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A Day in the Life: Your Neighborhood Civil Servant

David Schmidt - MTA Bus Operator Queens, NY 2/17/2012 How long have you been a Bus Operator?

DID YOU KNOW?

DS: Back in 1988, I applied for a couple of different city tests. I got the call for the Bus Operator job first, and after thinking it over, I decided to take the job. What made you take the job?

The NYC Transit Authority operates the world’s largest fleet of buses - 4,373 - serving over 600 million people per year. The bus system itself is designed to service routes not covered by the subway system, such as; East to West routes and outlying areas. City involvement with surface transit in NYC began in 1919, when Mayor John Francis Hylan, organized private entrepreneurs to operate “emergency” buses to replace four abandoned storage battery streetcar lines. The last operating trolley in NYC was the Queensboro Bridge line, which was discontinued in 1957. The most famous bus driver in the world - Ralph Kramden of “The Honeymooner’s” fame - was honored with his own statue by the NYC Transit Authority. It stands outside the entrance to the Port Authority bus terminal on 42nd Street & 8th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

DS: Well, first, I consider myself a people person. I enjoy interacting with many types of individuals. Another factor was I don’t really enjoy being cooped up in an office all day. So, being behind the wheel, the action of the city streets and the many enjoyable folks I knew I’d meet, really factored into my decision. I also come from a family of civil servants, so, that made the decision a little easier, as well. Most enjoyable part of the job? DS: The people and the stories. I’ve met some real characters over the years. And the stories...some you wouldn’t believe. I have a rider - Lidia - who’s been taking my bus since the day I started. God bless her, she’s 78 years old, still active, and she’s only missed my bus maybe 7 or 8 times in 24 years. Most annoying part of the job? DS: Most drivers would say the traffic, it can really drive a person stir crazy, but, that’s never bothered me much. Believe it or not, I’d say the bad weather. Having to come in and work when there’s a heavy snowstorm or rainstorm is terrible. Between the careless cars on the road and the bad weather, you really have to be on your toes. I’ve seen some horrific accidents over the years. Most memorable on the job moment? DS: Probably the guy who robbed a bank! This regular, average looking guy gets on my bus a few years ago. After a little while, I hear screams coming from the back of the bus. Apparently, the red dye pack that was in the stolen bag of money from the bank exploded and sprayed on all the passengers, who thought it was blood. The guy ran off the bus, but, I’m not even sure if the police ever caught him. That sure was a memorable day.











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