In a typical work setting, bus drivers:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction with riders.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of passengers.
• Must deal with unpleasant or rude passengers weekly.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations.
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• Communicate by telephone weekly.
• Work on a team. It is very important for bus drivers to work cooperatively with maintenance and scheduling coworkers.

Physical Work Conditions

• Often wear a uniform.
• Work outdoors often when loading bags or riders. The rest of the time, they are inside the bus.
• Work with contaminants weekly when checking engine fluids.
• May be exposed to very hot or cold temperatures depending on the season.
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• Work within several inches of passengers that require assistance boarding.
• Are always exposed to sounds and noises that are distracting.
• May be exposed to diseases or infections carried by passengers.
• Sometimes must drive in very bright sunlight or when it is dark outside.

Work Performance

• Must be accurate on the job. This is very important so that bus drivers maintain schedules and safety.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks while driving.
• Have the ability to make errors resulting in very serious consequences. Errors while driving can result in accidents and injury to passengers.
• Must keep control of the vehicle and keep pace with traffic.
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• Can make most decisions without consulting a supervisor.
• Must meet strict schedules daily.

Hours/Travel

• Usually work a five-day work week, if a local bus driver. This may include weekends.
• May work evenings and after midnight, if a local bus driver.
• May work split shifts, if working as a local bus driver. For example, they might work from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with time off in between.
• May work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, if an intercity or charter bus driver.
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• Often have work schedules that are determined by a pre-arranged tour schedule, if an intercity or charter bus driver.
• May work any time of the day or evening, if an intercity or charter bus driver.
• May not work more than 60 hours in a seven-day period as a long-distance driver. Drivers must rest eight hours for every ten hours of driving.
• May work part time or full time, if a local or intercity bus driver.