Phyllis Bruce
Bus Driver
Midway Shuttle
Chicago, IL USA
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Married way too young and I was not self supporting. I would not recommend this path for any woman.
Then I tried all sorts of jobs. I worked in a hospital which I did not care for at all. I worked in landscaping and loved being outdoors. This was very physical labor.
Then I decided to get my CDL. I took my training at Laidlaw University. They had a great safety course and I learned everything I needed. The company trained and guided me through to certification.
Then I applied at Midway Shuttle Bus Operations. I worked there over a decade and was very happy there. I only wish I had gotten my CDL much sooner than I did.
Education
High School
Vocational
CDL Certification
Laidlaw Bus Transit
CDL Certification
Laidlaw Bus Transit
Career
Bus Driver
I drive a shuttle bus at Midway International Airport picking up passengers and employees for transport.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Travel
Environment & Nature
Working Independently
Day to Day
On a typical day I would always be punctual. I would start by greeting dispatch and punching in. I would ask if there were any route changes or important information that the drivers should know about. Although there were instances when drivers were not informed and you just deal with the situation as it came. Next came the pre-trip inspection inside and outside of the bus. Fuel if necessary. Clean windows and mirrors. Any need repairs meant I would tell dispatch and take another bus.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I recommend getting your training at a good CDL school.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Vocational
CDL Certification
CDL Certification
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"Why would you want to drive a bus? Why would you want to transport passengers all day long? How many times do you go back and forth on the same route? Do you just drive around in a circle all day long? How can you stand the traffic?"
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Q&A
WHERE WERE YOU AT MY AGE?
Asked by Kayleigh at Roadtrip NationI was married taking care of an apartment and then a home. Cooking and cleaning with no sense of accomplishment.
Interviewed By
Kayleigh
at Roadtrip Nation
