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AmTran 241
Advanced Member
USA
252 Posts |
 Posted - 01/27/2003 : 11:00:04 AM
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Do you let your drivers choose the spare they get to drive or do you assign them to the driver?
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PHW
Top Member
USA
1345 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 11:11:49 AM
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With the many type of vehicles with individual seating, wc,and radio requirements there is not much choice but assign what is availible.
PHW
Child Check For Life |
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Ricky
Advanced Member
USA
352 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 1:14:38 PM
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We were never allowed to choose. We were always told what spare bus to use if our bus was in the shop.
Stephen R. Adamson (AmTran11) |
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american busing
Active Member
12 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 1:27:16 PM
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we just get a key and find that bus and thats its take it and go free choice of buses
kevin e |
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I Bleed Yellow
New Member
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 1:28:16 PM
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Our Supervising Mechanic determines which spare bus is used. He knows routes and which buses do better for turn arounds, etc. Sounds like it could be a big can of worms if you let drivers select. What if two drivers wanted to use the same bus. Are they hired to drive a route, or a particular bus????
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 2:29:07 PM
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Dispatchers select a spare for them to drive when it is determined that one is required.
Joe
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 3:26:28 PM
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quote:
Dispatchers select a spare for them to drive when it is determined that one is required.
Joe
Same here. Often we'll keep getting the same spare over and over again so the spares may also be roughly assigned to the routes.
Stop at: http://buses.thesummit.biz
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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80-RE4
Top Member
USA
5700 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2003 : 7:42:15 PM
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We can "ask" for a particular spare if our bus is out of service, and if no one has already asked for it, or using it,or if it's not needed, then we can use it.
I drive a 96 Amtran RE, with all its problems-I wouldn't trade it for the world ;-) Crazy isn't it! |
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Bus Boy 39
Top Member
USA
1315 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 08:04:27 AM
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Our spares are assigned to routes. For example if Bus 30 breaks down, it'll always have bus 31. If bus 201 breaks down, it'll always have 217. And so on..... The 84 passengers always get bus 319! Man I love that spare, it's the newest spare bus in the fleet. 2003 All American.
Anyway, how old are all of your spare buses?
Ours goes like this:
6- 1993 GMC Bird (Emergency spare bus)
31- 1996 GMC Bird
40- 1996 GMC Bird
202- 2000 All American FE
214- 2001 All American FE
217- 1996 GMC Bird
220- 1997 Ford Bird
319- 2003 All American FE
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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 08:17:04 AM
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quote:
Anyway, how old are all of your spare buses?
Here, our spare buses are usually the oldest buses in the fleet. Last year, our spare buses included the 1989 Blue Bird All American FEs and the 1990 Thomas Saf-T-Liner ERs that weren't assigned to regular routes. Since that group of buses was retired last winter, the unassigned 1991 Thomas Saf-T-Liner ERs are now spare buses.
At the company I worked for in California, there really weren't any spare buses. If your bus was down, you'd be assigned to one of the other buses that wasn't being used for that day. You could use a bus that was a 1976 Crown Supercoach or a 2001 Blue Bird All American RE just depending on what was in the bus yard.
Crown Supercoach - The “Royalty” of Pupil Transportation |
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 2:43:39 PM
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We don't have our oldest buses assigned as spares, normally our spares are just those that aren't used on normal routes. We have spares from 1995-2002 (1995 is our oldest besides a 1993 and 1994 lift bus) with many being from 1997.
Stop at: http://buses.thesummit.biz
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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Peter
Top Member
USA
1057 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 4:06:09 PM
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Our newest buses are usually designated for charters so they become spares whenever they are not out on a run.
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1983WardFord
Top Member
USA
1395 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2003 : 4:47:54 PM
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At one of the districts I sub for, we kinda get to pick what bus we drive. Sometimes I'll be told to take one bus, but if another's sitting there and I want to drive it, I'm usually allowed if it's not going anywhere. At the other one I sub for, the mechanics assign the spare and trip buses.
It's BIG, it's YELLOW, it has RED FLASHING LIGHTS. What part didn't you see?
