Duties and Responsibilities of a Bus Operator

Updated on: June 28, 2021
Position Overview

A bus operator is actually a bus driver more than anything else. Bus operators are often hired by schools, travel companies, and other organizations where the use of buses is all in a day’s work.

Driving a bus is just one of the things a bus driver does. Apart from this, he has to help passengers board and disembark from the bus, paying special attention to people with special needs, the elderly, and children. Knowledge of vehicle repair and maintenance is also important.

Since bus operators get to meet so many different types of people in a day, it is important for them to be culturally and religiously sensitive and be able to exercise patience and fairness during problems.

Bus operators also need to be exceptionally knowledgeable about the different types of bus routes that exist within the city and the various ways of mapping routes, such the GPS and conventional maps. Since they spend most of their time on the road, they need to be physically dexterous as well.

Here is a list of duties that you will be performing as a bus operator:

Bus Operator Job Description, Duties and Responsibilities

• Go through work orders to determine the day’s routes.
• Ensure that the bus is in good working order by ensuring that all maintenance and repair are up to date.
• Chart out shortest and safest routes to destinations using both Conventional maps and the GPS.
• Assist passengers in embarking on the bus and provide special care to unsupervised children and people with special needs.
• Ensured that wheelchairs are properly secured inside the bus.
• Drive bus on designated routes by ensuring that good time is met.
• Assist passengers off when a destination has been reached.
• Provide assistance in the loading and unloading of luggage.
• Collect fares, accept cash payments, and tender change.
• Communicate with the base station to provide them with information on passenger transport time and destination.
• Perform preventative and general maintenance on assigned buses and ensure that they are fueled properly.
• Take the lead during distressing situations such as accidents and onboard situations including medical issues and passenger brawls.

Position Requirements

As a bus operator, one is required to handle the driving and maintenance of different types of buses. This may include transit buses, intercity buses, and school buses depending on their individual roles.

To work at this position you need to hold a high school diploma or a GED at the very least, and also possess a valid bus driving license from the state that you intend to drive in.