City Bus Driver

Once you’ve clocked 9 hours in uniform, even the vending machine starts judging you. It’s not just driving time that drags, it’s everything in between. Here’s why I stick to 39 hours and refuse overtime, no matter the pressure. Introduction I’m three months into a 12-month rethink of my overtime habits. After a steady drip of minor incidents, not enough to make headlines, but enough to make me think twice, I’ve realised piling on extra hours isn’t just about padding the pay packet. It’s about keeping my focus sharp, my sanity intact, and most importantly, everyone on the road safe. I know the desk staff might be throwing me the occasional side-eye, wondering why I’m not jumping at every chance to work overtime. If only money grew on trees, I’d be first in line. But unfortunately, it doesn’t. What does grow (or at least what I’m fiercely guarding) is my peace of mind, and a scrap of sanity after years of long shifts and minimal downtime. I’m at that point in life where I’d rather enjoy ...

Despite repeated training, strict policies, and genuine commitment to safety, minor bus incidents persist across the globe. These aren't just lapses in discipline, they’re signs of how complex and high-pressure public transport really is. When people and probability meet in motion, even well-designed systems can falter.  Exploring the Limits of Caution in a Complex, Fast-Moving Environment Across the public transport industry, a great deal of effort is invested in reducing incidents on board buses. From passenger falls on internal platforms to lapses in driving precision, the commitment to safety is clear. Training is frequent, safety messages are repeated, and drivers are consistently reminded to prioritise care over punctuality, especially when it comes to vulnerable passengers. Yet despite this shared emphasis on caution, incidents still happen. Some involve passengers losing balance before reaching a seat. Others may involve momentary lapses in spatial judgement or minor miscal...

Bus drivers often face tough choices when passengers are unable to pay. By observing behaviour, engaging in conversation, and assessing risk, drivers can make informed decisions that balance compassion with responsibility. This guide offers a clear framework for identifying vulnerability and responding appropriately. A Driver’s Guide to Recognising and Supporting Vulnerable Passengers 1. Observation: Assessing Behaviour and Context To determine if a would-be passenger is vulnerable, particularly in situations where they cannot pay the fare, the first step is observation. This involves carefully assessing the passenger’s behaviour, physical condition, and surroundings. It is essential to consider the passenger's age and appearance, emotional state, and overall hygiene. Observing the context, such as the time of day and location, can provide critical insights. For instance, if a young passenger appears distressed or dishevelled and is in an unfamiliar or potentially unsafe area, thes...

No matter how experienced a driver may be, habits can creep in over time, subtly shifting best practices. A structured training session provides an opportunity to refine skills, challenge assumptions, and elevate driving standards. With expert guidance and real-world application, professional development is not about critique, it’s about ensuring the highest levels of safety, awareness, and precision on the road. A Commitment to Excellence in Professional Driving The continuous refinement of professional driving skills is paramount in the field of public transport. While performance evaluations may be met with apprehension, structured support mechanisms play a vital role in maintaining high operational standards. A systematic approach to skill assessment ensures that drivers receive the necessary guidance to enhance their performance and reinforce best practices. I consider myself fortunate to be part of an organisation that prioritises professional development through a constructive a...

Ever find yourself wondering if there's a "right" way to get that baby buggy off the bus? Whether you're a parent manoeuvring through your morning routine or a bus driver who’s seen it all, the debate between pulling the buggy off in reverse and pushing it forward is more entertaining (and important) than you might think! Baby Buggy Ballet The Techniques at a Glance Pulling Off in Reverse: Smooth Moves: Some say pulling the buggy in reverse allows the force to align nicely with the buggy's centre of gravity, think of it as a gentle, controlled exit. Steady as She Goes: With a more upright posture, this method might reduce those “oops, I almost tripped” moments. Buggy Ballet : Does pulling feel like leading a graceful dance, or is it just a cautious shuffle? We’re curious! Pushing Off Forward: Forward Momentum: Pushing gives the buggy a little forward thrust, almost like launching a mini chariot, though, of course, safety comes first. Unexpected Dance Moves: Ev...

A long, shallow mark that vanished with a simple rub, yet it sparked a mountain of paperwork. In the world of bus driving, even the most insignificant marks demand a bureaucratic response. And yes, every detail gets documented. A Mark That Left No Trace, but Plenty of Paperwork It’s funny how, in the grand scheme of things, the universe measures impact. Some collisions shake the ground, alter history, and leave a mark for generations. Others? Well, they barely leave a mark at all, except on paperwork. It’s not so funny how the thinnest layer of paint can turn a non-event into an administrative saga. A near-invisible touch, yet a mountain of paperwork follows. There are moments in this job when the world slows down, and you become hyper-aware of the difference a few microns of paint can make. A brush, a whisper, a meeting of surfaces so gentle it might not have even been noticed in another time, another place. And yet, in this world, such moments demand theatre. Reports must be written,...

