There is a shortage of bus drivers!
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- There is huge shortage of bus drivers in the US today. In this video I'll go into the possible causes as well as what is involved in getting A Commercial drivers license and becoming a motor coach operator.
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Check out the video I made in the past called: Life as a Charter bus Driver in the United States. What's it like?
• Life as a Charter bus ...
Check out Trucker John's Channel. He went from Driving a motor coach to driving Semi Trucks due to the COVID Pandemic.
• Finally Some Warm Weat...
Sources used in this video:
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Video clips used from other youtube channels
• Semi truck spotting pt3
• Video
• Finally Some Warm Weat...
In addition to pay hikes, trucking companies need to stop treating their drivers like disposable garbage. Driver respect levels need to improve leaps and bounds.
That is why I left the greyhound. They pay well but the treatment and the fact that I was furloughed I was like “enough”. Cut out.
Sorry about the loss of your cat.
I’ve driven pretty much every major model from every manufacturer. Been driving coaches since 1989 before CDL’s even existed. There’s never been a driver shortage, just a shortage of decent pay. Same in trucking. Crappy hours, crappy pay, crappy passengers and oftentimes crappy equipment. There’s no shortage of that. The younger generation is no longer interested in becoming professional drivers because they realize there’s no future in it.
Agreed. That's my experience.
I looked at being a trucker, but since you get paid crap, they treat you terribly, & in addition to that you have to get a truck probably an old Kenworth or Peterbuilt before 2007 cuz the emissions on these trucks is harsh & the new ones are always breaking down.
It’s just a combination of a ton of things that is going to put the trucking industry in the crapper if they don’t watch out, & well without truckers the country would stop, no diesel to the pump means everything stops where it is.
I got my CDL A at 23 and I worked 2years in trucking 1/6 year over the road but paid is miserable plus company and dispatcher lied all time but I change to 🚌bus driver and so far is the best driving experience I ever have, paid is okay..
😂😂😂 you, obviously, have no idea where to look for good paying driving jobs. Top earning transit driver where I live made 208K for the year. Average pay for drivers is 100K where I live.
@@rockon8174 what company paid 208K for the year?
I like driving a Big Rig because the freight does not talk back to you.
I agree 100% DG
I drove a bus for four years from 1979 to 1983 is city bus after listening to the bullshit on that bus I like freight
There is no shortage of CDL drivers, only a shortage of CDL drivers accepting the low pay that they offer them.
Facts
👍🏻
I agree I been driving 13 years for a transit company although is still not enough I make a decent wage with great benefits after 13 years I'm tired and want to learn a new field but all these company want to pay you next to nothing making it difficult to explore new companies like charter busses
@@IbeSyke Come up to Alaska this summer...great seasonal job driving tour buses...respond if interested.
@@davidh1927 please more information
As a 16 year old in high school and a bus nut I can confirm I would love to drive a motor coach when I’m in my 20s
When I trained with Greyhound back in 2018, I trained at our facility in Atlantic City. From there, we would take trips to Philly regularly and they'd send us in to neighborhoods to negotiate the really tight turns, and eventually you'd be sent to New York to see how the Lincoln Tunnel and the Port Authority station operates. We would usually go in groups of 3-4 buses at a time and we'd be out for several hours at a time, at different times of the day. Some days you'd go out in the morning, others in the evening.
I was trained to be truck drivers at C.R.England in salt lake city in 2012
Hi. Brandon how are you ?
What it's like to work at Greyhould. I have an interview. I would like to know from you who are already there. Thank you
Here in Canada, a school bus driver earns $14.25 per hour (the minimum wage is $14 / hr, and local McDonalds stores are paying $15.50 to their workers). Why drive a bus for only 4 to 5 hours per day, when you can get a higher-paying job that will hire you for 8 hours per day?
Condolences for you and your family , regarding the passing of Maruska . I know it hurts very much losing a dear family member , I'm sure Maruska is very grateful for all that you and your family have done for them throughout their life . R.I.P. " Maruska the CAT " Look for the number three .
I have been a truck driver since March 2014 back when we still used paper logs. I’ve also driven field trips in a school bus as well as been a relief driver on a few coach bus trips. If I was to boil it down the main difference between buses and trucks would be. Buses: you get to stay in hotels and eat at decent restaurants but you have 50+ people watching your every move. Trucks: you’re isolated and can get away with more but you are confined to your cramped truck and what food the truck stop you happened to be at offers. Both have their pros and cons. I recently started driving tour buses. You get treated well (hotels, food, concerts if you have the time to attend) and just the right amount of interaction with the people. The downside being that you have to be on top of your game to make the ride smooth because it’s easy to wake up everyone.
Do you need both a CDL A and a B to become a Greyhound driver? The job description doesn't specify if you need both or just 1 of them.
@@leonardoalfonso7080 I haven’t driven for greyhound but you should only need a class B with your passenger endorsement.
