There’s a lot that goes into students being able to ride the bus to and from school, from hiring bus drivers to assigning routes and maintaining the vehicles to managing the students aboard the buses. Bus drivers and transportation officials at North Allegheny work hard to ensure students get to school, home, and extra-curriculars safely and efficiently. 

Being a bus driver might seem like an easy job, but it’s really not. Having to deal with elementary, middle, and high school students can be a daily challenge, along with ensuring that students get to school and to home on time.

“I’ve always liked my bus drivers,” NASH junior Kristina Doan said. “I feel bad for them sometimes when they have to deal with a million screaming kids, but they’ve always kept a positive attitude.”

Many students think that since they’re just on the bus, and not at school, expectations are lessened. One day last year while I was riding the bus, another student was throwing food during the ride. The bus driver repeatedly told them to put the food away and sit down. It caused the bus driver to need to pull over to address the issue.

This altercation put people’s schedules, including the bus driver’s, behind, causing the other students to arrive home at a later time than normal. If only that student had just done what was asked, this problem never would have happened.

“The buses have always been so loud with kids not doing what they should, especially the transfer buses,” junior Natalie Helffrich said.

Bus drivers already have to supervise elementary students, where behavioral problems may be more expected. When a high schooler causes unnecessary disturbances, it is plainly unacceptable. 

There can be many frustrating experiences on the bus, but sometimes the good outshines the bad. 

“This year, everyone seemed to tone it down [on the bus],” Helffrich added. “It’s actually become a nice place to relax for once.”

Abbey Miklos, a junior, recalled a particularly poignant interaction with a former NA bus driver.

“When I was sick because of my diabetes, my bus driver gave me a book that her sister wrote for me,” Miklos said. “Going out of their way to do that when not necessary was extremely heartwarming.” 

Bus drivers care about the students they drive a lot more than some students may think. And when students act appropriately on the bus, it can become a safe space. 

For freshman Hope Myers, the transition from middle school to high school busing was nerve-wracking, but being with friends made all the difference.

“I’m able to have 30 minutes where I can talk to my friends outside of a school setting,” Myers said. “I don’t get out of my seat or scream, and I’m still able to have great experiences with my friends.” 

Freshman Samuel Pribilovich agrees.

“I love my bus and my bus driver,” he said. “I always tell them ‘thank you.’ I love seeing my friends and being able to have fun. There are barely any problems on the bus, and it’s a good time.”

Through respect, responsibility, and kindness, the bus can still be a place of fun. 

“It’s nice to have a 40-minute ride where I can just think and reflect,” Miklos added. “Having distractions out of the way really helps.” 

So be nice to your bus drivers. Offer your thanks, and appreciate just how good the bus can actually be.