Hays County, Texas – Bus drivers from across the country traveled to Hays County for the 50th edition of the School Bus Driver International Safety Competition after a four-year hiatus due to Covid-19.
The Hays CISD transportation facility was transformed into a driver’s course, as bus drivers from 26 states competed for the title of the nation’s best driver.
These school bus drivers demonstrate their knowledge and skills in driving a Type A, conventional or transit school bus.
“It shows that you understand. You know how to pick up a student. Which we do every day. But it shows that you have that understanding and you can get there safely and not let the car pass you or whatever. Don’t give,” said one. Judges.
“I think the big challenges are, our equipment has changed. School buses are built differently. So, we’ve had to adapt our competition to that,” said Bill Loschberg, competition co-chairman.
For some participants, this was their first time traveling to Texas.
“I’ve been a bus driver for 20 years. Coming to Texas is exciting because I’ve never been to the East Coast,” said Delaware bus driver trainer Dan Edwards.
Edwards says he was inspired to become a bus driver early in life.
“I grew up on school buses, so my grandma used to make trips. I was with her all the way from when I was a kid … she was actually my bus driver from middle school to high school,” Edwards said.
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Edwards says the competition is not about winning the title of best driver but knowing it will have a positive impact on his students.
“We’re like their counselors. We’re their first point of contact in the morning, so we’re the first to put a smile on their face, say hi, we’re the last to see them before they get off the bus. So we’re very kind to our students on our school buses. are important,” Edwards said.
While being a bus driver can be a challenging job, school districts are always looking to hire.
“So it’s just important that whether it’s a school district or a private operator, they continue to recruit bus driver candidates,” said NSTA Executive Director Curt Messisin.
Hayes CISD says they are going to host next year’s competition.