Ryan's School Bus Yard--www.busman49.com |
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80-RE4
Top Member
USA
5700 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2003 : 2:01:04 PM
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I hate spare Front engine busses!!!!! I had to use one today because my bus is broken. I just wanted to throw that loud engine out the window. My head still aches from it! It was a 2002 Internation FE. One thing I did like about it, well two things, was it picks up speed very fast, it had nice heat, and it is easier to turn. If the engine wasn't so loud I'd like it.
I drive a 96 Amtran RE, with all its problems-I wouldn't trade it for the world ;-) Crazy isn't it!
Edited by - 96 amtran re on 02/02/2003 7:15:19 PM |
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BusFreak
Top Member
USA
798 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2003 : 8:16:36 PM
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Here in Fairfax, spares are usually whatever is unassigned to a regular route, and I believe are assigned by the shop, but requests are often honored. We also have a fleet of spare buses, which are the oldest buses in the fleet, and for full size, they are all 1984 64 Pass Ward Internationals, and shorter lift ward internationals. But as I said, if there happens to be a newer bus laying around unused, then they can be made spares as well. The reason spares end up being the older buses though, is once a newer bus is available, another driver is almost immediately "promoted" if you will to the newer bus, so they aren't often available.
Edited by - BusFreak on 01/29/2003 8:18:28 PM |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2003 : 8:22:21 PM
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I just wanted to throw that loud engine out the window. My head still aches from it!
Well maybe if the cheap people at Laidlaw spec'd a full acoustical ceiling their wouldn't be a problem. They're offered that spec, but they leave it out to save cash. I bet if you drove a front engine with a full acoustical ceiling you'd like it!!!
---
School Bus Photos and Links: http://www.geocities.com/bluebird4eversbf
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80-RE4
Top Member
USA
5700 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2003 : 8:25:11 PM
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Bluebird, what is a full acoustical ceiling?
The bus wasn't bad actually. It is fasssttttttttttttt. Faster than trucks. I was surprised I could actually go 30 up a hill, my Re only goes 20-25 up hill- unless i gain some speed before the hill, but my RE is about 6 years older than the FE so maybe thats why. We did get some new busses in, they are ugly.
I love my Amtran RE ;-) |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2003 : 8:29:39 PM
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A full acoustical ceiling is a sound deadening ceiling that spans the entire length of the bus. You could tell if it an acoustical ceiling by seeing if there are small round holes in it, compared to the usual shiny and smooth ceiling. It's hard to describe in words.  That FE more than likely has a partial acoustical ceiling, meaning it is only in the front section (usually the first two or three roof panels).
---
School Bus Photos and Links: http://www.geocities.com/bluebird4eversbf
Edited by - BlueBird4Ever on 01/29/2003 8:30:55 PM |
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92FrdCarp#11
Top Member
USA
1455 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2003 : 03:53:14 AM
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I do not know if the driver gets to choose what spare bus they get to use. All of the spares in my county are late '80s- early '90s Wayne International conv.
Johnny |
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Ricky
Advanced Member
USA
352 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2003 : 06:18:33 AM
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On the subject of spare buses, I will never forget the spare bus that I had to drive several times....."lucky" #13. I hated that bus with a passion, as did every other driver. I always hoped that when my bus had a problem, someone else would have #13, or else it would be out of service. This bus was a 1980 GMC, Ward, 65 capacity, 4-speed manual transmission. 1st problem: The driver's seat leaned to the right, so you leaned the whole time you drove. 2nd problem: The gear shift wasn't quite high enough so you had to lean over even further to shift gears. 3rd problem: The steering wheel wasn't tight and there was a lot of play in the steering. You could turn that steering wheel with a feather. 4th problem: The door was hard to open and close. 5th problem: During the winter, the heaters didn't put out much heat.
I was so relieved when they finally put this bus out of service for good. I hated that bus and always dreaded hearing my head mechanic say "take 13".
Oh yeah, the last couple of times I drove it, when you would put it in reverse, it wouldn't automatically go into reverse, even though the gear shift was completely in reverse and you would have to let it roll until it caught and pop the clutch and take off. Everytime I had to turn around on gravel, rocks flew everywhere.