I was a motor coach operator for many years prior to the fed CDL licensing requirement, so as a result we were able to take the CDL & endorsement tests at home - unheard of, right!! Anyway, I did 30 years as a M/C operator & retired only to find myself going back 5 years later to driving OTR semi's. Both jobs have the pros & cons and maybe because I'm older now, I prefer the OTR semi's. The pay is much better, you still have to plan your route & go A to B, still have time considerations (appointments), ELD's, inspections & "wait time" BUT you don't have the mundane tasks associated with M/C (cleaning, etc), interaction with "sometimes" not the best of customers on a personal level (my cargo never has an opinion or contrasting political belief or asks "are we there yet?") Yes, it's a bit lonely at times, but my time is my own, my wallet is much fatter & the work is steadier.
Very helpful input.
I started driving the D series MCI coaches back on 2000, and after a while before Covid started driving trucks hazmat because it paid more, now I found myself a motorcoach operator job that I could not refuse, sometimes you just go back to your roots and motorcoaches is where I will stay.
You did a very nice job remembering your family member. You couldn't have done anything nicer to memorialize your kitty cat. Please make sure and keep this as a download so it does not disappear. You'll be able to use this as a family scrapbook.
Bottom line: If the word “Driver” is in your job title, you’re most likely underpaid. You’re certainly under appreciated., and probably mistreated by management, and/or dispatch.
I’ve driven coaches, school buses, now semi trucks. This has been my experience, regardless of what I drove.
So true
Same as being a Delivery driver.
Well. Canada sure loves its drivers at the moment..
@@davidh1927 Karen: "oh no it is doomsday,who is going to deliver my silk yoga pants".
I loved running a coach. I left because I was hired for 25 hours a week or so but was working 60. I am in a semi now, running a tanker and work 25-30 a week with Saturday thru Monday off. Home every night. I would love to get back in a coach but not many players around here
Hey thanks for your input! Really appreciate it!
Did your trucking company consider your bus driving experience when hiring you?
@@eternitywithjesus777 I had been around trucks since 94 as a heavy equipment mechanic for the State. Had a class A since then too. As far as the bus company, it’s so competitive here for commercial drivers they would hire and train for the Class B with passenger endorsement. I did train to add Passenger.
Bus drivers have always been underpaid compared to truckers over here.
It depend on what city or state you live, and how long you been with them, some Bus drivers for Utah Transit Authority are making more than what some of the OTR truck drivers for swift is making
@@Perich29 UK mate
Before the 1990s, Greyhound paid their drivers very well.
@@thegodblogger3812 yeah but Greyhound then went to First Group 🤣
Good vlog James. In my experience I have found it takes a special person to be a coach driver. They have to be easy/good on equipment, like and get along with people, be good with directions, willing to put in the hours needed (within legal requirements), be skilled in all types of driving weather. Over all very responsible as they are the face of the company. Not all truck or transit drivers are good coach drivers, as it is a very different type of job. Thanks again James. Rick
Oh, if you remember, I've driven both semis and coaches over my 48 year career. Driving coaches was more fun. Made more money with a rig. - Scorpio
I took my driving test on my 21st birthday, in 1980, did local day trips for about a year then started doing tours and overnight charters. Back then they ran you hard with no real consideration for hours of service. You have to be able to put up with people, but for a young single guy it can be a lot of fun, my first spring break trip to Florida I thought getting paid to bring a bunch of teenage girls to a warm sunny beach and party with them for a week must be the best job ever. Not all gravy though...drunk trips, bad weather, b*tchy passengers, nasty destinations.I eventually got tired of living out of a suit case and gave it up, but I did go through a period of withdrawal. Looking back those were the best years of my life...I'd do it again if I wasn't so old and done for.
I can't wait to get back on the road and drive for Greyhound again. I really miss the awesome experience of traveling and giving people the best trip ever. Even though we get a bad reputation at times, I do my part to make it a better one for the passengers. Also, condolences for your loss and R.I.P to Maruska the cat.
Hey thanks for posting! Appreciate the kind words.
Hi , Andros how are you. have you returned to work? What it's like to work at Greyhould. I have an interview. I would like to know from you who are already there.
Thank you .
@@jpjljaina8471 The toughest part about working with Greyhound is the extra board. When you start, you are automatically assigned to the extra board depending on your location. You have to be on call 24/7 so you have to literally dedicate your life to Greyhound. If you can make it through all of that craziness, you can bid on a route and then you will have a solid schedule.
@@ariceagaandros Thank you. I was really glad you answered. And does this solid schedule take a long time to happen? 🤪🤦🏻♀️
@@ariceagaandros How long have you been working at Greyhould?
sorry for asking so much.
Gracias 😊
I was a school bus driver for awhile. There is a reasons the school districts are short on drivers. The students can be a real pain to deal with and the school admin doesnt give the drivers much support.
Yeah I hear you. My wife is a teacher and that is very true!
The students have always been a bit unruly. The problem is that drivers are not given the authority to deal with unruly, lest a parent freaks out and sues the school district.
NZ is only experiencing the shortage due to a lack of economically viable revenue given to drivers. Minimum wage when houses cost 1 million dollars.
I was with Greyhound, training was a little intense. Then the DMv test was not just a written test. Had to do skills and a pre trip with a DMV proctor. But once all that was done, hit the extra board and there wasn't any following a lead driver, it was "here's your route guide, be safe" but they're hurting too
What’s up dog!
