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Bus drivers control and drive buses to ensure passengers reach their destination safely and promptly. Compared to other drivers, you’ll be highly skilled in maneuvering and controlling long and large buses that can carry more than a dozen passengers. You’ll know how to avoid collisions even in bumper-to-bumper situations in cities. If you want to be a bus driver, consider this article on what it takes to be a bus driver. 

OTHER RELATED NAMES OR ROLES

• Chauffeur

• Truckman

• Cabdriver

• Teamster

• Busman

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Drive passengers to their intended destination in a timely and safe manner.

• Conduct a manual roll call along with the bus conductor.

• Perform engine checks to avoid engine trouble.

• Record trips

• Follow traffic rules, health, and safety practices

POSSIBLE EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRIES

• Bus companies 

• Travel and tour companies

• Hotel and resorts

• Private and government companies that provide transport services for their employees

• Schools and Universities with bus services
   

INVESTMENTS - EDUCATION AND TRAINING

In the Philippines, to qualify and enhance your career prospects, you must finish the following: 

• A driver's license for bus drivers

• Passenger Bus /Straight Truck NC III was conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Experienced Public Utility Bus drivers will act as assessors or trainers. 

SKILLS NEEDED

Hard

• Minor maintenance of the engine and other parts

• Traffic rules, safety, and regulations

• Professional driving

Soft

• Quick reaction when dealing with traffic jams.

• Physical stamina and energy - you’ll be driving for long hours if you travel to far provinces.

• Customer relations - you must be courteous to passengers.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Most of the time, you’ll be behind the wheel. You’ll be driving the vehicle and controlling the dashboard used for interior/exterior lights and air conditioners. For long trips, you’ll be 
 

Stress level

• Stress levels can be moderate to high since you’ve to control the vehicle carefully and make sure that you avoid collisions. Stress can be elevated when dealing with irate passengers and traffic jams. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

Salary and benefits depend on the company size, seniority, and position. Salaryexpert.com has this estimate of the average base salary in the Philippines.  

Data source: Salaryexpert.com

Note: This salary is for the year 2025.

PROS AND CONS

Pros

• An opportunity to travel

• If you hate being confined to the four corners of an office, this job is for you.

• An ability to control large vehicles (Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 12,000 kg) such as buses and trucks.

• Far from the prying eyes of a boss

• Career progress to dispatcher, trainer etc.

• Inexpensive training

Cons

• Stress due to long driving hours and passenger conflicts.

• Rush hour traffic

• Early morning shifts

• Irregular working hours

• You may face situations out of your control, such as accidents.

RISKS OF BEING AUTOMATED OR REPLACED BY ROBOTS

According to willrobotstakemyjob.com, there’s an 89% chance that bus driving could be automated. Shortly, if humans can improve automating driving and avoiding obstacles on the road, there’s a chance that buses could run by themselves. For now, humans will stay behind the wheel. Even if this automation happens, humans will always provide oversight functions.
 

CAREER PATH AND OUTLOOK

With experience and skills, you could be promoted to a senior bus driver or bus company manager or administrator.