New Zealand was bad enough, driving over there in America looks like it's nuts.
At 18:12 you are supposed to open your door and ask the city bus driver if he has any Grey Poupon.
😂😅😂🤣
@@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176 I speak from experience, I used to do it quite often. One day, the traffic was poking along at about 5 mph on the SF Bay Bridge. There was a packed AC transit bus with strap hangers hanging out the open front door. It was in the 90’s, very unusual for the Bay Area. The buses had no air conditioning. ( my favorite oxymoron of the 60’s an AC transit bus without AC. ) but I digress. We were east bound during the 5:00 rush, when I spied my prey. Uh, pardon me, driver, do you have any grey poupon? No he said, do you have an extra fan?
The commuters got a laugh out of it. …and by the way, I am related to the A-10 warthog. Learn how my ancestors did aerial photography back in the day.
LOL!!!
17 hour day, Wow, good work!
ive been coming to chicago for able 17 years, and 6 years with JB Hunt Intermodal I didnt know this exsist
James, love ur new look! (from ur cat friend)
Thank you!
I really enjoy your videos.
This is my first time watching 'a day in the life'.
Fascinating!
Yahoo~Bravo,nice shots,:))
Many thanks!
I know that bus smelled like Maxwell Street. So damn good...
While watching your interesting video: Im just wondering, were the peppers you ate with your lunch hot or mild?
They were extremely spicy 🔥. But that's the way I like them. If my mouth is not burning then I am not satisfied.😊
Thats a good looking C2045.
Thank you I enjoyed it!
I remember watching a video of Jim's Original. Bet that lunch was really good.
It definitely was. If you ever get a chance to try it. Please do!
hes back!
I never left lol
🙏👍job well done.. Blessings to you.. driving in chicago traffic can be a .. 😊
I used to drive a 24ft cab over box truck in Boston Massachusetts…. Not fun at all 😊
Sweet.
Love it🎉🎉
On break right now, sitting in my shuttle bus, watching this. My regular job is like that, doing circles between two hospitals but only for 7 hrs. I can’t imagine doing 12 hours! Was your break only 1 hour for a 12 hr shift? I also work part time doing hotel shuttle runs like this.
My break was an hour and a half. Are you a transit driver? Or doing a shuttle on a motorcoach? Be safe out there!
@@JWangvlogsThank you, you too. I drive a mini coach for both jobs, 24 seaters. My company does do transit but I don’t myself, I’m under the school bus division even though I don’t drive school buses. My hotel one is w a limo company so I drive a limo mini coach. I sometimes do airline crew runs between Pearson airport and downtown Toronto as well. Keep up the great work, I always enjoy watching your videos.
Nice video man! Just curious... what song is playing around the 4:23?
Everytime I Fall by Hallman
Hey James, dumb question, why do you hit the tire sidewalls with a stick? Do you check tire pressure with a gauge or do you rely on TPMS? Thanks!
If a tire is fully pressurized, the thumper makes a satisfying “thump'' as it hits the rubber. If the tire is low on air, it makes a different sound.
It's part of our pre trip inspection routine. Yes we also use tpms equipment.
Hey J, do these buses need to be pre registered to use this?
Yeah I think McCormick Place owns the bus way. You have to be cleared by them to use it only for their functions.
i've always wondered for those shots when ppl drive off with the camera recording outside, u drive past the camera and stop and get it right?
Lol yes it's a pain and I feel silly doing it but I go back and grab the camera 😁
A new adventure
The pay must be crazy good to deal with that much bullshit 🤦♂️
Love this video, what's the song in the outro called?
Thank you. Song is called Wonderful Life by Zorro.
I’m curious about your compensation - are you hourly or salary? In this local Chicago circle route for 12 hours, do you start getting paid when you start your pre-trip and “clock-out” when you get back to the hotel at night? THX
Our Chicago bases drivers make around $29 / hour. Our drivers get paid from the time they report to the office to the time they bring the bus back. They also get $20 / day for meals for single days and $30 / day for meals for multi day trips.
I wanted to know what the DVD is you had to play all day. And while your passengers are watching the infotainment system are you able to listen to your own music or podcast using earbuds? Or is there a policy against that?
So every day you taking new route which you been signed to? Or it's same one every day?
The shuttle event was only 3 days I believe. I was only assigned to drive it one of the 3 days. I drove different trips all week. but some of our drivers drove it all 3 days and yes typically they are kept on the same route they received on day one.
They had you stay way out in Schaumburg??? That’s crazy
Actually That's where our new base of operations is for our new Chicago branch. So it wasn't just a random decision to book hotel rooms there lol. Otherwise, yes I would agree with you. Its a bit far. Our usual choice of hotel is in hillside off of 290. Still a bit of a trek but you cant really book hotel rooms for motorcoach drivers in the city anywhere because there is simply no where to keep buses overnight. Parking is a huge issue when it comes to booking hotels anywhere in the city of Chicago.
Last time I was in Chicago, stayed at the Best Western on Michigan and 11th with the group. Two drivers. We parked at the truck staging area off Lakeshore with reservations. Ubered back and forth.
