Training to become a bus driver

[roadtrainer]

I going to write a story for those interested in becoming a Bus driver or about the training --on how's it done.

1. The applicant.. The applicant must go to the DMV and obtain a H-6 print out. This print out is for a 10 year period.

2. He or She must come to the yard and apply for a job.

3.Their application is handed in to the employer (that's Me) and I go over with the applicant all the information about the job.

4. I then read the H-6 from the DMV and look for points, I will not hire someone with 3 or more points on their record.

If an applicant has 2 points on their printout but it is spread out over a three to five year period I will hire them.

5. I then ask them to go and study for the Class B license and Passenger Endorsement. The cost is $64.00 and if they need an advance I will advance the money to them. We do not train for air brakes because their are no air brake equipted buses in our fleet.

6. Once they pass the test I enroll them into the training class and start them on their way to become a professional bus driver.

Next week: The start of Class room training...
Sincerely The Roadtrainer

[nickv]

For anybody interested, at the time of this post (4/8), the following agencies around SoCal are recruiting bus drivers:



Metro - Open Recruitment through 4/11
Foothill Transit - Open Recruitment
Montebello Bus - Open Recruitment, PT, and Entry Level through 7/17
Norwalk Transit - On Call, Open Recruitment
South Pasadena Gold Link - Open Recruitment, PT
SunLine DAR (Palm Springs Area) - Open Recruitment, PT
Coach America of Sylmar - Open Recruitment, Experienced

Veolia Transportation, which provides contracted services to several SoCal bus agencies is also recruiting bus drivers in several areas throughout the region.

[roadtrainer]

This Week in training:

First the classroom,

1. History of Diversified Transportation. The company stated out in 1956 with 6 Chevrolet Sedans and now has 6 terminals in Northern and Southern California. Vehicle count is about 500

2. Safety is everybody's responsibility. I take time to tell them that I'm training them to become Professional Bus Operators, and that safety is Priority Number One.

3. Sexual Harassment will not tolerated!
I deal with theses issues in the work place and tell Guys and Gals, Gay or straight, to keep it professional. It could mean a loss of Job,a lawsuit or even jail time.

I.E. The lady being sexually harassed by members of the New York Kinks basketball team, she sued and won over $11 million dollars!

4. The Commercial Driver's License. Prior to the act of congress in the 1980'S drivers were able to obtain driver licenses from several states and spread their convictions.

Some would drive for up to 20 hours on the road which resulted in several traffic fatalities. Several of the truck drivers and bus drivers were loaded on pills, driving drunk, and or from a lack of sleep.

Thus the act of congress passed into law the Commercial Drivers Licenses Act. before the law anybody with a regular drivers license could drive a big truck or bus. This lead also to several traffic mishaps.

Now everyone who wishes to operate a big truck or a bus must haver the proper training in the size and class of the vehicle.
Class A will allow you to drive any other class of vehicles except motorcycles.

The one catch is that if a class A wants to drive a bus 10 or more
it is considered a Commercial Vehicle. He must have the proper training for the passenger bus . This training will be seen as a "P"endorsement on the drivers License.

5. The Drug Screen

All driver applicants must be test for drugs and pass the drug screen test, Now their are 5 different tests....
A. Pre-employment
B. Suspicion
c. Ram don
D. Post accident
E. Return to Work

All of the above are discussed and taught upon. Legal and illegal drugs are discussed along with the company's alcohol policy. Alcohol consumption, no more prior to 4 hour reporting time.
The Employee is given his/hers own copy of their Drug policy.
This is according to Federal law.

And finally
6. BLood Borne Pathogens. HpB, HpC, STD's and the HIV virus are transmitted through the blood and contact with any body fluid is problematic if you do not use your PPE's.

All Diversified Buses are equipped with Body Spill Clean Up Kits. And I given a demonstration on how to use these kits.

Next Week: The beginning of RoadTrainning.

Sincerely The Roadtrainer

[nickv]

Southern California Bus Driver Jobs

At the time of this post (12/8/2008), the following transit agencies around SoCal are recruiting bus drivers:



Riverside Transit- Open Recruitment through 12/12 (Recruiting for Eligibility List)
San Diego MTS - Ongoing Until Positions Are Filled
SunLine Transit - Sun Dial Paratransit Drivers - Accepting PT applications
Pass Transit- Beaumont/Banning/Cabazon Transit - Fixed Route and Dial A Ride - Open until filled
Foothill Transit - Open Recruitment
Norwalk Transit - On Call
Veolia Transportation, which provides contracted services to several SoCal bus agencies is also recruiting bus drivers in several areas throughout the region.
Veolia Transportation / Antelope Valley Transit Authority