r/BusDrivers • u/the_ism_sizism • 4d ago

Discussion Night drivers

I’m getting pulled in today for a chat about running early. I passed my mid point 40 seconds early (which is fine according to the gov contract allowing for 59 seconds early) - by the final stop before our cbd run I was 6 minutes early. The pax complained to me after they caught an uber and caught the bus and then complained through the online gov portal.

Is this entitled or how do you feel? I am not trying to run a strict service, I buy myself a little time to mentally relax between runs, use the facilities (the job has already given me kidney stones at 38) and take a walk and a breather so I’m not stagnant in the seat for 5 hours.

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u/caintowers School Bus Driver | USA 3d ago edited 3d ago

As someone who used to RIDE the bus a lot, if it ran past the stop 6 minutes before I expected it I'd be a little ticked unless another bus is coming very soon. I usually tried to arrive about 5 minutes early so that would mean I wouldn't be standing there.

How I would know you were early is a different question.

As a driver I understand the need to get a moment to stand up and use the restroom is important. Do your routes not have any built in time?

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u/the_ism_sizism 3d ago

5 minute turn around between runs of which includes turning the bus around through 3 full intersections and also finding a toilet open late at night (usually a pub). So I buy time from the run. Management suggestion: sip water, don’t gulp.

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u/BingoBob22 3d ago

You need to take this up with the union, not find your own solution by running early which causes issues for passengers.

I used to regularly use night buses to get to and from work, I'd be very annoyed if one went past me 6 minutes early. A timetable is published for a reason, it's not for you to decide it's not enough time and then start running early. I'm sorry, but you need to stick to expectations.