@@jollygreen4639 Yeah ive parked at the truck staging area off of lakeshore before. I think its off of 18th street or something like that. Since we have a small facility / base of operations in Schaumburg it would not be cost effective to pay for additional parking and a additional hotel room + Uber fare.
You gotta be on top where you're going to drive that monster. It's not like an SUV or passenger car and you make a mistake and just back in somewhere to turn around
Bro I was born and raised in Chicago and never knew this existed. Lol
James what is your preferred bus to drive? Make & model?.
This is a question that Ive been asked many times. I have things I like and dislike with all of them. I like the Van Hool for its really nice visibility and sharp turn radius but dislike how rough the suspension it has. Its a rough ride. I like the Prevost for its larger interior space and luggage space and its ride quality but dislike the drivers area and how dim the passenger cabin is. I haven't driven the newer model of the Prevost H345 so I cant comment on it. I like the MCI J4500 for its dependability and its very ergonomic. I also love the passenger cabin design. its got the best lighting of them all. But I dislike cockpit layout. I wish the Driver could sit a level lower than the passenger deck like the Prevost has it. I feel like it gives the driver more privacy. On the MCI J4500 I feel like the driver is right next to the passengers and when they sneeze you feel it. I like the Tourrider for its really quiet and smooth ride. I don't like the passenger cabin and the lighting. The Restroom on the Tourrider is also very complex to dump. But out of all of these, I feel the most at home on a MCI J4500. I learned how to drive buses on MCI's. And they just feel the most natural to me but I get bored driving them because Im usually always in one. So its nice when i find myself in a different model.
Gotta have a diet drink with that duper healthy lunch. 🤣🤣
Nice video. I’m not much of a VH fan. Is it better for a company to have all makes and models of buses?
Cost wise and parts wise, that's a definite yes! Its it much cheaper. But its hard to achieve especially when you are a larger operation due to lack of available equipment these days. All the bus manufactures are backordered for a long time so you kind of have to take what you can get.
Lovin' the do!
Thank you!
@@JWangvlogs
May I ask what that particular event was? Seemed a bit secretive with the blurring of the window sign.
@@ianmackenzie686 it was a shuttle for some kind of a trade show for the medical industry. I don't want to give too much information out regarding my passenger since I don't have permission.
@@JWangvlogs
Understood. Makes sense with the medical industry these days. Thanks!
Great vid 🫡
Thank you!
Hi james
Hello! 😊
名古屋走ってる基幹バスの上位互換だすごい
Pittsburgh has multiple bus ways throughout the city
dayum you could not pay me enough to do that job! i hate city driving in my regular vehicle never mind having to do it in a bus!
When you come to California I would like to meet you iam big fan
Hello from Arlington Heights o/
Hello! I enjoyed my time there!
How many hours are you allowed to drive per day? You're not held to a 11/14 hr clock?
What was the name of the song at the end of the video?
Found the song incase anyone else is wondering. Song name is "Wonderful Life" -Zorro
Great video! I hope that sometimes you can refrain from time lapses and leave in the full drive. I love sight seeing.
Im thinking of creating videos like that but they would be hours long and Im not sure many would watch it. Maybe oneday I will give it a try
@@JWangvlogs It's kind of a 50/50 thing. In our current age, we have people with a low attention span who can't watch a video for longer than 30 minutes, let alone hours. However, we also have people who LOVE ASMR and relaxing videos. An hour plus video of driving would be very relaxing.
I will be sure to upload one if those.
@@JWangvlogs Thank you!
I live in a neighboring town
I just don’t understand why did they put you in a hotel so far away from the city.
So the busses don't get broken into, stolen, or shot up. Or so the driver's can safely pre trip the bus without getting robbed. Not trying to be dramatic but that's just the truth of what happens every day multiple times a day in that city. Crime is way out of hand there. Look it up for yourself
Most hotels in or near the city does not have any room for bus parking. And we can't leave the buses on the side of the street in the city.
Also we have a base of operations in Schaumburg. So I was operating out of there for the week when I did this trip. So it made sense for me to stay in Schaumburg near our base of operations.
Before all hell broke loose, right before Covid. I was on few hours layover on a Cross country Train trip at Union Station. I planned a trip on a local city bus, past the McCormick Place on the way to the Museum of Science and Industry. I with the Wife was a little hesitant on doing it. Totally unfounded and enjoyed the whole experience. On the way back even stayed overnight and a day on the Magnificent Mile. @@JohnQ9089
Those distant Hotels could also mean Cheaper Rates outside from the city; for the company that is providing it's Bus Operators a place to stay while on the road.
@@JohnQ9089bro u don’t even live here that’s not why you just talking out side of your neck bro frfr straight clown, nobody going break into shoot at or take dude bus
Did many long shuttles like that I feel for ya.
I didn’t see your post trip inspection and did you need fuel?
Keep the videos coming James god bless stay safe it’s crazy out there
Hey Kpass. Thank you for the comment. I usually don't show the post trip in my videos. Its too repetitive and there's much more interesting things i want to show during the 20 minutes slot that I try to keep my video under.
As far as fueling goes the shuttle barely used up any of my fuel so I saved the fueling for another day.
They should furnish a partner who knows the route- like one of the guys that explained the route- to ride with each driver for 2 rotations. That would lessen anxiety big time