Bus Drivers operate buses to transport passengers and baggage between cities or within the local area. The buses travel on a predetermined and timed route according to a set schedule.

JOB DUTIES

Bus Drivers may:

Inspect brakes, steering, windshield wipers, lights and mirrors before leaving the terminal

Check levels of fuel, oil, water, and air before dparture

Collect tickets and cash fares from customers

Make minor repairs

Report reasons for delays or accidents

Complete trip logs and other required reports

Load and unload baggage or parcels, if a Long-Distance Bus Driver

Tools and equipment used may include:

Bus Drivers specialize according to the type of service provided.

913.463-010 LOCAL BUS DRIV ERS operate over scheduled routes within a city or metropolitan area. They transport workers, shoppers, and others who must travel between points within the local area.

913.463-010 SCHOOL BUS DRIV ERS transport students between pick-up points and school and back. They maintain order during the trip and keep a record of the number of passengers, pick-up times, and mileage. They may also drive the bus on special trips.

913.463-010 LONG-DISTANCE BUS DRIV ERS transport passengers on scheduled routes between cities. Their routes may vary from less than a hundred miles to several hundred.

913.463-010 CHARTER BUS DRIV ERS transport passengers who have prescheduled a special trip, either long-distance or local. They commonly stay with the group upon arrival at the destination and return them to their starting point or on to a farther destination. While charter routes are not fixed, they are planned and scheduled for the driver. Some Charter Bus Drivers follow established routes within a local area to provide tours to local points of interest for visitors and others. They may announce facts about the sites. Local and Long-Distance Drivers may drive chartered buses if their companies provide this service.

913.463-010 PRIVATE BUS DRIV ERS work for private companies, colleges, and universities to provide commuter service from the surrounding area to the company or school and/or transportation between widely scattered sites of the facility. This service is usually provided for employees, visitors, and/or students.

913.363-010 DAY-HAUL OR FARM CHAR TER BUS DRIV ERS transport workers between recruiting points and agricultural work areas.

909.663-010 GARAGE BUS DRIV ERS ferry buses between the garage and terminal points or deliver replacement equipment for vehicles which have become disabled.

913.463-010 BUS DRIV ER

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also wish to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

Bus Drivers work without direct supervision and are solely responsible for the safety of their passengers and bus. However, supervisors may occasionally meet buses at scheduled stops.

Bus Drivers spend most of their workday driving. They drive in all types of weather. Possible hazards include collision with other vehicles or nervous strain from maneuvering a large vehicle through heavy traffic while dealing with passengers.

School Bus Drivers usually work from September to June, 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. Most work split shifts. There may be some work in the evenings driving students to school-related activities.

Most local transit Bus Drivers work year-round 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. Their workweek generally consists of any 5 days, with Saturdays and Sundays counted as regular workdays. Regular Drivers may work days, nights, split shifts, or overtime.

Long-Distance Bus Drivers may work year-round from 3 1/2 to 6 days a week. Drivers who work for large companies drive from 6 to 10 hours a day and average less than 39 hours a week. Long Distance Drivers may not drive more than 10 hours without having at least 8 hours off. Drivers may work different shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Those assigned on longer routes and charters trips may be away from home for varying periods of time. New Drivers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assignment as needed.

Charter Bus Drivers may work irregular schedules. They may be laid off during slower seasons (winters) and work overtime during the peak periods (summers).

Long-Distance and Local Transit Bus Drivers usually belong to unions such as The Amalgamated Transit Union; The United Transportation Union; or The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Situations which require dealing with people

You Should Be Able To:

• Judge accurately the distance between the bus and objects

• React quickly to avoid collisions

• Work well under pressure

• Maintain a calm, even temperament when dealing with unruly passengers

• Get along well with people

• Read, write & speak English to communicate with passengers

• Complete reports

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you increase your speed from 20mph to 60mph, how much more braking distance is required at 60mph than at 20mph?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks and is connected to the engine through gears or a V-belt.

The compressor may be cooled by air or by the engine cooling system.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written trip log for a 100 mile field trip. Include mileage and any mechanical assistance required.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical and organizational skills and be detail oriented in reading maps and route specifications in transporting passengers.

Bus Drivers in Michigan must be licensed as a chauffeur by the Department of State. All applicants must be at least 18 years old; have a good driving record; and pass a written exam on traffic laws, a vision test, and a practical driving test. They must have no physical or mental condition, which may interfere with reasonable operation of a motor vehicle. In addition to a chauffeur's license, Bus Drivers in Michigan must also have a Commercial Driver License (CDL ). Applicants must successfully complete knowledge and skills tests. Both the CDL and the chauffeur's license are available from the Secretary of State.  Click  here   for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Chauffeur  for specific licensing information.

Employers usually require applicants to take and pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a physical exam.

Long-Distance Bus Drivers must have at least 1 year's driving experience driving a bus in all types of weather.  Long-Distance Bus Drivers must be 21 years old or older.

