A day in the life of a Professional Tour Bus Driver

[MrWill1985]

How long did you work for Greyhound before working for Graylines? Ive thought about maybe doing a year with Greyhound before working for either Coach USA or Coach America which both require a CDL and 1 year of experience.

[yukSchmuck]

@MrWill1985

Well, believe it or not, i've strung it out to where I haven't even built up a year experience on full sizes coaches, and still have some problems on my summer job now, in Maine. But i have a year, if my experience with shuttles is counted. I lasted only about a month and a half- 2 months at greyhound, but may go back to drive when I get out of college. That is, unless i get some kind of "career" job.

[MrWill1985]

@yukSchmuck I also even possibly thought about working for other types of bus service before going to Motorcoach. And as far as Coach America it appears the experience is now 6 months. So it could be possible that got reduced due to the higher need for drivers but I know my application got denied a few months ago. So I may do 6 months to a year with Greyhound then look into working for Coach America but Im not quite sure.

[yukSchmuck]

@MrWill1985 Wow, you know it's bad when companies like Coach USA/ Coach America start reducing their standards. I didn't know those positions have opened up now. But they are trying to reduce wages industry wide and are succeeding. They are managing to build an enterprise where wages are reduced to ridiculous minimums that do not begin to compensate drivers for the danger and stress they are in. So, I make less in my summer job than I do on my current work at home one.

[yukSchmuck]

@MrWill1985 DOT regulations are supposed to be tightening up for the health card, so apparently a lot of the older and out of shape drivers won't be able to pass the new physicals, and younger people will be needed. This is something another driver told me, in fear of losing his own health card, but I'm not sure of it. What I do know is the increased demand comes from them trying to drive down wages. You really do need a year's experience to be a good driver, you'll find.

[yukSchmuck]

@yukSchmuck Otherwise it's very easy to get in over your head, and sometimes really over your head. This is one job that it's better not to have, than to get and be under-qualified for, believe me. And these companies WILL put you out there without proper training and experience. It's part of their greed. So, I don't know. I'd try to work in public transit or school buses. I haven't been able to get such a job, at least around here, but those are the safest and best IMHO.

[Artscola]

Wow so some of the drivers get the weekends off? I thought most if not all drivers were working wknds and around the clock.

[yukSchmuck]

@Artscola

Not if there's a bidding system. Then, the most senior people can get a pretty cushy schedule sometimes. Not the extra board.

[chevyquik]

your vids help alot thanks

[yukSchmuck]

@chevyquik

No prob. Thanks for watching!

[yukSchmuck]

@the99drill

Good deal. It's not a bad gig if you can get it. I am currently figuring if I want to get a new CDL job and keep my license working or not.

[mcbam989]

my uncles gets a lot of sec teams and he just gets beside himself when he gets Alabama and loves when the football teams rock the bus he is like a big kid

[yukSchmuck]

@mcbam989

Different strokes. I would hate that! I'd barely be able to keep my cool with those people. This is why I don't drive for a bus service that serves a lot of sports teams.

[MrWill1985]

I myself would like to be a motorcoach operator. I was somewhat considering Greyhound but from the way things start out I reconsidered it. But I may consider working for either Coach USA or Bolt bus. I know Coach USA has a requirement of being willing to work irregular work schdules. And Bolt Bus theres no overnight work or hotel stays.

[yukSchmuck]

@MrWill1985

Bolt would be cool. All new buses, etc.... Mostly Boston or DC to New York, right? I'd do it. Maybe I will do it. Depends if they want Boston based drivers. There's also Peter Pan, etc... and a whole $ load in the Tri-state area and further south.

Good luck with your decision. Let me know who it turns out.

[firepower782]

"Generally", what does a driver for Gray Line or Greyhound start out at pay wise, and how much increase after a couple of years?

[yukSchmuck]

@firepower782

It's getting increasingly lower and not always at union scale. I suppose the average may be $15-$17; often lower than that. Local transit drivers, if full time, can make more, and Greyhound is now paying above $20 /hr at the entry level. With a 40 hr guarantee. And that's nationwide and why I might consider going back to the dirty dog. Problem is, it's like selling your soul. Don't know about you, but I love free time and live for the weekend.

