Transporting
Passengers Safely

Before driving, review the previous driver's inspection report. Only sign it if defects were certified as repaired — or certified as not needing repair. That signature is your certification.

• Check before driving: service brakes & air hose couplings, parking brake, steering, lights/reflectors, tires (front wheels — no recapped or re-grooved tires), horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels & rims, emergency equipment.
• Required emergency gear: fire extinguisher + reflective triangles (3) or fuses (6+) or liquid burning flares (3), plus spare electrical fuses unless the bus has circuit breakers.
• Close all open emergency exits and access panels (baggage, restroom, engine) before driving.
• Interior must be safe: handholds & railings, floor covering, signaling devices (incl. restroom buzzer), emergency exit handles, securely fastened seats.
• Never drive with an open emergency exit door or window. The "Emergency Exit" sign must be visible; a red emergency door light, if equipped, must work — use it at night or whenever your outside lights are on.
• Roof hatches may be locked partly open for air, but not as regular practice — remember your higher clearance.
• Always wear your seatbelt.

No baggage in doorways or aisles — it has to let the driver move freely, let riders exit by any door or window in an emergency, and not injure anyone if it shifts.

• Standee line: a 2-inch floor line — no rider may stand forward of the rear of the driver's seat.
• At each stop, announce: location, reason for stopping, next departure time, and bus number. Warn of any step-down before coming to a full stop.
• Charter drivers: don't let riders board until departure time — it helps prevent theft and vandalism.

• State smoking/drinking/electronics rules at the start of the trip — it heads off trouble later.
• Scan the bus interior as well as the road ahead, sides, and rear while driving.
• Disruptive or drunk riders: don't discharge them somewhere unsafe — wait for the next scheduled stop or a well-lit area with other people.
• Most bus accidents happen at intersections — use caution even when a signal or sign controls other traffic. Never assume another driver will yield room when you signal to pull out.
• Curves: reduce speed — the posted speed is set for cars, not buses. If your bus leans toward the outside of a banked curve, you're going too fast.

• Inspect the bus at the end of every shift.
• Interstate carriers: written report required per bus — list any defect affecting safety or that could cause a breakdown, or note "no defects."
• Report rider-caused damage (handholds, seats, exits, windows) so mechanics can fix it before the next run.
• Mass transit drivers: also confirm passenger signaling devices and brake-door interlocks work.

• Avoid fueling with riders aboard unless absolutely necessary — never refuel inside a closed building with riders aboard.
• No talking with riders or any other distracting activity while driving.
• Don't tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard unless it would be unsafe for them to get off — move it only to the nearest safe spot to unload.

The interlock applies the brakes and holds the throttle at idle when the rear door is open, and releases when the door closes.