I had the New York Rangers on a charter in Denver many, many years ago. After the game they wanted to go to very high priced restaurant. They insisted I join them. The menu made my head swim. After s few minutes one of the players realized my fiscal dismay. He grabbed the menu from my hands and said "Here, I'm ordering for ya! It's on us." I ate like a king - or even better, a professional athlete!

@maclairetx

Жыл бұрын

I had the Knicks, Nets, Mets, and Utah Jazz. All the players were cool except for one Nets player whom I had to go get the coach, Chuck Daly, to get this one player to behave like he had some home training while on the bus. After Coach Daly spoke with him and discussed a comfortable seat on his bench, he straightened up.

@AZ-rg3rf

Ай бұрын

let me guess, kenyon martin

Thanks for the fabulous shout out, James! I forgot to tell you that I've been a professional bus driver since 1994, and the last 6 years has been full time in a motor coach. 😁😁 I love sewing, and I love driving, so being able to do both is pretty awesome! Also I absolutely LOVE all of your videos!

I'm a school bus driver, on charters I'll often go for a hike or walk, or do work for my other job on my laptop. Once we were at the Jersey shore and I got to go to an aquarium and wander around the boardwalk, that was nice. Worst is when you're stuck babysitting your bus for a few hours in the hot sun.

Those long hours of boredom in the hotel sound heavenly

Wow, the bus nut guy in the intro is at Pointe-au-Père (Rimouski, QC), a beautiful place!

I enjoyed that. 👍Thanks so much! 🚌

Many years ago our school district had a regular contract with a Coach operation. Sometimes a we would get a very experienced older gentleman as our driver on amusement park trips. He liked to grab a few of the best behaved kids on the bus and get us all in the front of a roller coaster and pay for the pictures because he was a huge coaster enthusiast.

@EatAPeach72

3 жыл бұрын

UH OH ! he liked "roller coasters " YEAHHHH HE DID !!!

When I was in school I kinda felt bad for the drivers wondering what they would do with all that time we were at the amusement parks. Back then there were no smartphones too, so it was probably really boring 😭

@Al56boots

3 жыл бұрын

I drive charter coaches and did so when there were no smart phones. Then you read a book. Took a nap o when you’ll came back at the end of the day and went to sleep on the way home I would be awake

@MrLazlness

3 жыл бұрын

@@Al56bootsI wonder if any of the drivers actually go into the amusement parks to have a little bit of fun themselves on the rollercoasters or the arcade. 😆 That’s what I probably would do if I was a driver.

@monkmonk438

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrLazlness some amusement parks actually let bus drivers in for free. In that case, I've definitely gone in and enjoyed a few of the rides

@Al56boots

3 жыл бұрын

As someone said some parks let us in and I have done a roller coaster or two. But it’s really not a whole lot of fun by yourself. But forget Disney they don’t comp drivers

@MrLazlness

3 жыл бұрын

@@Al56boots I know right, I wouldn’t go to an amusement park alone either since it’s kinda awkward, but hey if it’s free and I’m there anyways why not? Lol

I have seen many coaches here in Greece that have a small sleeping berth adjacent to the back door and across the width of the coach in the basement area. Many times they will be equipped with a flat screen TV, Stereo sound system and AC. Those that opt out of using the basement sleeping berth will use it for personal storage of cleaning gear. MB, Setra and Volvo are common coaches in this neck of the world. Thanks for the informative video!

I've had tour trips that dropped off passengers near my old hometown. Needless to say my mother was not amused when I parked a 13.5 meter long bus in front of her house. (yes dispatch knew and sometimes they even joke about it whenever they send me to my home region)

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

lol

@daylen577

3 жыл бұрын

This seems pretty normal here in the Netherlands. I know multiple bus drivers who'd park their bus in front of their house on occasion, like when taking a trip early the next day. Seems that they're a bit more stingy about that stuff overseas, but it's always interesting to wake up and see this massive bus parked down the street

@VersVlees

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah you are right. It is pretty common with touring cars but I've done it with public transport buses too. Seeing a touring car parked in your street is one thing but public transport bus is something else.

I've been on more than a few "works outings" or day trips, and every single time the coach driver eats with us, we don't leave them to fend for themselves. Where I live, we wouldn't have it any other way.

That sewing station is awesome.

As a kid I used to watch the street sweepers slowly go by sweeping the gutters and I'd follow them to school. I asked my brother how does the driver go home? At 2MPH? He explained that the street sweeper can retract the equipment and drive at normal speeds.

