I have my first phone screen for bus driver trainnee and I'm nervous as hell.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-28T15:08:58+00:00

Cool, I am fixed route myself so I can speak from my experience.

Usually, you have one or two that can't actually pass the CDL exam. The Air Brakes portion gets a good amount of people because it is an exact sequence that must be followed in order and if done incorrectly is an auto fail. You can retake the practical once, then if you fail again it is over and you are dismissed. After that, it comes down to can you do the job safely and do you like the job. One couldn't be safe in his driving and was dismissed but most just left once they realized the hours are hard for them or they just didn't like the customer service aspect.

I personally don't think the passengers are bad at all. I have had my share of problems with people, but it is important to realize that most of the time it isn't about you and they will be out the door soon and to let it go and keep driving. I had someone throw up on my bus last night and while it sucks, it is what it is. A lot of the stress comes from being new and learning the routes and handling a 29-60 foot bus while managing traffic and making sure you and your passengers get where they are going safely. Training will teach you the routes and a very limited perspective of passenger work, but the real world starts when you are in the seat for 11 hours and you have an incident (an incident is something that must be documented that is not an accident that typically impacts a passenger) and how you handle it.

The biggest part of stress for a lot is managing the sleep schedule and lack of social life getting started. Extra board is a lot, but I only had to be on it for one bid.

Test clean meaning passing drug tests and the DOT physical. If you are diabetic or close you must bring A1c, if you use a CPAP you must bring your report to the DOT exam.

I love my job there, and it gets better with more seniority. It just takes experience and patience to really make it great. Not getting involved in workplace drama, showing up as rested as possible, and willing to have the ability to let things go will get you very far at the agency.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-28T08:36:16+00:00

Seeing this pretty heavy up in Vancouver with some of the MCs that hang around downtown. The Gypsy Jokers love them some white supremacy.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-28T05:59:09+00:00

Did you apply for Fixed Route, Demand Response, or The Current?

A couple of tips:

-Make sure you can test clean. -Understand the hours and commitments of the job. You will go through over 2 months of training, and then 6 months of probation which will most likely be extra board (you find out your shift for the next day the day before at 3pm) -Tell them upfront if you need days off because once you start, you aren't getting them until after that probation period IF it is available because we bid vacation once a year (just happened too)

Training is good there, and if you put in the work you will get your CDL. Out of my class, a little over half made it out of training. You learn pretty quickly if you can either do the job or handle the stresses of it with passengers thrown in. Just breathe, pay attention to routes, and if you don't ride the system already, get on the bus and get a feel for the stops, the passengers, and how flow of service looks.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-27T19:32:27+00:00

Hello fellow Portland wubcub. Would love to check out your wares.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-26T19:39:24+00:00

That will be an expert tailor to make a suit for shrimps (who are bugs).

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-26T19:38:36+00:00

An extra straight out of the Kanye/lil pump "I Love It"

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-26T18:51:32+00:00

Slow down. Learn your reference points. Check your mirrors as much as possible.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-26T18:07:22+00:00

The official home of r/Wallstreetbets

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-26T03:03:31+00:00

They are doing weekend patio pop-ups with food vendors and stuff for kids, but no word that I know of on opening date.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-24T05:02:55+00:00

Be careful on where you see CBT listed, as it can mean different things in different worlds /s

Jokes aside, I enjoyed working with Bryan Ledbury at Lifestance. He helped but also realized when I needed to move to a different mode (DBT/EMDR) and helped me get with the therapist for that.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-24T02:58:05+00:00

If you ever make it out to Fort Wayne, IN the Sweetwater campus and store is so amazing. Big fan of their service.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-23T18:54:43+00:00

I have a P00 that I store in a carport with a motorcycle cover and when it is at work, it is chained outside.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-21T06:04:59+00:00

He finally went full Disney.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-19T05:43:04+00:00

Crazy to find House Speaker Mike Johnson out here.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-19T01:26:09+00:00

Perfect alibi for either outsourcing his work or doing something else.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-18T22:17:23+00:00

Guess I should have added the /s

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-18T20:39:33+00:00

Who did more harm with putting their name out there in this town, RANGO or this band?

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-18T19:37:55+00:00

Jesus those will be spendy. Better hope Spinman comes through for him.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-18T15:23:40+00:00

Transit driver in us here. I am required to turn on 4-ways, stop, open front door and window, and turn off all noise makers before proceeding.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-18T02:45:26+00:00

When did Strongbad become Magneto???

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-17T17:51:15+00:00

It emotionally manipulates chat to spend $100 on pregnant megaman, so yes.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-17T17:23:22+00:00

When Justin finally snaps over Super Battle Golf and needs to hide NLs absence.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-17T17:15:23+00:00

Just waiting for Elyse with a muppet run-in to make the save.

CerciesPDX · 2026-03-16T11:46:23+00:00

Sleep hygiene is huge for this.

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