Intercity bus drivers carry passengers from city to city. Sometimes they travel from one state to another or even across many states. Bus drivers work according to timetables and follow fixed routes. On long cross-country trips different drivers take over for different parts of the trip. This is the case, for example, on buses going from California to New York. On shorter runs a single driver will usually do all the driving.
Bus drivers receive their assignments when they arrive at the terminal. They check their buses carefully before leaving the garage. After examining the brakes, steering, and lights, the drivers account for all the emergency and safety equipment. Drivers also make sure their buses have enough fuel, oil, and water. They make certain the tires are properly filled with air.
Once they have checked their buses, the drivers pick up needed items such as tickets, change, and report forms. Then the drivers park the buses at the loading platform. Sometimes they watch over the loading of baggage while they gather tickets from the passengers. Drivers must operate their buses safely and still keep on schedule. Stops on their timetable allow them time for their meals and time to let off and pick up passengers. Before they leave each stop, they check to make sure that all their passengers are on the bus. Drivers call out each stop as they go along. They also work the switches for light and heat inside the bus.
During a trip a bus driver must make small repairs when they are needed. If the bus needs major repairs, the driver is responsible for moving the passengers to another bus.
At the last stop drivers help their passengers with their luggage. They also supervise the unloading of freight if there is any. Then the drivers finish their paperwork. The U. S. Department of Transportation requires that all bus drivers keep a log of their work hours. Intercity bus drivers also report on the length of the trip, fares taken, and where and when the bus has stopped. If there has been an accident, the driver must make out a full report. Company rules and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) call for these reports.
Education and Training
Basic requirements for intercity bus drivers are set by the federal or state government. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and in good health. They must have good hearing and eyesight at least 20/40 vision with or without glasses. A speaking, writing, and reading knowledge of English is also required.
Although not all intercity bus drivers have finished high school, most companies prefer those who have. Some bus companies accept drivers over the age of 24 only. Most states have laws requiring that drivers hold a chauffeur's license. Good driving records are very important for all applicants. Prior bus or truck driving experience is not required, although some firms prefer drivers with 1 or 2 years of such work behind them. Some bus companies have their applicants take a driving test. Drivers usually take a written test as well and have a physical examination.
Once hired, an applicant generally begins a company training course that may last from 2 weeks to 2 months. Driving skills and procedures are taught. In the classroom drivers learn about such things as keeping records, making repairs on the bus, and different company and state rules. On the road, drivers first observe experienced bus drivers. Soon they make their own runs, at first without passengers
Before the drivers begin their own runs, however, they must pass two tests. The first is a written test on what they have learned in the classroom; the second is a driving test. Once drivers pass these tests the break in period begins. It lasts for 1 to 3 months, after which the driver is listed on the "extra board." The extra board listing allows new drivers to fill in for absent workers. It often takes months and sometimes even years before new drivers get their own regular runs.
Getting the Job
Working as a truck, taxi, or local bus driver can lead to a job as an intercity bus driver. Applying directly to bus companies either in person or in writing is the best way to find a job. State and local employment services have job listings. Want ads in newspapers sometimes list jobs for drivers.
Employment Outlook
As drivers build up seniority they get better routes and higher pay. Approximately 130,000 intercity bus drivers are currently employed by about 1,300 bus companies.
The job outlook for intercity bus drivers is good through the year 2006. Intercity bus travel is expected to increase as the population grows and incomes increase. Opportunities should be best in large, rapidly growing metropolitan areas. In addition, jobs should become available as drivers retire or change careers. However, stiff competition may exist for new job openings because this relatively high paying occupation attracts many qualified applicants.
Working Conditions
Intercity drivers' schedules may differ somewhat, but maximum hours have been set by law. Long distance bus drivers may drive up to 10 hours at a time. Then they have to rest at least 8 hours. They are not allowed to work more than 60 hours in 7 days.
Bus drivers who work for large companies often work fewer than 39 hours a week. Their time is normally divided into 6 to 10 driving hours a day. Many work split shifts. These drivers work short shifts twice a day. Drivers work 4 to 6 days a week. Sometimes they work on weekends and holidays.
Intercity bus drivers have a good deal of independence on their jobs. They are responsible for their passengers as well as themselves. Bus drivers should like working with people and enjoy driving. They must also have steady nerves because of the focused attention needed on long trips.
Earnings and Benefits
Intercity bus drivers are generally paid by the number of miles they drive. For short runs they are paid by the hour. Almost all drivers are assigned a minimum number of miles or hours each week. As a result they almost never earn less than a certain amount.
At present the average annual salary for drivers employed by large intercity bus companies ranges from $22,000 to $31,000. In most cases drivers on the extra board get paid both by the hour and by the mile. That is, when they are on duty but not actually driving, they are paid by the hour; when they drive, they are paid by the mile.
All regular drivers receive extra pay when they work beyond their normal hours. When bus drivers have to be away overnight on a run, their company pays for their meals and lodging.
Bus drivers receive paid holidays and vacations. The length of vacations varies from company to company and also depends on years of service. Yearly vacations are between 1 and 5 weeks. Most intercity bus drivers also receive medical and hospital insurance, life insurance, and pension plans.