[yukSchmuck]

@firepower782

BTW, not having a pay scale, usually union-driven, means all drivers make the same amount regardless of seniority. The above job paid $15.50/ hr across the board, but older drivers had cash-money runs where they'd make tips.

[supanerd3000]

how do you know the routes

[yukSchmuck]

@supanerd3000

You will either be taught them or, for scheduled service, have a route guide of some sort, or, in some cases you are responsible for Googling them and making sure not to go places where buses don't belong.

[Slim6694]

how do u make tips?

[yukSchmuck]

You can make tips mostly on tour or tour related service. For example, with cruise ships or other vacationers. People tip the most when you handle their luggage and sometimes, give them a good tour.

[Slim6694]

@yukSchmuck ok cool. I was just wondering cause i may do that or trucking in a few yrs 1nce i'm done school...depends wat my parents think of my choice tho.

[yukSchmuck]

@Slim6694

Your parents would probably encourage you to pursue something grander, as would I. My best advice is to follow your interests. I am currently on path to be a social worker/ counselor, which I think is a great way to help people, and is not far from the acting career that I want. It has ways to cross over. But, at the same time, is a career I'd enjoy on its own.

If you take a lot of time off and just work, as I did, your life could be dull.

[Slim6694]

@yukSchmuck ya u're rite. Well i'll persue wat i think is best for me or wat i'd enjoy...and yes ur rite about how it can make ur life dull if u just work.

[Var1ety]

@yukSchmuck How do you tip a Bus Driver? At what point is money exchanged? What service that you render is considered to be worthy of a 'tip'? Like do they walk off the bus and drop a few dollars in your lap or something? Serious question im interested in this tour bus driving business.

[yukSchmuck]

@Var1ety

It's usually after pulling one's big heavy bag from under the bus (and pulling up the handle if applicable,) that a well-deserved tip can be slipped to the driver, usually subtly, like a hand shake. A lot of times they've said "here ya go, son," or "this is for you." I suppose you could leave cash on your own seat if the driver provided a good trip or a tour. The driver, having become accustomed to tips, is expected to be thankful but practical, and not make a big to-do out of it.

[dogz1044]

i going on a St. Augustine field trip and the ride is a charter bu huh bu huh bu huh bu huh charter bus it has over head bins like a plane a bathroom and i think ( not positive ) a mini bar its like being on a plane. God thank you so much if i can make it on that bus before 2012 i'll be the happiest little son of a biscuit you have ever seen

[VtFarmdude]

Gee wiz I get two week notice on my work schedual. I drive a NEW bus and its my asigned bus. Wow bus needed coolant oil and power steering fluid? if i saw a leak under my bus it would be fixed before i left the garage. last trip i did i made almost two grand in tips.

[yukSchmuck]

@VtFarmdude

You work for a good service, then. I worked for a crappy one. What kind of outfit are you with?

[VtFarmdude]

@VtFarmdude i work for Premier Coach out of Vermont. We have 58 coaches almost all under 5 years. We have three of four that are older the owner keeps around for particular jobs you might not want to send a brand new shiney coach for. We do mosty east coast stuff. Northeast, maritimes etc. I worked for Greyhound actually Vermont Transit which used to be part of Grayhound so i know where thats at. One day notice was what we got unless we were on the board.

[yukSchmuck]

@VtFarmdude

Originally, I wanted to be out of Boston at 22- The minimum age. I went to Atlantic City and didn't make it. That's good, because at that stage in my life, the traffic and working going to NYC. all that time, would have been too much stress. Even now, I don't want to return home to work or to return to Greyhound. But that does sound like a good place to work for. If I plan to return to New england, it sounds okay. Also Yankee Coach out of Boston. Ever run into them? (not literally!)

[VtFarmdude]

Gee wiz I get two week notice on my work schedual. I drive a NEW bus and its my asigned bus. Wow bus needed coolant oil and power steering fluid? if i saw a leak under my bus it would be fixed before i left the garage.

[divepromichael1]

Wow...you get an entire days notice? Lucky guy! I average about 10 to 12 hours.

[circusboy90210]

so previous experience helps somewhat???

[yukSchmuck]

Thanks. I'll try if I get behind the wheel again.

[busboy3232]

yess can you make more vids like dis

[jamin108]

awesome can you make more videos like this