Stephen R. Adamson (AmTran11) |
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2003 : 09:08:08 AM
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We generally get to pick what spare we want unless we need more than one spare, then it's usually assigned to avoid an arguements. Our spares are a 93 Thomas/International and two 95 Blue Bird/Internationals. Most drivers take one of the 95's, I always want the 93 if I have to take a spare for two reason, it is a Thomas Built and it has a manual transmission. It's been a while now since I've had a spare, I doubt the bus I drive now will be doing many trips other than when I take it on a trip.
"I'd rather pull my kids around in a 77 passenger Radio Flyer than drive a Blue Bird." |
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thomas91
Advanced Member
USA
212 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2003 : 12:58:39 PM
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We have our spares chosen for us. We have approx. 30 buses with a capacity of 68-72; 3 buses with a capacity of 36; and about 8 vans with an average capacity of 8.
In terms of spares, we have 7 buses with a capacity of 68-72; 1 bus with a capacity of 36; and (I beleive) 2 vans with an average capacity of 8.
Spare Buses at our lot-
1987 IHC/Carpenter 72 Pass. (Not used yet this school year, probably will be sold this summer)
1988 IHC/Thomas 72 Pass.
1989 IHC/Blue Bird 68 Pass.(S1700) (Rarely used)
1989 IHC/Blue Bird 72 Pass. (3800)
1990 IHC/Blue Bird 72 Pass. (Rarely Used)
1990 IHC/Blue Bird 72 Pass.
1990 IHC/Blue Bird 72 Pass.
1990 IHC/Blue Bird 36 Pass.
I normally have to take out one of the 1990 IHC/Blue Birds.
My favorite spare was bus #24...A 1986 IHC/Blue Bird. This bus was a spare for three years before being sold. It was a 72 Pass, it had the 8/1 speaker AM/FM/PA, Tinted windows, changeable/lit destination signs, among other features. The last few years we had it, it was really a piece of junk...The engine was loud, really loud, and it was always getting serviced, but I still loved to drive it. Over this past summer, we sold it to someone who lives in our area. Everyday he drives it past my house at 5:30 in the evening and I can hear it before I can see it.
I might add that we usually keep the oldest spare for a year without taking it out and using it for emergency purposes only. For example, the 1987 IHC/Carpenter has not been out yet this year and will be sold this summer. This was the case with bus 24 also.
Edited by - thomas91 on 02/02/2003 1:03:30 PM |
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Bri98-87
Advanced Member
USA
278 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 8:29:57 PM
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I just get in a spare and let the office know what bus i'm in via radio... We're supposed to ask the mechanics what to take but i don't. I know what spares are good so i like to stick to the good ones if i can.
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952
Senior Member
Canada
102 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 04:29:29 AM
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I always use a 2001 carpenter classic whenever I need a spare bus. It has a left hand emergency door,8.1 speaker AM/FM radio/P.A,luggage bins, and overhead racks.
This bus is mine,so I always get it as a spare.
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rltinkey
Senior Member
USA
140 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2003 : 09:06:41 AM
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It is the responsibity of the dispatcher to assign buses to bus drivers. The dispatcher needs to know what buses are available for any given mission. If drivers just walk out and drive off in a bus, the dispatcher can find themself with out a required bus. The bus driver should never take a bus because it drivers better or has a feature that they like. Only drive the vehicle that has been assigned to you, as drivers we do not always know what is happening in the back ground of day to day activity.
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SouthernBusDriver
Active Member
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2003 : 09:52:18 AM
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If your a sub, the dispatcher chooses the spare bus, if your a regular driver, you get to choose the spare bus.
quote:
Do you let your drivers choose the spare they get to drive or do you assign them to the driver?
Jason Phillips |
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SouthernBusDriver
Active Member
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2003 : 09:56:09 AM
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Our spare busses are 94-96 Genisus.
All the regular busses are 2001 Blue Bird rear enginge, white top, tented windows, air doors.
quote:
Our spares are assigned to routes. For example if Bus 30 breaks down, it'll always have bus 31. If bus 201 breaks down, it'll always have 217. And so on..... The 84 passengers always get bus 319! Man I love that spare, it's the newest spare bus in the fleet. 2003 All American.
Anyway, how old are all of your spare buses?
