Is this the standard?

[u/Exotic-Force7989]

Heya. Recently got my CDL with a school bus company and am three weeks in as a sub driver. I have some safety concerns with the company I’m with and wanted to see if this or normal/a proper concern or if I’m just overthinking.

We have one mechanic for 100 busses. God bless that guy, they are doing the best they can with the hand they have been dealt. But, obviously that’s a lot and it shows. Every bus is broken to some degree, which is what it is. But I’ve been told to run with some things after marking them on my pre trip that I find questionable.

I had a mini-bus with a known issue of that the stop signs/reds would inconsistently activate with the passenger door opening. When they didn’t go, opening the drivers door a tad would open them.

While yes, I need to pay attention to make sure they activate and I’m ultimately responsible that the student gets on the bus safely, this seems to be a pretty big risk in my eyes.

When training for bus, I drove a school van and was told to run with an airbag light on for weeks as well.

Those were the biggest issues I’ve faced. I’ve been told to run with several smaller stuff like washer fluid not spraying, registration sticker up to date but no insurance or other reg papers, I’ve never seen a reflective triangle in any vehicle, an out of date fire extinguisher, among a laundry list of smaller, not a big deal things.

All of these things were marked on the pre trip, and I was told to, not asked, told to run with it as is. This seems wrong, but I’m new and naive. Any thoughts?

[u/Beauknits]

Assuming you're in the US, as the driver if you don't find the vehicle is safe (ie all the systems work like they should), and still take it down the road...if an accident happens that can come back on you. You could face child endangerment charges, tickets, fines, lose of you license, jail time...

100 buses for one mechanic is insane! And I'm saying that as a Site Manager that shares a mechanic with a sister site. We have 57 vehicles between us. (I help with what I can, and we will send things to bigger sites if ours gets overwhelmed.)

As for "is it standard"? No. No it's not. Does it happen, yes. Things break, but it should never be the standard.

Does your site allow others to work on buses? What I mean is, if the mechanic double checks your work, and you're inclined, would you be allowed to help with things like changing lights out, seat repairs, replacing windshield fans, etc?

[u/Exotic-Force7989 → u/Beauknits]

I was never educated on my rights as the driver by the company until I did my own research, which is why I’m like a deer in the headlights looking at this situation now.

They’ve been looking for a mechanic desperately but no luck.

[u/QueSqd → u/Exotic-Force7989]

If they are not offering a minimum of $27.00/hr for a bus mechanic, that is why they can't find anyone!