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Lol nice

If I was a driver and went to an airport, you'd bet I'd be parked somewhere under the approach path and sitting on top of the roof with my camera planespotting!

@ImranKhan-sd6dx

3 жыл бұрын

I do that when I do airport charters. I’m from Toronto and there’s a nice spot to watch the planes land right off runway 23. It has a Wendy’s that you can sit inside and see the planes land from.

@timmuller1567

3 жыл бұрын

@@ImranKhan-sd6dx At Logan in Boston you can't just pick any place to park. You have to stage at a special bus lot away from the airport and can't get into the terminal until your plane has landed. Law enforcement is MA State Police and they're not nice at all.

Thanks for sharing. This brought back many wonderful memories, as I actually did many of these same things whenever I had down time. Whether they were one or more days, loaded or deadheads, I always had more than enough to do so as to avoid boredom. Multi-bus trips were always the best as you have other drivers to enjoy your down time with.

Took bus trips several times. Several times for a 8 hour deep sea fishing trip or to a baseball game 2 hours away. We always offered the driver to come along but the always declined. Always took up a collection to give drivers a tip.Could not pay me enough to drive a huge bus on highways with so many crazy drivers now a days on the road.

Love your positive attitude James!

My dad used to work for a company named Torres Tours and in the back of the buses their where two beds drivers could sleep in since the company would cross the Mexico-US border. Also shout out to the Village bus drivers that where included in this video, every time our football team and I get a game that is several hours away Village always comes and transports us to our games.

Informative and good video. A friend of mine drives an independent league baseball team during the summer (during the school year, he and I drive school activities). A perk to this job is he gets to take his wife along (OK'ed by the league and the charter company). He is semi-retired (just drives a charter bus now) and his wife is fully retired. He and she love exploring (shopping and food) the cities they get to go to during his downtime. They love the life. Thanks for the video.

Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed watching this video as well as my husband, Steve Sulligan's cameo moment. As a student tour operator and your director, I find your videos entertaining. Keep up the great work!

Here in the U.K., depending on my destination I will often explore our destination (drivers generally get a free ticket). Sometimes I catch up on a bit of sleep or if out in the sticks will pull my walking gear on and go for a stroll. Sometimes I take my folding bike and go for a pedal. I always like to research my pick up/drop off points and nearby coach parking. Sometimes I even get to go on the rollercoasters too 😁.

Love the content, thanks for sharing

I always thought the paint scheme on that Legacy Tours coach looked familiar... Thanks for confirming! LOL. Love your videos!

Wow coach driver from the Netherlands here, first of great channel i subbed within 1 minute. How fun too see that drivers all over the world do basicly the same both on and off the job.

I'm not a bus rider, but this is good to know and a great promotion for riding a bus. Thank you!

I drive seated and entertainer...I try to explore, get out and walk when I am waiting on seated pax, and exercise before having to head to bed when I'm out on tour.

@MotorcoachWorld

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Henry. Thanks for the comment. Great insight!

James, thanks for the great video! Didn't see any other drivers with my favorite activity - a little casino action! We just finished up a 4 month contract transporting nurses to/from vaccination sites and our hotel was half a mile from a casino. Have to admit there were down days, but also some very, VERY good days. My second favorite layover activity? Checking the inside of the eyelids for light leaks. Stay safe out there!

Oh the sleeping. This was on commuter coaches. We would take one of the seat rests from the row in front, put it inside a plastic shopping bag (ew factor) and then sleep in the back row since we didnt have a lav, so you get 5 seats there, all on one single bench, with no lumps (MC9). It wasnt so bad. The only downside is that its a bit loud back there with the engine running, and sometimes the cushions did have a...seasoning of their own LOL

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Nice. Yeah if there are lumps it's almost impossible for me. I like to sleep on my side so the bumps dig into my side.

@berylwhite2983

3 жыл бұрын

@@MotorcoachWorld no worries just imagine that your wife kicking you you'll sleep like a baby

@RipRoaringGarage

3 жыл бұрын

@@berylwhite2983 Just pull an injector and the engine rattling and knocking might do the trick! Although it could be worse. My bus now has plywood seats, and nothing in the back (theres a third door there), so its the dusty floor sleeping in Olivia

Great video. Brings back memories

Loved the video and all the feedback. More of these would be great. Also, need to get to Chicago and get one of those pork chop sandwiches.