@@bazabal1 woof!
@@nathaniellopez2083 i like this channel
Totally agree with all of this. Left bus driving to become a trucker. Heavily considering coming back to bus driving but money is a big sacrifice, I’d be leaving a ton on the table.
I’ve been in the bus business for a while and I sure don’t know it all but there’s some very definite reasons why bus/motorcoach drivers are in such short supply here in the SouthEastern United States. Actually people that want to work in any capacity are in short supply now.
People want to work, it’s just that other companies are paying more for jobs people want more. It’s a free market, pay more and you’ll find willing employees.
Complaining that people don’t want to work baffles me - people have to eat, of course they want to work. You just aren’t offering them something they want to do and they have a better option elsewhere
@@audigex No, a large number don’t want to work especially in states like ours with far left goons for Governors. They’re living rent free, their offspring are collecting COVID-19 checks, and many aren’t even paying their own utilities. In N.C. It’s not just bus drivers that are needed. Plumbers, electricians, welders, automotive mechanics and other trades are begging for help with large sign on bonuses offered and they still can’t get people that want to work. It’s not just “pay more money “ and you’re going to find workers. Obviously you’ve never ran a successful business.
Bare in mind people are getting lulled into the government stimulus checks. They were making more by sitting on their Duff's than they were when they were working.
@@styldsteel1 Yeah, but that won't go on forever.
@@stevedavenport1202 oh hell no. These people who are getting these free government checks are in for a high voltage shocker!
As someone who has done work on both sides for the past 35 years(all full time in trucking and weekend charter work)I do have to say that I preferred to drive the bus. But with the pay and compensation, I haven’t found a coach company that could come close to what I get driving a truck. And I am home every night with my family.
As a flatbed truck driver I can say the rates not through the roof, they're past the kuiper belt.
I’m from Canada, and drove with Coach Canada based out of Peterborough Ontario. I was part time and was one of the first to lose my job due to Covid. I’m semi retired, so I survived. After close to 18 months off I have returned to Coach Canada. I tried truck driving during this time and hated it.
Love your videos
Be Safe Brother
Rick Stewart
Hi Rick. Thanks for your post. Covid was such a tough time for commercial drivers in the bus industry. I've heard similar assessments of truck driving from many that used to drive motor coaches. It's just not the same.
I'm glad to hear that you survived and that you're behind the wheel of a coach again. Let's hope the industry will recover and we will be back as busy as ever. If you're ever coming through Central Illinois let me know maybe we can meet up for lunch
I’m a retired 35 years of service with a transit company. I have a valid cdl with all endorsements with a updated medical certification looking to become a charter bus operator
move to Urbana or Peoria IL! we are hiring !
@@MotorcoachWorld sorry not relocating to Illinois
@@vincenthprice2260 lol don't blame you
I work part time on weekends at a limo/bus company for the last 5 years. Every week I get a call when I'm not on schedule if I can "help out with a trip". Some of my friends rather drive Uber Saturdays than going through the hassle of getting a CDL and end up getting same money or less plus the schedule inconvenience of having unpaid time between trips.
Id consider doing it part time just to break up the monotony, but Id have to get a CDL license. It appears local shuttle bus driving around the airport/hotels pays about the same thing without a CDL license.
Live in Canada and we have a shortage of School Bus Drivers. So after 35 years of being an Aircraft Mechanic I gave up retirement to drive School Bus. Good thing where I live is the School Bus license allows you to drive passenger bus as well, unless it has air brakes, then you need the Z endorsement. But it doesn’t work the other way, normal bus driver can’t drive school bus.
DOT requirements in some states are ridiculous and drivers are not treated well in the workplace. The pay is not the top issue.
Pay is the single biggest factor in the massive shortage in the industry. The pandemic really put a massive strain on the demand for CDL drivers. I've been a truck driver for the last 7 years and pay hasn't improved enough since I started. I love what I do and I really don't want to do anything else. I make very good money despite the drawbacks, all in all I feel this job is worth it.
I just started, 3 weeks in doing transit, highway and high security runs, its really been great driving these floating waterbeds down the road, everyone should do it.
@Carl Ferrigno Im making near 40.. .so... they're still looking.
I drove for 5 years OTR with a smudge of dedicated within that 5 years. I stayed out on a quarterly basis essentially 90 days at a time. I required 7 days off, but it was like pulling teeth to get those seven days. Also drove for American coach about 7 months before they went under. I can confirm this issue of driver shortage has been prevalent for a while. I left the transportation industry due to pay, benefits and restrictions. But the final nail in the coffin was when I got a phone call from the CFO for the company I was working for he wanted to discuss my idling time. I told him if I'm in the truck it's going to idle I will not make myself susceptible to heat stroke , freezing to death or theft. Then I asked how many miles I ran that month. He mumbled under his breath oh shit he ran 15k miles, he proceeded to say 15k. I said how much did I make for the company, he said between 2 to 3 million on top of that you are the number one driver for the company, but you're also number one in idling. I told him if you guys are worried about idling buy APUs for the fleet, plus you get a tax write-off for fuel. Then he came out the mouth with an attitude saying, APUs cost more than idling and proceeded to say if you do not turn off the truck you will not be working for the company anymore. That day I turned in the truck and never went back to the transportation industry since then. Sign-on bonus has always been a trick for them to utilize, but ultimately our pay does not increase in addition to benefits. It doesn't pay to perform well in the industry, you become a threat to them. They don't want good drivers because they know they have to pay. That's why turnover is so high. I prefer either I just love driving, just wish I got paid a living wage to do it, but that will never happen.