Ours goes like this:
6- 1993 GMC Bird (Emergency spare bus)
31- 1996 GMC Bird
40- 1996 GMC Bird
202- 2000 All American FE
214- 2001 All American FE
217- 1996 GMC Bird
220- 1997 Ford Bird
319- 2003 All American FE
Jason Phillips |
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BPS_Driver
Advanced Member
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2003 : 5:51:47 PM
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Our dispatchers consult with the drivers. They usually tell you what bus to take but if you rather a different bus they usually work with you.
Most of our spare buses are all identical so picking one over another is just about bus numbers.
23 Million safe deliveries a day by all of us |
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Rockstar97
Senior Member
147 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2003 : 07:11:51 AM
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In our yard, spare buses are usually assigned. The oldest is an '88 Blue Bird and the newest is probably a 2000 Blue Bird. The management knows that whenever I need a spare bus I'm thrilled to take the '88 so I almost always get it. In fact, that's what I drove this morning!
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Formula_304
New Member
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2003 : 07:44:17 AM
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Over at the school district that I drive, all of the spare buses that are available is the 1986 Thomas Ford and one 1987 Thomas Chevy. The line up for the spare buses in my division are the following:
534, 590, 594, 596, 597, 599-Ford
592-Chevy
Normally, my supervisior makes the decision, unless the mechanics said something otherwise. Some of the buses at my division can also be used if none is available and the regular driver is not present.
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whe8913
Advanced Member
United States
301 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2003 : 08:14:56 AM
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In my district- It's usually just whatever you come to first that has the most fuel.
All of our spares are 9.0L Wards 1986 & 87 models. There are 7 spares, and if they know a spare is needed, say for instance, a new bus is on a trip and it needs a spare to run the route, then they will stick magnetic numbers next to the spare number so the kids will know which bus it is. The spares are still numbered with their old route number, but they have an X next to that. For instance, we have 3X, meaning it was bus 3 when it ran everyday. That way the shop remembers which bus it used to be, for maintenance purposes. I personally think it is crap to keep the newer buses as spares. The taxpayers paid good money for the new buses, let them get used. Pull them off a route for a trip if needed, but don't let them sit for the "special" occasions.
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92FrdCarp#11
Top Member
USA
1455 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2003 : 2:59:40 PM
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The spares in my county are the oldest buses that are at the shop.
Johnny |
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busdrver4jesus
Top Member
USA
802 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2003 : 7:38:49 PM
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Most of the time, we are assigned a spare bus to drive. Right now, we have 3 spare buses on our lot:
#5765 - 1985 Bluebird Inter. 60 Passenger
Desiel - Hydro. Brakes - Ok bus
#2800 - 1984 Carpenter Ford - 60 Passenger
Desiel - Hyrdo. Brakes - Ole Smokey
#2791 - 1984 Carpenter Ford - 60 Passenger
Deseil - Hyrdo. Brakes - Ok Bus
"With God behind us and His arms beneath us, we can face whatever lies before us." PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!!
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skoolbus
Senior Member
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2003 : 11:34:45 AM
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All available spare buses are listed on the dispatch board. The first driver who needs a spare is given the first spare at the top of the list. When that spare is no longer needed the bus number goes down to the bottom of the spare list. This way all the spares are used equally and there is no special consideration given to either driver or bus. You just get the next spare up in the rotation. This also serves the purpose of ensuring that all spares are kept fueled and cleaned up. Works great!
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Gary E. Davis
Active Member
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2003 : 09:30:56 AM
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Weallow our drivers to choose they spare they want to drive as long as the bus meets the needs of the students they are transporting.
Hassels...No, not really. The spare is normally used for no more than one day if that.We do pull buses for LOF. If we do have a bus down for a period of time we give the best bus to that driver until her bus is returned to service.
The process is simple but consistance.
Gary E. Davis |
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AlaskaStandby
Active Member
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2003 : 8:54:11 PM
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All but a couple of our busses are 2001 Thomas Saf-T-liner FE's so therefore all of our spares are the same. The reasoning behind that according to our contract manager was 2 fold. Training of new drivers would be a SNAP! and if we should ever get a spare bus, we know exactly what we are getting into before we have a last minute switch. The only other busses we have are the small Freightliner, (I believe) 28 passenger with various wheelchair settings if needed. Our regular ed busses are all 2001 Thomas FE's 84 pax, and most of the sped busses are the shorter 30' 2001 Thomas FE's with various wheelchair settings as well!!!
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Topic |
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Spare busses
