Bus Drivers Qs

[oldjohnny]

So, how hard is it to get around in these buses? To be more specific, a (2008?) Millenium RTS Legend and a Nova RTS (2003). Are these bad boys easy to handle? How about driving one of them? What is the most important thing to know before trying to handle one of these? I know it ain't a Ranger, so what things should I look for before driving?

 

[Ozwynn]

more to the point, why are you driving them? do you have a CDL? those are 45 to 50 footers right ........... take your turns long, wide and easy.

 

[oldjohnny]

more to the point, why are you driving them? do you have a CDL? those are 45 to 50 footers right ........... take your turns long, wide and easy.

Yeah, I got the CDL about two weeks ago, I just need the driving test. I applied for a job at the transportation office, so I need to get used to these bad boys as soon as possible. They provide training with Millenium, Novas, and smaller International Trucks (not sure what series).

I knew about wide turns, but is there something to expect from these buses that is unforeseen in smaller vehicles? For example, how would they handle in rainy conditions? Is the use of Retarders really necessary? Or how about Air Brakes? Do they handle similarly to ordinary brakes in cars? I know most of this stuff will be covered when I start training, but I just need some heads up on things that may be different than driving a car. One thing is for sure, the use of my turn signal will have to adjust. I hate the fact that the switches are on the floor.

 

[Ozwynn]

you are going to have brake lag and it takes getting used too so be prepared for jerky stops. you are talking about a 50,000 pound bus so it will most definitely not handle like a car. you are going to have insane blind spots and if those are equipped with automatic or AMT (autoshift) then i see no reason not to use the retarders....... however you won't be allowed to use retarders on your test....... busses handle really well in adverse road conditions if properly maintained....... other than that ...... wait till your training ..... nothing like experiencing it first hand. good luck.......

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I drove school busses for 5 yrs.

Quite a bit different then the tour/charter busses your talking about. But similar in some ways also....heres what i can tell ya...

1- Avoid sharp manuevers. Escpially at speed. They are top heavy. I dont know about charter busses they seem to sit lower, but school busses can be very tippy.

2- Dont pull out in front of anyone. The 5.9L B series cummins in the INt'l's i drove did the job, but slowly. Later on i landed one with a 8.3L Cummins, it scooted decent, but still wasnt a thrill ride.

3- Watch for idiots. People will cut you off, run in your blind spots, tailgate, anything they can do to piss ya off. I had a metro pull out infront of me one time when i drove bus, he pulled out with about 35ft of room or so, didnt even look. I creamed the car doing 45mph, luckly no on was hurt.

4- Try to operate them smoothly. Nothing pisses of passengers more then getting jerked around.

5- Be easy on there trannys. There under enough stress as it is.

6- Learn to use your mirrors for backing up. Thats about the only way you can back a bus up.

-if you wanna know anything else, lemme know.

later,
Dustin