I’m a former coach operator! Truthfully… I miss touring and interacting with people on tour! But… I’m a trucker… I couldn’t afford the significant pay cut ! Coach work is perfect for retired people who have alternative income.
James Here in Toronto there are not enough school bus drivers forcing the high schools and junior schools to start at different times. The drivers are going to be working all day doing runs for both schools. Need to train more drivers thanks JG
Because they pay squat make more at mcds without legal responsibility.itiex companies are cheap prices thats why any job you can't fil, pays to .title ALWAYS
Here in New York state there is no charter bus endorsement, only school bus. Passenger and air brake are only required here to drive transit or charter buses. For school bus you only need an extra endorsement to drive those.
I drove for First Student when I first became a commercial driver but I was only given the training to get a Class C commercial for smaller vehicles under 26001 lbs as they only needed school van drivers. When I moved on to the New York City Transit Authority I was trained for the class B commercial which I have now but still retain my school bus endorsement.
While I would have not minded staying in school buses, the potential for greater pay lay with public transit.
With at least 1 year of trucking experience you can make around $25 an hour to start class b jobs start around $19. Plus here in New Jersey you have to pay extra when you renew your license for every endorsement so it just makes sense to get your class a and only get endorsements if you need them, I thought about getting my passenger endorsement but the money would never make it worth it.
Very interesting video. Here in the uk, things are different with regards to gaining your licence.
It is not a separate licence, it is a separate category on your existing driving licence. A car is category B, for buses it’s category D. D+E allows you to pull a heavy trailer.
To get the category D, you need to at a minimum pass another theory test and hazard perception test which is video based and you click a mouse when you see a potential hazard develope scoring higher the sooner you respond. After the theory, you can take the practical driving test. Passing that, you can drive a bus/coach privately. To get a job driving a bus/coach, you need to do the initial certificate of professional competence (CPC). The first part is a case studies exam where you are given scenarios about a typical day and asked questions about the scenarios. There is also the practical demonstration which doesn’t involve driving but rather you demonstrate different physical aspects on the vehicle such as explaining how you do a walkaround (pre trip inspection) and how to ensure your vehicle is loaded correctly and within legal weights.
I started my career in 2012 at national express driving scheduled coaches around the south east of England. In 2015 I tried truck driving but hated it so went back to coaches. I moved to charter coaches in 2016 where I was initially put on multi vehicle jobs and sent out with other drivers. It is a very enjoyable job but then covid struck so I ended up doing a 6 month stint on London buses. Seriously, if driving a London bus is your dream job, you have very low self esteem. It is the most mind numbingly boring job I’ve ever had! If you want to get your licence and can’t afford to do it privately then it is a very viable route going on London buses but I never want to drive one ever again!
If I remain a coach driver for the rest of my life, I would be a happy man!
Wow this is great insight. Thanks for writing this. I really enjoyed reading this!
Sorry for the loss of your kitty. You’re right, the industry has shut down. My company hasn’t been working since March last year and greyhound Canada closed down. I’m currently in training for my full bus license that also covers the license for driving non tractor trailers, and I plan to try and get jobs driving those trucks until the bus industry picks up again. Cheers from Ontario Canada.
Illinois is a strict state when it comes to out of state CDL transfers. A co-worker of mine was looking to switch his license from Maryland to Illinois, and it's required to take the complete written and road skills test for transfer. I thought he was exaggerating, but when I fact-checked it, I found it to be 100% accurate. Also read it was because of widespread fraud in the state relating to the issuance of CDLs. Kind of afraid to change my license just to get a passenger endorsement because I don't want to get downgraded to a class b.
Enjoyed your video James, I’m retired now, pushing 70, I do like to ride the coaches, a relaxing way to travel.
If only I was a few years older, I’d be dropping everything in a heartbeat to drive
As per your request: (From Texas)
I am a truck driver with a passenger endorsement. Now I take church groups out on retreats and what not so not full time. It's always been a passion of mine and that's why I got it. Hoping to one day purchase a bus so I can do it when needed without renting one. Now as far as testing, putting into mind I already had class a, all I had to do was do my written test for my passenger endorsement and afterwards do the driving test. Which included a pre trip inspection inside and out, parallel parking, and a simple road test with the dmv officer.
I drive a car hauler but love watching all aspects of commercial transportation. It could be different in IL but I was able to get my CDL when I was 18 in GA. But you can only drive commercial vehicles in state until 21. Though most companies won’t hire you until 21 anyway. Just thought I’d share.
Love the videos, keep up the great work.