Sorry James I didn't see the posts on Facebook! but like the others I sleep ( Across the seats) and of course eat!! But I'll take my bicycle especially when i go to NYC and ride along the Westside. also Awesome seeing my coach on here from the rally at 2:21 ! (fourth from the left Terp's bus 248 )

New subscriber here, I enjoy your channel and seeing all the cool buses including the older ones. I drive a mini-coach now but will be going for my full bus license next week. When I do charters I’ve either rested on my bus, went for lunch and on a long day w a lot of time off I’ve went to see movies. I do niagara tours in Ontario. When I do those I usually park in the bus lot and rest and/or go for coffee/lunch. The nicest bus I’ve seen in person is a Temsa (I think that’s the spelling). Keep up the great videos!

A tour guide just told me this morning about your channel - not sure how I missed it before since we’re in most of the same Facebook groups. I subscribed so I won’t miss them again. One of my favorite things to do is interview other drivers for my podcast for motorcoach operators, “EightWheels Across America” (audio only). It’s been on hold during the pandemic, but raring to go again since things are coming back to life. I’m currently on my second multi-day tour in the last two weeks. I currently drive for Starr Tours out of Trenton, NJ.

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob! Thanks for the subs. Much appreciated!

Great survey of interesting responses. Thank you, James.

Love your videos James! I just started driving school bus and had thought about driving the Motor coach.

Holy crap! James showed my post on KZread. LOL When I answered the post on a FB group page I thought that name looked familiar, but then thought maybe its a newbie.

Keep up the good work James

Great Video!!

I just found your channel today, and I like it a lot! I’ve been a truck driver for 20 years and I noticed truck drivers and bus drivers have a lot in common! I do have to say though, if I was taking a bunch of people to an amusement park, I would spend my Off duty time riding all the rides I could!! Lol

@MotorcoachWorld

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Steve. Lol you and I think alike. I love going into all the attractions if I have the time. I have a 2nd channel where I vlog all of my bus trips it you ever want to check it out. Http://kzread.info

@oldschoolsteve5116

2 жыл бұрын

@@MotorcoachWorld lol! I’m glad I’m not alone in that! I’ve seen interesting stuff all over the country, and I will check out your other channel too

James, this is another great video! I love the idea of looking up bus groups to join and follow on Facebook to learn even more and meet others. ✌️out.

They usually work a second part-time job at a nearby store, one they can simply walk over to, while the bus is parked.

Super cool video great job James

Hi drove motorcoach full-time to the local ski hill, wasn't supposed to, but went skiing. The rest of the year I was a casual transit driver. Now I am full-time at transit, so I let the motor coach go. Did a little bit of highway work down to Vancouver and Calgary. Glad I had the opportunity. Spent endless hours cleaning, walking, eating, reading, movies, and yes snoozing. Funniest story was the day I was invited to participate in a game of cricket with some Australian people 🤣. Ended up pulling a hamstring 😅

I am not a bus enthusiast but enjoy your videos very much. You make everyone interesting! Who knows i may have to take a bust trip!

I only drive locally and fixed-route service in Denver, CO, but some of the things I do on layovers are going for walks, get food, and if I have a long enough layover and need some sleep I'll crash in the back of the bus for a bit.

Thanks for reminding me of some of the reasons why I retired from drinking motorcoachs.

most school trips i was on the driver hung out with us. i remeber helping a driver do a pre trip :)

That is so nice of Tamara to support the teams she transports!

I had a similar down time activity to Jenny. I would knit or design patterns or if the trip was long enough, I would also bring one of my spinning wheels. This resulted in a lot of fun and long conversations with many people. My favorite memory of spinning was my trip to Roger's Stadium in Toronto. Between the bus spotters swarming my bus (Prevost nuts - YEAH!) and the wheel, I think there are a few pics somewhere in Canada of me. Wish I had a copy of one.

@jenniegazdik4863

3 жыл бұрын

Totally awesome! My mom has Level 2 certificate of master's in hand spinning, .so bringing a wheel along is way more cool too me than me bringing my pfaff passport. You rock!

What a cool positive KZread post. Thank you!

Went on a charter bus from the San Francisco Bay Area to Lake Tahoe for a ski trip. The bus driver spent most of his time sleeping between those hard 4-hour driving trips from 4 AM to 11 PM. But he probably enjoyed the scenic snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains at a ski resort.

