• Bus operators transport passengers from one location to another.Bus. Bus in parking area/ parking lot/ car park image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  A bus operator transports passengers from one location to another via bus. These individuals my work for private coach companies such as Greyhound Lines or for local municipalities such as the Chicago Transit Authority. Candidates for this role are typically required to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, they must possess a valid commercial driver's license issued by their state of residence. Depending on the employer, there may also be a minimum age requirement. Bus operators perform a variety of tasks, and are paid an average wage of $16.32 per hour, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010.
  
  

Transporting

• The primary function of a bus operator is to picking up and dropping off passengers at designated posts called bus stops or depots. As passengers enter the bus, the operator collects the appropriate fare. He then drives the bus, maintaining a strict schedule, not arriving at any scheduled stop too early or late. It is important that the bus operator drive the vehicle in a safe manner, observing all traffic laws, sometimes navigating heavy traffic.
  
  In instances when a bus operator drives a school bus, she may provide door-to-door service for students. Additionally, he transports students and faculty on school-sponsored field trips.
  
  

Reporting

• In addition to driving passengers from stop-to-stop, a bus operator must perform administrative duties prescribed by her employer. She maintains regular logs which highlight all aspects of each trip. This may include the amount of fuel used, the time spent en route as well as miles logged. Additionally, these reports also document any incidents that may have occurred during a trip such as traffic accidents, passenger medical emergencies as well as criminal activity.
  
  

Motor Coach Operators

• In addition to transportation companies and school buses, some bus operators are employed by motor coach companies that specialize in tours, excursions and other recreational activities. In these instances, he performs many tasks in addition to driving the vehicle. Exhibiting exceptional customer service, he may lead the passengers in tours. In this capacity he points out sights and gives brief lectures providing information and other trivia regarding them. If these excursions last for days at a time, she may direct passengers in lodging and dining accommodations.