Trucker of 5 years and slightly over half a million miles here: I believe the trucker shortage is caused by the way this country treats truckers. We don’t have a shortage of people who are qualified to drive a big rig, we have a shortage of people who are willing to put up with being treated like second class citizens.
It’s a really long story that I don’t want to go into right now, but truckers are abused constantly by almost everyone we encounter.
Yes you are absolutely right. Commercial drivers in general are treated poorly but institutions as well as the public. Truckers have it the worst. Thanks for posting.
You are absolutely correct.
Exactly. 99% of the current problem is all those people who were laid off during all this COVID crap aren't flocking back to the industry. It's a safe bet some of them have moved on to other industries. It's a tough job, that'll never make you rich, so I can't blame anyone for moving on.
Long haul truckers have it the worst. When I was young, considered it as a career, but said "no" once I saw working conditions.
Sorry about your cat. I have an older calico, and I hope she gives me as many years as yours did.
Oh man. I am so sorry for your loss. As a lover of critters, I know full well what they are and what they mean to you. I know nothing I can say will make the loss any easier. Maruska lives in your heart now. I hope you can find peace in this. I am so very sorry for you loss. (Fyi: In my family, we call that an 'Otter-Nap', when you lay on your back like an otter and kitty climbs on aboard! Awesome picture.)
Hey Black Dog. Thank you for writing this. Means a lot. Its really tough to loose an animal. I love that! Otter Nap! I will use that from now on! Thanks again!
I'll post a little more detail about how we get our heavy vehicle licence (CDL) on the post on your Facebook page but one thing I will say is that over here we don't have to have a specific air brake endorsement. You mentioned training new drivers, I am actually training up a new driver who started this week. Always great to pass on some knowledge.
The charter company I'm fixing to work for has made decent pay increase. Thankfully not all the companies are closing.
Informative video. These days, I'm a retired guy who drives for our local school district. I found retirement to be boring and last fall, our school district was in desperate need of drivers. So, as an individual who has a CDL ( and pre-CDL) driving history for the past 49 years, I decided to go for it. I now drive both routes and activities for our local school district. A school activity driver in this state can drive trips that are up to 450 miles long (one way). A fellow activity driver for the school district also drives charters for a company during the summer. He recommended me to his company (I'm honored that he thinks highly of my qualities), and I'm in the hiring process for that company now. This company is a "mom & pop" company that is trying to hire an army of part-time drivers that are willing to do part-time casual jobs (not steady)in the area. The majority of their drivers are older guys like me (although I must be really old, as the owner told me that he had never seen a resume that listed driving job experience from the 1970s). I'd never do OTR trucking again as those jobs suck! I love doing school activity trips (football, basketball, track, etc.) and hope that doing the charter bus thing (should I be hired) is great as well. Thanks for the video!
I'm 22 and would love to get a CDL and drive a bus (I'm literally an hour away from Champaign, IL and plan to visit there) but my parents are 100% against it. I think this is the case for a lot of people my age, their parents frown upon it.
I’ve been driving school bus (events) in Iowa since August 2024. Tomorrow I have an interview with CITS. If interested, I’d be pleased to share my experience with you. With the greatest respect and admiration, THANKS JAMES!!
I was a trucker for 22 years came to motor coaches in 2005 I love the busses love to see all my guests ...here in Florida a bunch of my friends who use to drive bus went to Uber and or lyft most make a lot more money then I do in the bus
Talked with a couple of Uber drivers that used to be OTR truck drivers, they said they make more driving Uber than truck and they go home every night on top of that.
I'm not a charter bus expert, but I've run multiple small businesses for decades. The obvious takeaway is supply-and-demand; simple economics: if an industry cannot attract employees, it has to adjust both tangibles, (pay & benefits) and intangibles, (working conditions, corporate culture, security, sense the company values the driver...), and did I mention the crazy, wild-west out there on the highways, these days? If a company that normally has multiple buses and multiple drivers, cannot provide a steady paycheck, it probably has too many of both. If a company can't afford to give an employee some job security, that business is probably not viable. But those are management issues. I've driven buses--not professionally--am a Crown and Greyhound bus aficionado, so I can see that there is plenty of appeal to the job, but if employers are whining about a lack of applicants, without addressing the reasons why the phone isn't ringing, I have no sympathy. I'm a retired commercial pilot and I watched the airline industry whine about a lack of pilots. It costs a pilot $100k to acquire the licenses and ratings to be hired, but few airlines would pay more than $22,000 a year to entry level first officers--and the problems are the same as for truckers: days away from family, isolation, (covid), responsibility and paperwork. Only recently has the airline industry begun doing what it takes to attract pilots, but the damage has been done, few young people are interested.
I have a Class A license with all endorsements and have done many driving jobs the 5 years. I was training with a motor coach company when Covid hit. I really liked it but didn’t have the chance to experience it. Since then I landed a really great job driving school buses for special needs kids and H.S. sport teams. The pay is great, I get great benefits (board of education) and pretty easy hours.
Thank you for this video. I currently work for a large theme park in Florida that has their own bus fleet. I’m currently transferring over to it once I get my class B. Your videos definitely give me a different perspective of what else is out there in the bus field. I hope to be learning soon, I take my written test next week.