Lol. Windows background. Love this channel.

Beautiful timing just sat down for dinner 😁

Cracking vid James, absolutely love hearing stories like this on how drivers occupy their time. Btw - what do you do on your down time?

@MotorcoachWorld

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Marc. Thanks mate. I Spend time with my family a lot. I have a wife and 2 little girls. I also like to fly. I am a licensed pilot. I try to go up as much as I Can.

@icewizzard666

2 жыл бұрын

@@MotorcoachWorld Wow! How cool, A pilot as well, and lovely family days out no doubt. Thanks for getting back to me 🙂

Alright this is going to be all over the place but In high school, I was in ROTC. We always went on a trip to quantico virginia, washington dc, and new York city for two weeks. We were always driving to here and there all day long pretty much. Driver had some busy days for two weeks. We always had the same driver every year. Every place we went, he went, our fundraising paid for the trip to stay at all the places, eat,visit, etc. Everywhere we went in, we paid for the drivers entry. We paid for all his food, snacks, drinks, etc. All hotel rooms paid for. Our instructor gave him a prepaid debit/credit card with $1500 loaded on it for whatever food or whatever he wanted as a graditude just saying thank you for being there for us and not complaining. He was one hell of a fun driver. Always wanted to do the things we were doing. He made us feel comfortable, out going, friendly. With him being such a great person, we always kept the bus clean for him. If we split a drink, we would clean it up, if we split food, we would clean it. We swept the bus, mopped the bus for him just to say thank you to him. He really did appreciate it and that's why he wouldn't mind food and drinks on the bus. He always had some fun, hilarious, crazy movies to watch for us that he brought himself. When we were done cleaning the bus for him, he'd spray this spray bottle that he made as a homemade air freshener. Always had a lovely mint, lavender, rosemary smell. Always relaxing smell. still remember his name, Mr. Sean Clemons. Don't remember the companies name though unfortunately. Always the best two weeks of high school for four years. If your watching this and seeing the comment Sean, thank you. Former passenger.

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Wow Loved reading this! Thank you BRG! sounds like great memories!

All my life, I have been catching coaches and transit busses. Then I left my profession a few years before the pandemic to become a bus driver. I did learned all the facets of buses. I did charter, motorcoach tour, rail replacement, and bus operators.

this makes me miss driving! i started as school bus driver then we got a few older coaches !!!

I did a day trip skiing with a 2 hour bus ride on either side, we ran into the driver skiing that day and did a few laps with him. He was a hell of a good skier.

Driving in Illinois, we got a lot of trips to Springfield, Ill And all of the Lincoln museums you can handle. After the first 3 times, I started taking naps. But I have had groups that have had extra tickets for the Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears, Cubs and Sox's games. And not just the cheap seats. But the skyboxes at the United Center. And concert like the Rolling Stones, Bud Light Mystery concerts ..Pick up a group at a per-determined location, take them to a small concert hall and drop them off. Metallica was one night. I think it was Budlight...could be wrong on that. It's been a few years Getting a lot of request charters from groups for kids out of state hockey games. Dropping the kids off at the arena and then taking care of the parent's was a big thing as well. Usually out drinking, or really nice restaurants, before/after the games. While the kids are at the hotel rooms. They paid for the bus, They got Cart Blanche service.... I would also sit with the parents and watch the games as well. Met a lot of really cool people. And got a lot of repeat business request to drive those same groups over the years. As well as had one group who found out which company I had moved to and requested me as their only driver. But the bus was ready to take those parents ANYWHERE they wanted to go. And take them back to the hotels at night. Was tipped very well for charters like that. But than again...I've sat 3 days in Texas, 50 miles South of Dallas, in 100+ degree heat. where the outdoor pools water was so hot...it was like why bother. Dating myself here ...The Million Man March in Washington D.C. 199 ? We parked at the OLD RFK stadium ....and I walked to the Vietnam Soldiers Memorial and around D.C. and back to R.K.F. DUMB...DUMB...DUMB. I had sore feet for the next 5 days. Parking in Chicago has always been a hard thing. But we would park down by the lakefront or the South side of the city. Which I understand has been taken up by the University of Illinois. or paid the 30.00, 60.00, 100.00 dollars to park a coach. The Chicago Police have no sense of humor when a sign says "Bus Parking" They mean for the CTA.....not a 45 ft Van Hool coach bus. LOL Man, I did a lot of talking to get out of that ticket.... Hey it was a Friday or Saturday night thing...who knew. LOL !! CTA = Chicago Transit Authority. Fun times.....

