Bus Driver
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BUS DRIVERS provide transportation for millions of Americans every day. They may be inter-city bus drivers, local bus drivers, school bus drivers, or motor coach drivers. All drivers follow time schedules and certain routes over highways and city and suburban streets, to provide passengers with a means of transportation other than by automobile. Drivers pick up and drop off passengers at bus stops, stations, or at regularly scheduled neighborhood locations and schools. Inter-city and local transit bus drivers collect fares and answer questions about schedules, routes, and transfer points, and sometimes announce stops. Bus drivers must adhere to strict time schedules in order to pick up passengers at certain times.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $38,000 average per year ($18.25 per hour)
- A large occupation (647,300 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (0.7% per year)
Entry Requirements
All BUS DRIVERS must comply with federal regulations and state regulations. Federal regulations require drivers who operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the state in which they live. To qualify for a commercial driver's license, applicants must pass a written test on rules and regulations and then demonstrate they can operate a bus safely. Many employers prefer high school graduates and require a written test of ability to follow complex bus schedules. Many inter-city and public transit bus companies prefer applicants who are at least 24 years of age, and some require several years of bus or truck driving experience.