First of all, sorry for the loss of your kitty, my pup is that age now, blind and deaf. I drove tour coach for 14 years, semitruck for 36 years, still driving. I absolutely love coaches, I am a bus nut. Tour coach driving is so much better than trucking, but though trucking pays much better, trucking companies treat you like s***, they expect you to stay on the road for long periods of time...2-3wks and unrealistic delivery schedules are the reason for such a high turnover rate.
Ah, memories. Thank you, James, for reminding me of what it was like to join Grey Goose back in the early-'80s. Sounds as if nothing much has changed, and that at Peoria you put recruits through a very similar training system to what we experienced all those years ago. Unfortunately, the financial situation hasn't changed much either. But whatever the challenges, I can honestly say I'll never regret a single moment I spent behind the wheel as a coach operator. I simply loved the job and have been a bus nut ever since. Today, if asked, I always encourage youngsters to consider coach driving, if not as a long-term career, then at least as a great way to spend a few years experiencing life on the open road.
I started driving School Bus at the age of 24 where I acquired my Class B & C CDL with P - Passenger & S - School Bus Endorsements. While driving School Bus I also worked 2nd shift at a Hotel until my position there was eliminated. I then jumped out of my comfort zone to try a career as a Garbage Truck Driver where I obtained my Air Brakes Endorsement. Garbage Truck wasn't for me so I went back to School Bus Full-Time and was finally able to realize my dream of driving Motorcoach on the side for Personalized Coach out of Waldo, WI. When my wife and I had our 2nd child we realized I needed a more stable and family supporting career. I was then presented an opportunity to drive Propane Truck and added my Hazmat & Tanker Endorsements. Luckily, I have been fortunate enough to still be able to fill in on School Bus Routes on occasion and drive motorcoach from time to time on the weekend. It is possible to chase your dreams while still earning a stable living with full benefits.
I’ve driven semi’s and found the hours and pay sucks unless you are an owner operator with your own authority. Company drivers get crumbs. Always thought that as a driving job, motor coaches would be the best lifestyle.
I work in the public transit side of buses in Central Florida (Daytona/Orlando area). As you mentioned a bit, we too are experiencing driver shortages and many transit systems around the country have had to reduce service on some or all days of the week. The system I work for, luckily, hasn't had to do that yet. However we are really close. I'm not sure how we get lucky day after day, but somehow we make rollout every day. But this involves dispatchers, supervisors, and even office staff who have their CDL getting behind the wheel. We're going through an advertising blitz to hopefully gain new employees but for every new person we hire we usually lose one too. So very slow movement to gain employees.
My roommate was a motorcoach operator several years ago in Phoenix, AZ. I went with him a few times on some trips, mainly from Phoenix to Laughlin, NV. I enjoyed it I once thought bout being a coach operator, but shortly after life threw me a curve ball. Ever since then I got into the security field. I been doing security for several years now, I enjoy it. I hope to one day advance in the field and do more advance security for bigger corporations. My wife would kill me if I got into law enforcement. Me being a bus geek and enthusiast, I have lots of respect for people who work in that field. The way you show us the real life of the motorcoach industry, will attract more awesome operator's like you! Keep on bussin' James toodles! 🚌💯❤️
Thanks for the post Michael. I enjoyed reading it. Follow your dreams.
I worked in the motor coach world for 15 years right up to the pandemic. I went back to driving locally for a trucking company’s here I’m home every night and am making more than the bus company. I would love to be able to come back to the motorcoach world but they need to come up in pay.
yes lots of very similar stories like yours. Im glad you were able to find something through the pandemic! Thanks for posting James.
In California, if you transport school students on activities, you must have a SPAB(Student Pupil Activity Bus) indorsement.
only if the transportation is contracted between the carrier and a school district. if parents get together and charter a bus for a trip to Disneyland, or to visit colleges, it’s not a SPAB, even if they are students.
I live in Zimbabwe and my passion is to drive coaches especially for charter services. So curious to find out if I can one day get a job over there, not only for the money but the experience and scenery too!
If a company is willing they can sponsor your work visa
Keep Hamering Brother, keep your eye on the prize. I hope to hear you driving coaches in the future!
My advice to you, save up the necessary funds to support yourself for at least 60 days in American dollars for the area in which you want to apply. Then reach out to a dozen or so motorcoach companies in the United States. I would try to stay away from the larger operators, because they tend to be more rigid than the smaller family owned companies.
I totally would get a resume together, do your research on the United States, find out which areas of the country where you feel you would be a best fit for. Once you know your choice of where you would want to be in the United States, then I would get together a list of 20 motor coach companies in a 500 mile radius of where you kind of want to drive
To stick out, send your resume and application to the company in really nice stationary. And follow up with phone calls. Somebody will notice, and somebody will take you on.
Lastly, opportunity and success is never accidental in my opinion. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and most of all a generous intense amount of well-directed, and appropriate persistence.
Sorry for the loss of your friend.
I've been a CDL-B/hazmat truck driver now since January, 2018. I've hauled everything from hotel bed linens and barrels of cleaning chemicals to pharmaceuticals and industrial supplies. I thought about being a bus driver as early as age 10, but now I'm not really interested. I worked in retail for five years, so I'm burned out from putting on a brave face serving customers.
