On Becoming a Bus Operator



Sorry for the long delay in posting folks. I've been busy with learning the ropes of bus operation. I'm almost completed the training phase of my new job and have been busy driving "in service" routes all over the city. I keep hoping I'll see one of my friends and they'll pass by without noticing it is me. So far only two people I know have gotten on my bus. The first was while I was in early training and he didn't see me. The 2nd was in the early "in vehicle" training where I worked in advance of the real bus schedule. He also didn't notice me. In both the previous cases I was too concerned with the operation of the bus and watching for routes to want to be bothered with chatting.

At this point I can safely say that I enjoy driving the bus. I'm not overly fond of the split shift or the long late shifts but overall the job is not disagreeable. It is true that you see alot when you are sitting in that seat. Riding above the traffic as it were. Which brings me to my point. People please stop using your cel phones while driving!!! I know none of YOU do that but still, STOP IT! The other day I watched a woman (no I'm not being sexist) texting while she drove down Portage Avenue. How can you watch the road while staring at that little screen? I have seen several folks talking away on their phones simply change lanes without looking because they couldn't crane their heads around with the phone attached to their ear. This behavior will cause an accident sure enough. Ok enough preaching...you are all adults and can govern yourself accordingly.

See you out on the road!

Passed my written test and my driving test so I am now an official bus driver. Yahoo!

You can contact me at 2048024673
Vous pouvez me joindre au 2048024673.

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So yesterday and today I spent the day driving "In Service" picking up passengers along various routes in the city. At first I was all nervous thinking that I would make mistakes and look like a bad bus driver. Then all of sudden it hit me, I was a brand new driver. I'm driving a bus that says "Training Bus" on it. I can suck and it's ok!!! That gave me the freedom to just drive and enjoy the process. Today was much better than the first run yesterday. I am learning to make smooth stops, open the doors and have transfers ready, plus how to keep the schedules on time so that folks can get where they are going. Doesn't sound like much but add to that the task of driving the bus safely and efficiently through traffic and doing it all so that your passengers get a smooth ride and you'll get the picture. The day just flies by and before I know it I'm back at the garage going over the day's notes and getting prepped for the next day. Who knows, maybe you'll be on my bus tomorrow?

Hey folks! Great to be back in the blog-o-sphere! This bus driving course has kept me hopping. So much so that I've been neglecting the followers of this adventure. (all three of you - LOL).

On Tuesday this past week we had a big Day 11 written test. This was on our last classroom day and passing it was important because after it there would be no more classroom time before our big final exam and road test. I'm pleased to announce that I passed with 94%. Not the highest score in the bunch but certainly respectible. Gifts will be accepted at the address below...

So yesterday we started driving full days. Due to a larger class size than usual (and an odd number) I get to be in a bus myself with an instructor. Usually there are two operators and an instructor. The two would trade off during the day at regular intervals. In my case I'm driving ALL DAY! Yeeehawwww! This is giving me the road time I need to become a "smooth operator" and really know how to control the bus.

Yesterday we drove all over the south and west sides of Winnipeg from the University of Manitoba to St Norbert, to Charleswood, Cresentwood to Murray Park. It was loads of fun and I'm already getting more used to the bus. Today I'm going to be careening down the streets of downtown Winnipeg. This should be interesting. Stay tuned and see if our intrepid blue hero can withstand the stress of downtown Winnipeg!

This is my Sunday morning version of Bill Wither's classic R&B tune. Hope you like it.

Ok there was no incident per se, except if you call driving a 15 ton, 40 foot bus in traffic without hitting anyone or coliding with curbs an incident! I call it a miracle. Here I am just moments before getting in the driver's seat and piloting this bus into traffic and across the river. No I did not pick up any passengers (except a transit employee) but I did get the bus up to road speeds.

We are five days into our training and I understand that we'll be in the bus every day from here on out. In case you're wondering about the stuff in my hands, we have a trash bag, transfers, paper towels and my left over drink from lunch. Also I'm wearing my camera bag over my shoulder because I wanted to get this picture for you. I'm the only geek in my class who wanted his picture with the sign. Call it silly, but I want to remember the first day I drove a bus in traffic (and didn't kill anyone) before the incident.

Have a great weekend!