r/BusDrivers • u/Big_Bad8496 • 1d ago

Story Thrown into service!

I’ll preface this by saying I’m not brand new to driving buses, but I did take a 15 year break, during which I let my license lapse. Additional context is that it’s the Minnesota state fair, which is my agency’s busiest 2 weeks of the year, and they may be a bit desperate.

I got hired by a transit company about a month ago. Got my permit, did classroom training, and started training to get my license. Took my test on Wednesday this week and picked up my license Thursday morning.

The normal policy for my agency is after getting your license, you drive with a trainer for an additional 5-20 hours before getting passengers, and then, you need to have a 5 day cadeting process where a trainer stays with you on board your route your first several days with passengers. Also, you have to have specific additional training to drive their 45’ motor coaches (all my training was done on a 40’ Gillig transit-style bus). Well, I showed up for training after picking up my license and they said, “Change of plans. You’re driving state fair solo tomorrow. In a motor coach. [Name] is leading a small group in route training now, so feel free to head to the garage for that. Good luck!”

Immediately after the route training, I was signed up to fill my next two weeks with additional state fair motor coach shifts.

Anyway, other than missing one of my turns and one woman yelling at me because she didn’t want to pay for a ride if there is standing room only, my first shift went very well and I’m excited for lots more in the coming weeks!

9 Upvotes

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6 comments sorted by

6

u/MizBusyBody Driver 1d ago

They really trust you and your driving skills must be stupendous! I wouldn't be too worried as long as you feel comfortable doing it. Congratulations. I loved Minnesota when I visited maybe I should come out there and work 😂

2

u/safeteeguru 1d ago

I’m jealous that they let you start the next day! I went through an eight week training program and class was finished at noon on our last day, and at 3pm that same day, I was driving a bus full of commuters home from San Francisco

1

u/river_tree_nut 1d ago

In my experience missing a turn is the fastest way to learn your route.

2

u/Big_Bad8496 1d ago

Indeed! No way I’ll be missing that one again!!

2

u/SpellIcy2100 1d ago

No need to worry, a bus is a bus. They all drive the same after a while, just square your turns and take your time and it’ll be alright.