I seen my companies bus in your Motorcoach rolling for awareness footage at the very beginning. Super cool
I Love & Enjoy All Your Videos I Drive Coach Bus Name BROCKTON PLYMOUTH SINCE 1989 I Love Driving Coach Bus ❤️💘💋
Yeah i work for Triple A Cooper and my day cab account are super shorthanded right now.
As a school bus driver I was lucky enough to have a district that stayed open pretty much the entire school year. We lost a few drivers to higher paying jobs and no one wants to deal with being a driver for the peanuts we get paid.
i got put out of service without pay unfairly so i keep my cdl license and its was from a school bus company and never came back . school bus company owed me 1,000 dollars with intrest
I liked both charter bus driving and trucking, each for their own reasons. Pay in trucking was a little better, but the cash tips driving charters was super nice. :) Professional driving was my career from 1981 to 1999, school bus, charter bus, local trucking, OTR trucking, back to charter buses, then regional trucking followed by a few months of local trucking while I returned to college and finished my degree. I still hold my Class A CDL and would consider driving again, but from what I see, the pay is barely any better now than it was in the 1990s with tons more oversight and accountability. In my view, the main thing the industry needs to do is improve on pay and reliability of home time in order to attract people to the industry.
BTW, James, good job on these videos, which I’m really enjoying because they bring me back to some fun times in the business in the 80s and 90s. The equipment certainly has changed since my time, but a lot of the information about what it’s like to be a charter bus driver is spot on relevant. I drove mainly MCIs, MC-5, 7, 8 and 9. We were super excited when the first 102 A and C3s came along. Early on, I even drove 1960s era GMs, 4104s or whatever they were called. Man, those were an experience. 😂
I want to change careers and be a trainer! Being director of Transportation is getting really old!
James, everything you said is true, of course. However, another problem in this country with skilled labor, is the fact that we have too many young people with Liberal Arts degrees who refuse to take decent jobs where they may get their hands dirty. Look at the deficit in all the trades and all the shortages in those professions, too. Many of those jobs pay a lot better than the highest paying truck driving position. Whether union or non-union. Also, too many being paid not to work, at this time. Sad state of affairs. -Scorpio
Lol yes you are absolutely correct. That is a problem in this country. I didn't want to say too much on that because you know how easily it can turn political. And I tried to stay out of politics on my videos however I am aware that with the topics I'm touching on one day it might be inevitable and unavoidable. Thanks for posting.
Yes. Many decades ago I got my degrees because it was expected and worked for a time in my field (teacher), but realized that it wasn't for me. Transitioned (seat of the pants) into doing renovation and construction work and have never been happier. I'm in my 60s (brain still thinks I'm 25) and I give it every day through the physical pain. It is so hard to get young people to even apply to openings we have and the total lack of effort the few who do show up is appalling - they don't last long. I raised three boys - oldest two were great academically, the youngest was the social butterfly. I told all three to get into the trades. I digress, but I also predicted future careers in audiology (young people with ear buds cranked up) and tattoo removal for those with "regerts". Youngest is in his mid 20s, a licensed plumber doing lead hand supervisory work. He can (and has) quit a job because of employer BS and have a job the next day. Why? He knows his stuff, works his arse off and is meticulous about doing things right the first time and has already established a rep as as skilled workman. Maybe I'm just old and shouting at clouds, but it seems like too many people thing they should get a medal for just showing up at work, never mind getting dirty hands. Screw that, I've always seen my calloused hands as a badge of honour. Most of the smartest people I've ever met worked in the trades. Most of the dumbest and willfully stupid people I've met are those who think that a piece of paper from a university has given them the key to eternal enlightenment. Especially business weenies - the Kool-Aid is strong with them.
Sorry for the loss of your pet. Enjoy the channel, been driving OTR for 25 years now. In regards to the drivers shortage, what I’ve noticed is that the majority of people making a career change and obtaining their CDL through a school want to run local and be home every night. I recently was involved in a job fair at our local technical college for their CDL training class. There were a few other local companies including charter bus operators there, and as I stated earlier I’d say almost 80% of the graduating class wanted to just work local. Your other video on what it’s like being a motor coach driver really shows the lifestyle of someone in our industry. It takes a special person to do what we do and sacrifice those days away from home to provide for our families, unfortunately this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. I’m fortunate to be with a private fleet and on a dedicated run to where I’m home on weekends.
I work in PA logistics.
There is a shortage of these workers:
Managers, Supervisors, Leads, Forklift Ops, General Warehouse, Class A Drivers (10k bonus), all fast food restaurant workers, Wawa, Rutters, Sheetz workers and managers, McDonalds Managers, Goodwill and SA. Giant, Weis and Walmart. Engine technicians.
Just about every job is short and has seen big wage gains since 2017.
Haven't seen this in my lifetime.
Have to lookback to 1968 to get a better job market.
Well yesterday, I saw a tour bus pulling out of the senior center. So trips are coming back. As far as pay, maybe drivers will get paid better now.
Charters will really pick up come August when school trips and fall sports begin.
Have done both. Always said driving a coach was the most enjoyable jobs I ever had. But also one of the poorest paying jobs. I’m 64 now and just stepped down from a management position. The money isn’t what matters now, I need something to keep me busy. Thinking of going back to driving a coach part time. Don’t see how someone trying to support a growing family could do it.
Man I thought getting a hacks license sucked, the public transportation I went into and did for a job was taxi ,but I always wondered what it would take to drive a coach, thanks. I know if I was 20 years younger I think coach driving would be fun, but now at 54 it would be 2 years before I could get my CDL and frankly I would not pass the psychical.
Really like this video, your comparison of a motor coach operator versus a tractor trailer operator is very on point.. Viewing from Kingston, Jamaica 🇯🇲👍
I saw trucker John! Sorry about your cat. Thanks for the mention!
Yes I thought about you a lot while making this video. I also added your channel to my end screen so people can subscribe.
@@MotorcoachWorld you're awesome!
Hi. Thank you for your video. We have the same problem in Norway too... Stay safe!
I legitimately have said all my live, I wanna drive a motor coach!! I'm 28 and can do so now!!
Go for it! I was 28 when I started driving for Peoria Charter.
side note its actually cheaper to start a trucking company in total you are looking at about 300 to have a truck and trailer vs a bus which costs 500
So sorry loosing your kitty! ❤️❤️❤️
Hugs from fellow cats lover and new School Bus driver. Thank you for great videos 🙏🏻
I drove for New York Bus Service in New York from 1988 to 2006. I loved and hated it after dealing with Yellow Taxis in Manhattan. The company was very strict, however they did show appreciation at times when earned. Discipline was serious and expectations were high. I do miss it at times because I learned much and enjoyed meeting the people and yes I am a bus geek for sure. I appreciated the pay which was very good with benefits. Please keep in mind this was a union job which resulted in good pay and benefits. When I left we were paid top pay of $25 per hour with over time after 10 hours. Being a coach operator is a calling. NYBS was taken over by the city of New York City Transit and became MTA Bus. The challenge has always been the long hours away from family however I was able to provide for my family a good life and I am sure they appreciated for the most part.
Yes spot on have done both. Trying to get back to coach.
Interesting to hear about the training procedure in the US and how it differs in the UK.
In the UK the legal minimum age to drive a bus (officially referred to as a PCV / Passenger Carrying Vehicle) is 18 rather than 21 (although some companies require the driver to be 21+).
The training process to get a PCV license is first you do the theory test which consists of multiple choice and a hazard-perception test then you do a 'driving ability'/practical test. On top of that if you want to drive professionally, you also have extra tests including case studies and practical demonstrations.
Great and detailed video as always
I have my CDL, but I also have a different career altogether. Ihave driven transit buses and tour buses, as well as 18-wheelers, and honestly, I enjoyed both. I’m never giving up the CDL. I do miss driving, but it doesn’t make financial sense compared to my other career.
I'm retired military and drive OTR motorcoach part time for a unit out of Festus, MO. Even before the pandemic we were hurting for drivers. Motorcoach companies are gonna have to get creative to not just get drivers thru the door but to also RETAIN them. I wish I knew more people who would want to drive big busses. Most people think they're cool but know nothing about them.
Still glad to be back out on the big road, though.
Sorry for your loss..I love my furry friends too.
Love your videos, James! I still miss driving, but I need regular work AND to be home every night. 😕
There is a major shortage of bus and coach drivers over here in the UK as well. So many people nowadays dont want to drive buses or coaches, its not considered "trendy".
I was an OTR tractor trailer driver for 25 years specializing in the NE metro areas, now a full time college student who gave up my CDL for health reasons. A buddy of mine has his CDL B driving local straight trucks. He used me as a reference for a local part time school bus driver position - the woman called to get his info and then tried to recruit me when she found out what I'd done previously. They surely are desperate for drivers LOL. I miss the big trucks and the open road but do not miss being nickle and dimed to death.
James, Both jobs have advantages, trucking, Nobody to bother you, BUT NO TOILET. No tips either. I've done both.
i'm not bus geek i'm more of transportation geek but i like your content so i watch your channel. my favorite form of transport though is the railroad
Hey THanks Jeffery. Yeah Trains are cool too! appreciate your kind words.
Once the pandemic is fully over, I could definitely see myself being tempted to apply to be a bus or coach driver. I always thought it looked fun. The thing that put me off when I was younger was the idea of having to deal with dirty coins and having to give change. But now everyone uses smartcards so it’s not an issue any more.
Motor coach operators do not usually have to deal with any kind of currency unless you are driving a line run. Best of luck Chris!
@@MotorcoachWorld I was thinking of the local bus company specifically. I think they are short of drivers. Have no idea about the coach companies. I should look into that too.
I’ve been driving with my CDL for over 14 years now. I wouldn’t recommend driving a truck to anyone. The rules and regulations vs the pay and away from home.
I love the video. Thank you so much.
I’m actually coming into motor-coach from the trucking side.
Your videos are very helpful. Keep up the good work