@styldsteel1

3 жыл бұрын

Great story man! I drive a commuter bus so my Monday thru Friday life is a bit different, but here in NYC sometimes comrade Blasio's ticket army goes apeshit on ticketing the buses. Even in bus layover. One day I lost it in the ticketing " robots" I said you dumbass. You are ticketing me as a professional in uniform, I'm in a legal bus layover and just my bus alone takes 55 cars off these streets. He didn't Care.

@jeffherdzina6716

3 жыл бұрын

@@styldsteel1 LOL Drive on, Brother!

@styldsteel1

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffherdzina6716 oh jeez man. Ya just can't make this stuff up,! Lol 😂😂😆😆

@dominick253

3 жыл бұрын

@@styldsteel1 probably because buses suck... Always cutting everyone off and driving extremely aggressively. Just had a cta driver try and run me off the road yesterday. I got a dash cam so they'd just look really dumb in court if they hit me. Why do they drive so horribly? And please tell me you don't all drive like that.

@styldsteel1

3 жыл бұрын

@@dominick253 ( this is a little long so please be patient, it won't take you very long to read through, it'll even enlighten you) First of all Dominick I"m sorry you had such a horrible experience with this bus driver and yes I"ve seen myself absolutely horrible driving by my fellow bus drivers, and believe me, when I see such driving, he or she really makes this whole industry look really bad. But what these drivers don't realize that As a professional in uniform, they are definitely held to a higher standard. With this guy or girl who cut you off so bad, for that individual, it is a power trip or they are having a really bad day and is taking it out on anyone who is withing sight, and that is sad. Buses can cause a lot of damage, and with so much power and weight in their hands, they need to realize that. I admit I have bad days, but I don't take it out on the guy next to me, I think to myself (I"m driving a motorcoach myself for nearly 17 years, so it comes naturally) hey, yes..I"m having a bad day, or this driver next to me is having a bad day, I don't cut them off, I don't hit my brakes, If I see they don't want to let me in, or the car, truck, or bus (yes, even buses don't let me switch lanes sometimes) I just slow down, let them go, it's not a big deal for me, I will never see them again. If I cut someone off, or switch lanes aggressively, you bet your bottom dollar my safety supervisor is going to give me a very nasty nasty warning, a letter to get me to explain what happened and why, and a union hearing, and if I do it again, I'm fired. But if I back off and let them go? I 'll never hear anything and by the way, some of our newer buses have as much as 9 HD cameras in and out so keep that in mind as well. Now, let me conclude that, never say, (all of you) or (why do you all) or something like that. The younger wet backs will tend to go on that power trip. If you see driving like that, I absolutely URGE!!! you to report that driver. Get that bus number, location, the best you can and describe what happened. These drivers don't realize they are driving a billboard with the companies logo and telephone number. Again, my advice is to stay away from the trucks and buses, give them room, you never know if someone on the other side just cut him off. We need our buffers as well incase we have to avoid anything. And yes, I applogize for that nasty and rude driver. There is no excuse for that behavior from a professional driver!!

Thank you for your interesting presentations. Love them.

When doing snow trips in Australia I would sleep in the coach. It was dryer and warmer than the accommodations supplied. Just used a roll up camping bed in the Isle. Used to get a great sleep with out interruption from the locals. When an emergency white out was called and told to get the coach off the mountain I was always ready to go.

Oh my, bus karaoke. 🎉😂. Have to try that on next multi bus move ….

My grandad was a coach driver for Great Northern back in the 60s-70s.. did alot of runs from Oldham to Blackpool when back in the day Blackpool was the place to be. He died from Bowl Cancer due to holding his wee in for to many years on long journeys..

I like shining up those wheels!!!!

That radio voice👍

You are still awesome with your videos. When I did drive and When I knew of down times during my trips I’ll mostly stay at the groups’ destination unless it’s an unsafe location-not bus friendly. Then I did/do try to park near grocery stores because even though a restroom is available on the bus I like real bathrooms to wash hands and go #2 not to mention I’ll use the Per Diem monies to purchase groceries and try to eat healthier while on the road then I’ll pocket the rest of the money. While I do enjoy restaurant cuisines and socialize with fellow coach operators I do like my alone time to recharge (sleep) the batteries for the long ride home.

