bus driver

mechanic

motor coach

driver trainer

dispatcher

McCluskey Transportation

I have worked in a number of places, both private and public industries, for a variety of managers and supervisors.  I can safely say that McCluskey Transportation and, indeed, other school bus companies for whom I have worked, are salt of the earth people.  They do not have an easy job to do, and they have to deal with an amazing variety of stakeholders, both internally and externally.  The patience they exhibit in getting the job done, which is their priority - the safe transport of students to and from school - is amazing.  All of the other organizations, managers and supervisors for whom I have worked should take a lesson.

To be a school bus driver you have to be patient.  You have to know that you are dealing with children and all of them have different needs and personalities.  They have different likes, dislikes, cultures, religions, beliefs and processes on how to deal with all of them.  You have to be able to deal with all of it, and not let your own biases enter into the picture.

The other side of being a school bus driver is that you are now considered a professional driver.  You MUST have confidence in your own abilities.  You MUST be aware of the size of the vehicle that you are driving, and where you are driving it.  You also MUST be aware - and you will come to realize in very short order - that other drivers out there are probably not as professional in their approach to driving as you have to be.  You cannot react to that, unless it is to avoid an accident and maintain the safety of your students.  You cannot get into yelling matches with other drivers.  If no accident occurred, let it go...nothing happened, no one got hurt, nothing got damaged.  As a result, it simply isn't worth it...move on.

Being a McClusky Driver typical day the big 3 Do's - CoVid19 procedure, Bus inspection &  Checking for possible updates to Route.
I have learned listening, communicating with other drivers and management creates a good experience overall. 
Raise the bar events of the company  has help to maintain a good  work environment in this industry opening dialogue between management and workers. Raise the bar events aimed to improve relations, resolve difficulties and update policies.
The initially hardest part is to deal with the possible changes to route do to things like weather, traffic or unforseen changes by the school board however there is always support and with experience guidance you will find it do able.
It is a blessing to be pay weekly and the friendship and smiles you create with people and other drivers you meet.

It's a very nice job, once you get 'used to it'. Meaning, learn all the choices you have when you have to deal with the really challenging aspects - and I found that to always be children who are difficult to control. Once you have the children in assigned seats, or understanding why we have all the bus rules, and you do your job : being on time, greeting them nicely, going out of your way a little, waving at mom or dad as you leave or arrive, keeping the bus clean and making it clear you're always ready for an emergency, your job is pretty straight-forward. The only challenge is often the weather. And you can just make remarks like .... today is going to be a little bit more challenging, but we'll get there.....and the children can see you're doing your best. And sometimes you get a nice Xmas or year-end present from a child you weren't expecting anything from.

As a bus driver, my typical day is fairly good and constant. When the weather is good, it is easier to complete my runs and generally speaking there are no incidents. There were times when one or two students create troubles in the bus while I am driving. After a few warnings to these kids of their behavior,  I met with the School Principal and discuss these problems. The Principal was very cooperative and summoned the two problem kids after class. The principal met with the kids separately in his office. After the meeting, the principal asked the kids to  apologize to me and we had no problems since then.

From the corporate point of view, the management is cooperative. I am able to discuss all my concerns freely. Occasional delays happen but this is expected and acceptable. Management cooperation is good!

A typical day of work do safety checks and listen radio announcement.
I learned about how to communicate customer. Dealing with special needs students. Management of my work place need more work done. For me I learned how I can manage my time and busy work. Work place culture at the company there are many cultures . The hardest part is when you new to the work or first month, looking at the address learning students name. The best part is when you get used to route and you have good parents and teacher work together and the company gives you a good route. Driving students is not easy job so us a driver you need patient to handle many different students and parents. The company should understand the driver concern, not only do the route.

This is a company that never care about you and your earnings but they care only about themselves. The management staff is very old and stubern. They think they are Kings and Queens bit forget everything. The office manager is always stressed because she trys to do everything in the office. No extra running for new drivers but they offer the chance to earn only for their favorite drivers. It says that the chances should be given to the former drivers. No extra runs and no benefits. But they Ave lots of  meetings to tell the same things every day











tthe end o

I've been with McCluskey for a few months now. Their motto of 'Safely Home' has come to mean a lot to me. I've come to understand what it really means to be a professional driver. In my opinion McCluskey is a great place to work, management is engaging and friendly, always ready to assist in anyway possible. Their culture of safety first should be adapted in all facet of the work environment. The hardest part of my job is the other road users I encounter daily, who think only of themselves. The best part of my job is thank you I get from the children when I let them off at their destinations.

With all the changes that happening at the bus company it is hard to get answers from people. Routes are not good this year and make me feel unsafe driving because I no get answers to make change to my route. I not feeling like people have enough time to make good job like before. Then I hear about bonus for NEW employees but not for others. That is not good to treat new peoples better.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Paid weekly on time no hassels 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Morning and afternoon rush hour traffic downtown T.O.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Fast paced transportation needs 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Driving a school bus in a busy city.

The day starts early with a bus safety check and then it's on to pick up the first student. It is pleasant work, but you have to be on your toes to keep everyone safe. The best part of the job is the students, who are mostly polite and responsible. I have learned to drive with great care and to always anticipate possible problems on the road. It's a good part-time job and gives you a large chunk of time in the middle of the day.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Bus driver 10 salaries reported	$21.74 per hour
Mechanic 2 salaries reported	$36.25 per hour
Motor coach 2 salaries reported	$25.00 per hour
Driver trainer 3 salaries reported	$21.00 per hour
Dispatcher 2 salaries reported	$23.00 per hour

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