School Bus Drivers must be certified by the Michigan Department of Education. Applicants for certification must pass a TB test and have received no more than 7 points on their driving records.  They must also pass a bus safety education course and a physical exam every 5 years. Some employers require 5 years experience.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1300 ENGLISH , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2000 LIFE MANAGEMENT , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

                Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com .

VEHICLE DRIVER

The military uses numerous vehicles to transport its troops, equipment, and supplies. Together, the services own and operate about 50,000 heavy trucks and buses. Truck drivers operate all types of heavy military vehicles. They drive fuel or water tank trucks, semi-tractor trailers, heavy troop transports, and passenger buses.

What They Do

Vehicle drivers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Read travel instructions to determine travel routes, arrival dates, and types of cargo

• Make sure vehicles are loaded properly

• Check oil, fuel and other fluid levels, and tire pressure

• Drive vehicles over all types of roads, traveling alone or in convoys

• Keep records of mileage driven and fuel and oil used

• Wash vehicles and perform routine maintenance and repairs

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school courses include driver education. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in driving

• Interest in mechanics

Work Environment

Vehicle driving involves long periods of sitting. Drivers sometimes must change heavy tires.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 8 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in driving trucks. Course content typically includes:

• Accident prevention

• Safety check procedures

• International road signs

• Basic vehicle maintenance

The Army and the Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for one specialty in this occupation.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to read road maps.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian vehicle drivers work for trucking companies, moving companies, bus companies, and businesses with their own delivery fleets. They perform duties similar to military vehicle drivers. They may specialize as tractor-trailer truck drivers, tank truck drivers, heavy truck drivers, or bus drivers.

Opportunities

The services have about 14,000 vehicle drivers. They need new vehicle drivers each year due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, vehicle drivers are assigned to motor pools or motor transport units. They generally work without close supervision. In time, vehicle drivers may advance to supervisory positions assisting in the management of motor transport units.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

Drivers 18 or older with a chauffeur's license may find part-time work driving for charter bus companies, nursery or private schools, churches, or other organizations. Related military training is available also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Truck Driver employer

internships

volunteer work with a Truck Driver employer

community service work with an agency

The best way to find a position of Bus Driver is by applying to employers. Contacting unions which represent Bus Drivers, civil service offices, transportation authorities, and Michigan Works! branch offices or consulting want ads may be helpful.  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Bus Drivers may be paid according to the number of miles driven or hours worked. Most regular, Long-Distance Drivers are guaranteed a minimum number of daily miles. The base wages depend on the type of route, location, employer, and the individual's experience and longevity (time spent as a driver). Union membership may also be a factor.

Nationally (2005), median weekly earnings of Bus Drivers were about $517 per week or $12.92 per hour. The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $651 per week in 2005 or $16.27 per hour. Average hourly earnings of School Bus Drivers were $11.52 per hour in the 2004-05 school year.

School Bus Drivers employed in Michigan had wages ranging from $12.93 to $18.60 per hour in 2005-06.

             Hourly wages of   Michigan Local Transit Bus Drivers   were (late  2005):

Many Local Transit and Long-Distance Bus Drivers covered by union contracts receive paid health and life insurance, a pension plan, and paid vacations and holidays. Some Local Transit Drivers have dental, optical, and prescription insurance plans. In addition, Drivers may receive uniforms. School Bus Drivers may also get paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, medical and hospital insurance, and pension plans.

Bus Drivers may advance to dispatchers, instructors, and other management positions. Advancement opportunities are few, however, due to the small number of supervisory positions compared to the number of Drivers employed. Promotions usually consist of assignment to higher paying bus routes with more desirable working conditions. School Bus Drivers can advance to full-time fleet supervisors or to driver trainers, especially in large school districts.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 653,200 Bus Drivers were employed in 2004. Employment of Bus Drivers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Employment of local transit Bus Drivers is expected to grow as bus systems expand in developing areas. Most new jobs will be found in areas with a growing population such as many communities in the sunbelt states. Intercity passenger travel will grow as population and income increase, creating a need for more Bus Drivers. In addition to openings arising from growth, many openings are also expected each year as Drivers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work.

There are about 23,300 Bus Drivers employed in Michigan . They worked for bus companies; schools, colleges, and universities; and local governments.Employment of Bus Drivers in Michigan is expected to  increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012.   An average of 560 openings is expected annually, with 50 due to growth and 510 due to the replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Some additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Employment of local transit Bus Drivers is expected to increase somewhat as public transportation systems in growing communities expand. In addition, there is a growing trend toward hiring greater numbers of part-time Drivers who work only during either the morning or afternoon rush hours to replace full-time Drivers on split shifts. This is done in an effort to control costs in the face of peak rush hour demand. Similarly, growth in the employment of intercity Bus Drivers will be largely due to increasing part-time employment.

More School Bus Drivers will be needed in Michigan as enrollments stabilize and the population shifts from cities to suburban and rural areas where few students can walk to school.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2012

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

      Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth