Bus drivers transport passengers on local, national or overseas journeys. Road safety is an important part of the job, and drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. If you love driving and enjoy meeting different people, this could be just the job you are looking for. To be a bus driver, you should have excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic regulations. For example, city bus drivers have scheduled routes that they need to master quickly. Driving a city bus can be fun because you may get to know your regular riders, but it can also be stressful for those who get aggravated by city traffic and gridlock.

Tasks:

1. Drives vehicles over specified routes or to specified destinations according to time schedules, complying with traffic regulations to ensure that passengers have a smooth and safe ride
2. Parks vehicles at loading areas so that passengers can board
3. Advises passengers to be seated and orderly while on vehicles
4. Inspects vehicles, and checks gas, oil, and water levels prior to departure
5. Assists passengers, such as elderly or disabled individuals, on and off bus, ensures they are seated properly, helps carry baggage, and answers questions about bus schedules or routes
6. Handles passenger emergencies or disruptions
7. Records information, such as cash receipts and ticket fares, and maintains log book
8. Collects tickets or cash fares from passengers
9. Regulates heating, lighting, and ventilating systems for passenger comfort
10. Reports delays or accidents

Key skills for bus driver:

• Patience
• A responsible attitude
• A good sense of direction
• Ability to work under pressure
• Knowledge about safety and health issues
• Being polite and assertive

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £14,000 – £19,000 per year
United States of America: $15.21 per hour
Australia: AU$22.00 per hour

Qualifications and training required:

To become a bus driver, you will need to complete training for a Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence or local equivalent. To start training with a company, you must hold a corresponding driving licence and be aged at least 18. Some employers prefer to take on trainees who have held their driving licence for one or two years or who are aged over 21.
As a bus driver, you will be subject to physical exams. Additionally, drivers must have free use of their arms and legs and maintain a stable blood pressure. There are also restrictions for people who suffer from epilepsy or diabetics who take insulin.
In some countries city bus drivers must take special training, which covers the handling of schedules, operating the fare collection boxes and making change, and dealing with the general public. School bus driver may be asked to submit to psychological exams.