General Layout: The bus yard

I arrive at the bus yard around 6am every morning, except Wednesdays, of course. We all love Wednesdays – late opening.

Each bus driver gets her/his keys, radio and heads to the bus. Of course, there are a few drivers who show up 10-15 minutes early just to socialize…and wake up.

At the bus, we have to do a 104 point, pre-trip inspection in 15 minutes. I can do it in about 18 minutes if I’m totally focused and nothing goes wrong. We have to check the engine, fluids, tires, brakes, mirrors, gauges,…. I won’t bore you with all 104 points. Of course, this all happens in the dark. On the bus, that’s no big deal, we have the inside lights. Outside, we have to use flashlights. Outside we also have to deal with the rain and cold. Lots of fun.

After I do my pre-trip, I have time to run back to the bus barn and go to the bathroom one last time before heading out. This is an important part of the morning routine, if the end of my route is to be somewhat comfortable.

When a driver gets back from route, he or she has to do a post-trip inspection (only about 25 points) and fill out paper work which will make sure all parties involved will get their money and the vehicles are running properly.

Then it’s to the bus barn to fill out more papers and talk shop. Bus drivers, like anyone else, take their work seriously and love talking about. “I couldn’t believe this guy who blew right through my reds and 2nd St. There’s also a lot of teasing and eating whatever food has been brought in for sharing.

These are amazing people. There are whose spouses make six figures at other jobs, people who are either homeless or one step away, retirees supplementing their incomes, and others looking for the next job. The interesting thing is that most of these people actually enjoy driving bus.

There are folks whose personalities clash, but by and large we all get along fairly well. And like other work places I’ve been in, there is sort of a family feeling, people taking care of each other. It’s a good place to be.