Lewey and I were on our hands and knees, cleaning our buses in Barstow. Lewey said, "Stop. This is too filthy. We can't do this any longer." I said, "I know what they look like but they don't stink. They are date pits." Most groups weren't too bad. Cleaning the interior of the bus was usually pretty easy. Charters would usually leave very early in the morning so the first thing I would do upon arrival was take a nap. Going home, I would often be the only non-sleeping person on the bus. Especially with senior citizens.

Hi I enjoy watching your videos and today I have decided to write you a comment, I was a bus driver for three years but it was incredibly happy time I had, if I drop my passengers mostly I would either sleep at the back seat or take a walk , writing from Kenya 🇰🇪

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I love hearing about our industry from other parts of the world. Be safe!

I been on a bus before going from great falls Montana to Calgary before and I been on a bus like the one you are on. And I been on Peoria charter before going to midway from Champaign Illinois

enjoyed

I was a coach driver in the early 80s, did dozens of Trips to the Worlds Fair in Knoxville, and the SC Beach, I used to chase women when not driving, caught most ot them too.

Hey James great video often wondered what you guys did on a trip, but what if you have a group on a cruise then what how do you use your down time then, especially if it's a five day or more. Glad and hope things have started to pick up for you and the guys at the charter company just continue to be safe and looking forward to your next video.

6:26, are these Volvo’s or Mercedes-Benz buses?. Or are they scania buses?. They look European in design.. no wonder they’re so captivating to look at.. I always had a huge respect for bus drivers from a very long time. Even during the journey I undertook pre Covid to Udaipur (Rajasthan) from bangalore (my hometown), the driver was very courteous, gave us lots of time to have food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and since it was a 2000+ kms journey, adequate time for resting was also given and most of the breaks went up to 45-60 minutes giving everyone enough time for relaxation… that’s one journey which I can never forget, this video brought back those memories for me… the driver also asked us if we had prior hotel room booking done or else he could help us there. And he also told us where he would stop in Udaipur and how to get around there. Never seen such courteous people @ all!!.. it was a Volvo B11R, and the engine was more like a lullaby, where one could easily go to sleep listening to the throaty growl of the engine and wake up to the growl again… Unbelievable Journey, unbelievably great people, unbelievably strong Volvo B11R!! Yes scania also has great buses, and in some ways better than Volvo’s but somehow a Volvo grows on u, and captivates u like anything!!.. so addictive buses!!. Miss them!!.. excellent video, brought those memories back…

I love this video. Please do a follow up or make it a series.

Really nice idea for a video, love it!

I am a semi-driver and downtime sounds like the same things I do. I enjoy trying local diners and sightseeing. I can always find something to do no matter where I am parked. I also have a small dog with me.

I always took the 6 flags Magic Mountain runs. It’s an hour from my house and I have a annual pass. My family would meet me there and enjoy the day

Some great ideas for all of us. You need to do your next video in a hammock hanging from the luggage racks!

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

😂😆 LOL 😂😆 yes I do!!!!

In my driving days I was often thinking about a better way to get some sleep on the bus, I carried a blanket and a pillow in the overhead, but you couldn't really stretch out anywhere. Although hard, the isle was about the only place but really too narrow. I thought about making a bed of sorts that would rest on the arm rests across the isle. Coming home from Florida on spring break the passengers would be sleeping everywhere, up in luggage rack, on floor, stretched across isle, it was almost impossible to get to the back. I often wished they had a sleeper bunk built into the back. 40 yrs ago I knew almost all the charter/ tour drivers in Ontario, we would run into each other throughout the year, catch up on gossip, sometimes we would all jump in one bus and go for dinner. I remember once a bunch of us were at a football game north of Detroit, The owner of Erie Coach drove about 6 of us over to The Sign of The Beef Carver for lunch it was a fantastic restaurant. In those days there were lots of small family run operations, some only had one or two coaches..over the years they got bought up by the big guys. We used to flash our left turn signal once as a sort of wave to each other even on divided hywy. We were usually hammer down in the left lane.

I drove for a Charter Bus outfit when on strike with a national carrier ... day trips (I'd nap) ... some of my multi-day trips I'd get an occasional day off away from home ... if I wasn't getting the bus serviced or spiffing it up (I do have tips!) ... I'd get my mountain bike out and explore ...I remember days off in Vancouver BC, San Francisco CA, Sun Valley ID, Las Vegas NV (my aunt picked me up so I visited and did some laundry ... on those days I did my best to keep my distance from groups ...

