BusTalk

[UTC Bus Fan]

Wondering how many members out there are Drivers, Former Drivers, or Relative to a Driver?

My Grandfather started driving trolleys for the United Electric Railways in Pawtucket and Providence RI in 1917. He was only 17 at the time, but told them he was 18. He saw many changes, drove every line and worked his way up the ranks to Inspector. Not sure when he stepped away from the bus steering wheel, but he had a Inspectors car with a 2-Way Radio. He was known to be real strict with schedules. Didn't want any bus to be too early or too late. Worked for the company for 39 years straight. Would had probably made it to close to 50 years, but he had a stroke in 1957, which forced him to retire. He sure loved his "Free Pass for Life" though.

Bill

[Mr. Linsky]

I drove for Green Bus Lines of Jamaica, New York for the equivalent of one year (four summer months each in 1959, 60 and 61).

I would have continued except that schooling and my future life's work took center stage after that.

It was a lot of fun though, and I met many interesting people.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

[Hankg42]

My dad drove for the New York City Transit Authority, and its predecessors, from 1946 to 1971, in Staten Island. There were many days as a kid I would ride with him, and finish up at the Castleton Ave. garage.

[Mr. Linsky]

Hank,

I presume that from what you say your father must have driven for Staten Island Coach Company and or the short lived Isle Transportation Company the followed just before city takeover in 1947.

A little history of Staten Island Coach follows;

In March of 1937 the Staten Island Coach Company replaced trolley service with the first buses from St. George to Tottenville and overhead electric trolley lines and roadbed trolley tracks began to disappear from the landscape. The City of New York took over bus service from several private companies in 1947.

Attached is a rare photo of an early trolley bus circa mid twenties (make unknown) operating on Staten Island for the City of New York Department of Plant and Structures on an emergency basis until responsible private operators could be found.

Photo courtesy of NYPL Digital Gallery.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, New York

[Hankg42]

As always, another great historical posting. Thanks, Mr. L. While off-topic for this post, I wonder where the Staten Island Rapid Transit (now Staten Island Railway) might have fit into those trolley lines, if at all. I had done some reading about its history, but I recall no mention of trolley lines. Some additional reading may be in order...

Some sections of Staten Island, especially down toward Tottenville, were so rural even into the 1950s, I wonder what roads had these trolley routes. I'll guess the same ones eventually with bus service, Hylan Blvd., Amboy Road, and Arthur Kill Road.

[shortlineMCI]

Been a driver for Shortline Bus for 5 years now. Also, my brother drove for New York Bus Service and been there since the MTA-invasion, oops sorry MTA Takeover.

[fishbowl]

Drove for the CTA in Chicago summers during college and for (northwest suburban Chicago) United Motor Coach fulltime for two years in the early seventies. Then I took my rightful place in the classroom as an elementary school teacher, which was the reason I went to college!

[Mr. Linsky]

F.B.,

Sounds a lot like my story only I went on to be an attorney.

Most of the part timers that I worked with were also going through college.

Just a couple of fun summers before we really had to buckle down!

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

[fishbowl]

[UTC Bus Fan]

[Rt4957]

I drive for L A Metro

It`s nice that we are getting New equipment from NABI (C45-LFW-05-01s) to keep the daily photo excitement going,,we are up to 8406 which is the 307th bus of the order with 143 to go I suppose,and occasionally there is a new "Mod" that shows up that is different from the rest of the order.

Life can be tough on a daily basis though.
We have a Clause in or contract that states that if you get 3 accidents in 180 months you are Subject to termination,and I have the misfortune of having 2 on the books at the moment (Couple of On board incidents that are being taken to second level appeal) and that does make the daily schedule a semi nerve wracking chore,,but the first is soon to be cleared and I can drive without holding my breath soon.

Rt4957

[Mr. Linsky]

Don't think for a minute that I wouldn't have liked to have driven a bus for the rest of my life!

But my grandfather, who was a self made Manhattan 'thousandaire' (millionaires were very rare in those days) would never have permitted it.

In fact, when I told him of my interest in pursuing a career in astronomy he laughed at me and said "what kind of money can you make gazing at stars?".

He then said; "no - you're going into medicine or law - that's where the money is"

Guess what - he was right although I still love to gaze at the stars!

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

[Jimbo]

Worked two summers at a bus company cleaning and such. Got my CDL in 1982 (?). Drove transit and coaches part time until 1987. Then drove coaches full time until 2000 (almost exclusively Prevosts ). Now in the office. (filling in on school bus runs when needed) Love buses !

[S-60 To Smith Haven Mall]

I'm a Relative to a deceased driver, does that count?

My Grandfather, on my mothers side, drove Transit and School Buses for the old Coarm Bus Service, Before their Transit division was spun off to CBS Lines Inc.

I don't know the exact dates when he started or when he stopped, but i know he drove while my mother was in school it was in the mid 70's. The Company back then wasn't well funded and often the drivers went with out a pay check. It was more of a the first one to cash their check got the money, if you were last then you were stuck. Its safe to say that my grandfather was one of the first person to cash his check every time he was paid.

He died a month after i was born and a month before CBS Lines Inc was created, also a whole three years before Coarm Bus Service would shut its doors for good.

My mom told me that when my Grandfather use to have a late run when he did transit that she would stay on the bus with him, and he would drop her off at deli near the yard so he could return the bus, as she wasn't permitted to be in the yard.

[GBL Rebel]

3rd Generation. Enough said.