A bus driver, as the title implies, is primarily responsible for operating a bus and transporting its cargo or passengers. The bus driver also holds several auxiliary responsibilities related to the bus’s maintenance, such as regularly checking the tires and oil level, reporting any malfunctions in the vehicle and submitting it for repairs. In some cases, such as public transport, the bus driver may also be responsible for keeping the interior of the vehicle clean and in a good condition. A bus driver may frequently coordinate with his/her dispatcher for more efficient navigation.
Becoming a bus driver requires a driver’s license of the appropriate type, which differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A bus driver must show good knowledge of the area where they’ll be performing their duties, in order to more efficiently drive the vehicle around. Additionally, the driver must be able to concentrate under distracting conditions, such as transporting children, and obey the traffic laws accordingly at any given point. The driver must have good communication skills if they’re being navigated by a dispatcher.
A bus driver usually earns a low wage, ranging between $16,000 and $25,000 annually. Working experience can contribute to a higher salary in many cases, but the actual increase is usually by a relatively small margin. Some more experienced bus drivers are able to earn up to $30,000 per year. Additional compensations may be involved depending on the type of cargo/passengers the bus is transporting, and the extra safety measures that may be required.