To dump the toilet, gas up, then come back to Hell’s Kitchen to park and then walk to a laundry mat. Then exterior wash the bus and interior wipe down and finally maybe go get something to eat if they have time left. Bus driver life is not flashy. The most fun we have is probably on a couple day layover at a hotel in some city waiting for a new trip because by that time we already have everything caught up so then we can just relax.

Sounds like the job is the same in the States as it is the UK. I spent 40 years driving coaches in the UK and continental Europe, doing tours, excursions and private hires. Like most coach and bus drivers, I imagine we could all write a book about our experiences. Because the travelling public can be the most interesting, or infuriating, people in the world. Private hires, tours and excursions were great, but my worst job was doing work for Eurolines. This was from Victoria Coach Station, London to various European cities and towns. Constantly chasing times and making sure I got to ferries on time. Very bad for my digestion.

When I was a coach driver in England I always looked around the city I was visiting and found out what to see in advance, such as museums. If I went a second time I took a friend or family member. Even if I went there several times I had a look at different places or revisited favourite places. If it was an amusement park I blagged a free ticket, or whatever place it was. If it was a coach park miles from anywhere in the summer the drivers changed out of their shirt, tie and trousers and put a t-shirt & shorts on! Not a pretty sight in some cases! Once I was in the coach park at the site I was visiting and got back three hours early after a long day walking around. 10 minutes later a passengers came back! All he wanted to do was talk to me and all I wanted to do was have a nap. I can't imagine why he wanted to be on the coach for 6 hours. I didn't let that happen again and told every group from then onwards not to be back until 30 minutes before leaving time as I wouldn't be there. It was all generally enjoyable though, I still have the dashcam journeys I made, and I got to see places I wouldn't have otherwise seen.

I'll appreciate jogging in a less humid place during a 24 hour layover soon. The regional city I live in is very humid most of the year. All jogging ends at the public swimming pool!!. Greetings from Rockhampton, Australia 👍

I love this insite.

Nice informations and video !!!!

MINE WENT ON A DRINKING SPREE AND WAS TOO DRUNK TO DRIVE US BACK HOME and we ended up having to wait for a sober driver

@MotorcoachWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that. Bad example of our profession.

@edwardhill7045

3 жыл бұрын

@@MotorcoachWorld IAM JUST GLAD THAT SOMEONE CALLED THE COMPANY WHICH ORDERED HIM TO WAIT FOR A REPLACEMENT DRIVER for we all could have been killed

this is great

James, I know this video has been out awhile, but a friend of mine was watching , and came across my picture. Hey thanks for the spotlight, and great words attached. I love your show, keep up the great work! Andrew (San Jose).

@starcruze328

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Andrew, this is Dan K. from Royal Coach - good to see you and hope you're doing well!! Stay safe out there!

@Bus4025

3 жыл бұрын

@@starcruze328 Dan.are you the one from Penninsula Charter?

@starcruze328

3 жыл бұрын

@@Bus4025 No, I think you're thinking of Don VZ. He retired a couple years ago from Royal. I'm the guy originally from Philly. I was at SJC before I came to Royal.

@Bus4025

3 жыл бұрын

@@starcruze328 I remember Don Van Zandt.. I did 49ers and Radiers with him. But I am thinking of the Dan that came over with him and I couldn't remember his last name. So when did you drive for RCT?

@starcruze328

3 жыл бұрын

@@Bus4025 I started in 2008 and am still there.

Many times it was difficult to stay comfortable when it was cold or hot outside. Our company frowned on idling and in many places, as you know, it is not allowed. Did it for over twenty years and I honestly can tell you that I seldom enjoyed the free time.

@styldsteel1

3 жыл бұрын

I'm partially confused on the idling issue. Today's bus engines emit next to nothing when it comes to pollution. There isn't any with the newer engines. Look. Detroit diesel, and Cummins didn't invest multi millions of dollars into clean engines just to say our engines are filthy just like 20 years ago. Want proof? The mechanics back at the shop actually run the engines with the garage bay doors closed. I think companies no idling policy is due to a cost cutting measure to save fuel.

You got some nice looking coaches there not like the bangers driving here back here in Hampshire in the UK

@TOMS-ux4zp

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I agree Ashley there are some real bangers around but in the London area you see some beautiful coaches!.