The importance of layover times on city bus routes. Picture this, it’s a crisp morning in the heart of the city, and the hustle and bustle of commuters fills the streets.  At every terminal, buses pull in and out, but one thing remains constant – every bus, even those seemingly idling at a stop, is running to a carefully orchestrated schedule. These moments of stillness, known as layover times, are the unsung heroes of urban transit, keeping the rhythm of the city on track. For those traveling on city buses, it’s not uncommon to see a bus sitting at a terminal or stop for what feels like an eternity. While some passengers may grumble at the apparent idleness, this pause – far from being wasted – is a crucial part of running a reliable and efficient city service. An empty chair, an absurd clock, and a solitary pigeon—together they capture the surreal nature of time spent in wait, questioning purpose and direction in the quietest of moments. Layovers: The Buffer That Keeps Timetables...

Understanding the window of tolerance in bus operations: A guide to the 1-minute, 5-minute, and 7-minute guidelines In the world of public transport, punctuality is key to maintaining passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency. However, due to factors such as traffic conditions, roadworks, and unexpected delays, it’s not always possible for buses to adhere strictly to their published timetables. To address this, a window of tolerance has been introduced, allowing a degree of flexibility in terms of arrival and departure times. The window of tolerance is a time allowance that recognises the inevitable delays operators face, while still aiming to deliver services that are as reliable as possible. This article explains the 1-minute, 5-minute, and 7-minute guidelines, shedding light on their importance and how they work within bus operations. What is the Window of Tolerance? A window set in a clear blue sky The window of tolerance refers to an acceptable range of variation from a bu...

When the Evening Commute Takes 44% Longer: Urban centres around the world grapple with the challenges of congestion, but some stand out as stark examples of how traffic can transform a simple commute into a test of patience.  In one city, recent studies have revealed that during evening rush hours, journeys take an average of 44% longer than under free-flow conditions. This striking figure has raised questions about the causes and consequences of urban congestion, as well as potential solutions to mitigate its impact. Understanding the Numbers The congestion level of 44% was derived through meticulous data collection and analysis. Travel times were recorded along key routes during both peak evening hours and periods of minimal traffic. By comparing the duration of these trips, researchers determined the percentage increase caused by congestion. For example, a journey that might take 30 minutes in free-flow traffic swells to 43.2 minutes during the evening rush. This additional 13.2...

The Road Ahead: Strategic Priorities for Bus Operators in 2025: Urban transportation is in a constant state of evolution, and bus operators remain at the heart of ensuring cities move efficiently.  Buses provide essential links to employment, education, and vital services, maintaining the rhythm of urban life. As 2025 unfolds, operators face a blend of challenges and opportunities that require innovative approaches to meet changing demands. Integrating advanced technologies, committing to sustainability, and prioritising customer satisfaction will define the strategies that shape the future of public transit. One of the most significant shifts lies in enhancing the customer experience. Today’s passengers expect more personalised travel options, and advances in data analytics make this possible. Imagine boarding a bus where lighting, temperature, and seating arrangements align with your preferences based on past journeys. Operators can now use data to offer tailored services, from r...

AI might seem like the future of bus scheduling, but it’s not the magic solution it’s cracked up to be. When algorithms take over, we lose the human touch that keeps buses running smoothly. From unpredictable delays to confusing timetables, here’s why AI is a disaster waiting to happen. The Pitfalls of Relying on AI for Bus Scheduling Why artificial intelligence is a terrible fit for bus scheduling. In recent years, there’s been a growing trend in the transport industry towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to plan and optimise bus schedules. On paper, it sounds like the future, machines analysing data, adjusting routes, and ‘improving’ the efficiency of bus services. However, as someone who spends countless hours on the road, I can tell you that this shift towards AI is nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen. The Human Element is Irreplaceable First and foremost, bus schedules are not just a collection of data points to be manipulated by algorithms. They are a reflect...

Stuck in rush hour traffic? Your bus journey just became a game of "how much extra time can you add?" From packed streets to endless stops, discover the secrets to planning your commute without the stress of being late. How to Beat the Rush Hour Blues When travelling by bus, it’s important to account for the additional time required during rush hour. Bus routes are particularly susceptible to delays caused by traffic congestion, especially during the morning (07:30 to 09:00) and evening (16:00 to 18:30) rush hours. As buses navigate through crowded areas, journey times can increase significantly. During these periods, buses may face delays from factors such as: Increased traffic volume: More cars on the road, often causing severe congestion. Higher passenger numbers: Longer boarding and alighting times, especially at major stops. Roadworks and construction: Bottlenecks and diversions can slow traffic, including buses. One way to address this is by adjusting your expected t...