While jobs like this could get tough and frustrating at times, on the bright side, if you end up taking a role where you are doing longer trips across the country, this could also be rewarding because you may get to see some places you've wanted to see while being paid for it. I mean yeah staying in a hotel for days on end while your group does their thing would get boring, but if you happened to charter trips to key destinations, like Las Vegas or San Francisco, etc, you could easily find a lot of stuff to see and do while there. I wouldn't want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere though, or at a small park or something. I wonder if any drivers have (on longer trips where they won't be needed for a few days) rented cars and driven around or taken small "trips" during their downtime on a longer trip?

@Bus4025

3 жыл бұрын

I drive across the US for 71 days 4 years ago, and have park tours. You actually said what we do in you statement. We bring a big suitcase and a lot of laundry detergent. Pending you want to look and smell good.

You left out that some of us are worse than the kids are, as far as rollercoasters are concerned. Had a trip to Disney world where the kids were shocked to find I beat them into the park and had been allowed to run 4 time's on space mountain without stopping because no one was there!

@MotorcoachWorld

2 жыл бұрын

Lol 😅😆 yes you are right!! I totally forgot to mention that. I can relate to your story!! Lol thanks for posting this. Made me smile 😁

1. Best local food joint. 2. Shadiest, quietest place I can find to eat and sleep.

This is the same scenario of where do Uncles go and what & where do they do & go

I've actually wondered how similar/different the hours of service are for truck drivers and bus drivers.

@jeffherdzina6716

3 жыл бұрын

Had a retired D.O.T. inspector at Greyhound, who was a driver. Never knew buses had rules as Truckers. True story. And the only scale that I ever seen for Buses was in Iowa. Between Des Moines and Omaha on U.S 34. Not sure if its still there.

@timmuller1567

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffherdzina6716 I use to think the same thing until I got a job driving one. With e-logs tracking everything you do as long as your clocks don't run out, you're good. I also didn't realize the company pay clock and the DOT clock were 2 separate clocks. Example: Went on company/DOT clock. Drove 1 hour to pickup. Company policy was to arrive 2 hours before scheduled pick up time. Once at pickup you log off DOT clock. Group boards and you drive 3-4 hours to location. Drop group off and once again log off DOT clock. Sit in bus for 12 straight hours until group comes back ( after 8 hours off DOT clock all your hours automatically reset") Drive 4 hours back to original pick up then back to bus yard = 24 hours at work. then you go off the clock for 8 hours and all your clocks reset again and you're ready to be off on your next trip. This is the typical life of a coach bus driver. The company doesn't make money unless the bus is full of people rolling down the road. As long as your 60 hour clock doesn't run out ( which it never will) it doesn't really matter what it says for hours remaining. Sure, 5 star hotels and free food all the time but I kind of liked to go home once in a while. I didn't last long in this profession.

@jeffherdzina6716

3 жыл бұрын

@@timmuller1567 I'm OLD....Never ran with an e-log. Always paper log book and a pen.. Greyhound was the only (bus) company that I carried logs for 7 days a week. And they gave you the time off if needed. Especially out of Chicago, with a huge extra board. If you ran within 200 miles of Chicago, you were exempt from logs, being home every night. Even when I ran with a few LTL companies. Never had logs. That may have changed by now. LOL Not always a 5 star hotels ....I think I had to fight a few cockroaches for the covers on the bed.

13:40 Denny’s used to offer discounts for CDL holders back in the day. Is that still a thing?

cool jet black coaches you have plz do a history about Alexander Dennis

Yes, one of the fun things to do is listen to other drivers shoot the bull from other companies. At a 49er game, drivers would gather together and buy or trade pins, or other bus driver memorabilia. We would see the same operators from different Coach lines quite regularly, so it was like a big family. At some events like the Rose Bowl game, there was a hospitality tent with food for the drivers.

G'day. I see a lot of drivers like to take naps during down time. Are any buses or coaches in the US fitted with some kind of drivers bunk on board? And also is 2up driving as it is known here where there are 2 drivers on board the bus at once take turns driving when one has hit their max driving hours a practice over there? Another great vid as always.

@badgerpa9

3 жыл бұрын

I asked that also, he has a video explaining how most places do it. I doubt any buss services have the old driver bunk room with a cot anymore. I saw a corporate bus that had a restroom and bunk with a second coach entry door a while a go.