Ask TransLink: Brian Revel, bus operator
Ask TransLink: Brian Revel, bus operator
From April 15 to May 10, you can Ask TransLink! We’re spotlighting one TransLink staff member every week and inviting you to ask them questions about their work. Find out all about the series.
We’re super happy to welcome Brian Revel, bus operator, to the blog!
This week, Brian will be answering your questions from the road, stopping to check-in between his shifts on the 25 and 41 routes every day! (It’s true: feel free to say hi if you see him on your route!)
We’ll be taking questions for Brian until Friday, April 26, 2013 at noon. To kick things off, we asked him a few questions about his work driving buses for Coast Mountain Bus Company. Let’s go!
When did you start working as an operator with Coast Mountain Bus Company?
I began training with CMBC in November of 2007. I went “live” in January 2008. I have been a transit operator now for just under five-and-a-half years. Before that, I owned my own VIP touring company, à la carte specialty tours but I had to close the business because most of my clientele were Americans who suffered massive losses during the financial collapse in 2007. Prior to owning my own business, I drove tour coach for Gray Line of Vancouver.
What has the experience been like? What keeps you driving buses?
The experience has been a really positive one. I have been a life-long transit user and now that I’m on the ‘inside’ I have learned what it is to be on the other side of the red line. There was so much I didn’t know, so much I didn’t understand, about public transport before coming to CMBC. Apart from the technical side, I am truly impressed and honoured to know and work with such an incredible group of dedicated professionals throughout the entire Translink family.
What keeps me driving buses? I’m not too sure, to be honest. It kinda gets into your blood. There’s nothing like a corner office where the view always changes. Another thing about this job is that it’s the indoor-iest outdoor job around… or is it the outdoor-iest indoor job? Besides, I’m a people person and so my interactions with passengers and other folk throughout my day keeps me going. And hey- if you love your job, you never work a day in your life.
What routes have you driven? What are you driving now?
I work out of the Vancouver depot so I have only worked the routes that VTC services. The 26, 27, 28 and 29 as well as the express services are serviced by the Burnaby depot and most days the 49, as well as the 480 are serviced out of Richmond. Apart from these routes, I have driven every route in Vancouver.
Currently, I am driving on the #25 in the morning and the #41 in the afternoon.
I understand you’ve received commendations in the past: what have they been for?
You’d be surprised. It’s the little things that matter most, I guess. They are mostly for being friendly, giving information, greeting people when they get on the bus, calling out the stops. Stuff like that.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have a little campaign I do on my bus about once a month… it’s called, Say Hi on the Bus which made 24Hrs. I was interviewed for Career Trek – here’s the video. And I have competed in the Bus Roadeo and have placed 1st for VTC each time, this year placing 4th overall!
Thanks Brian!
Okay you guys – over to you! Please feel free to submit your questions in the comments below, and we’ll get Brian to answer them for you until Friday, April 26, 2013 at noon!
Hi why is it sometimes the buses are behindschedule
When buses are late, do drivers manage to keep a track of time?
Hi Kelly: Are you asking if operators note that they are late or if they try to get back on schedule? Thanks for the question!
Coast Mountain Bus operates many types of buses (Nova Buses, New Flyers old and new), so my question for Brian is which make/model is his favourite one to drive?
Or all of the buses built a certain way to provide the same driving experience despite different bus manufacturers?
Thanks! :)
My question is why do some drivers demand that some people pay and if they don’t, they are not allowed entry whereas other bus drivers just let people come on the bus who cannot afford to pay? I pay and it really frustrates me when I see bus drivers allowing people to come on the bus who have not paid.
Hi raymond: Brian has an answer to you question:
Hi Kelly: Brian has taken a shot at your question. I hope he has the right answer for you:
Why are the buses so loud when they are lowering the ramp for people? Can anything be done about this, especially in more residential areas?
My question is: Do you have any tips for passengers to help enforce bus etiquette? I am a bit dismayed when people have loud music, are eating and then littering, or won’t move for pregnant and/or older women. I feel like bus drivers don’t want to cause a scene, but I’m not sure how to help make sure buses are comfortable for all socioeconomic riders… Thank you.
My question has to do with driver performance and training. A critical component to a safe, pleasant ride is whether the driver has a lead foot on the gas and brake. I’ve begun to recognize drivers on the routes I take regularly. Some I regard as a menace – every take-off is too fast, every brake is too hard. If you’re standing, this is a nightmare. I’ve been injured once, thanks to being thrown sideways by a driver who stopped too hard. (As an aside: I understand that sometimes stopping short is required, thanks to traffic flow; I’m addressing drivers who do this habitually, regardless of traffic flow.)
Are drivers being trained and evaluated properly over time? Why do some drive this way and others don’t? And what can a rider do to complain?
The other question i have is why is it sometimes on the destination sign in front of the bus, i can barely make out what it says, i saw this on a 41
Nick: Brian got back to me with an answer to your question. Shawna, Brian has run out of time on his break to answer questions, so he’ll look at your question tonight! Now, back to Nick’s question:
Why do the Nova hybrids occasionally give off blue smoke?
My question is: what is the official policy on drivers waiting for people who they can clearly see are running to catch the bus? Especially if it’s a bus that only comes once every half an hour or less frequently.
Hey my question is what happens if ur coach breaksdown and what do you like driving better diesels or trolleys
Hi
My question is what are those three digit numbers in the bottom corner of the windshield. Does a 1 there mean its the first bus out of the depot? Also was curious how often the fare boxes break down since I seem to frequently see them out of service.
And here’s Brian’s answer to Shawna’s question:
Lisa, Brian has your answer too!:
Meredith. Here’s Brian’s answer to you etiquette question (don’t forget that we also run an etiquette awareness campaign – translink.ca/petpeeves:
Terry, here’s what Brian had to say about training:
Hi Raymond,
Brian got back to me with an answer to your second question regarding signage at the front of buses. Here it is!:
Thanks for doing this! I’ve really enjoyed every answer so far.
What’s one thing that always brightens your day, but very few passengers do?
Zack: Here’s Brian’s answer to your question about hybrids and blue smoke:
Erica: Brian has some info for you about people running for buses:
Eric: Here’s Brian’s answers to your questions:
Jeff: You’re a lucky man. Brian has not only provided a written answer to your questions about the numbers on the front of the buses, he’s also provided a video answer!
Brian,
Some fascinating answers here so far! Thanks to the Buzzer editors for arranging this opportunity.
This may be a bit off the beaten path — how much input do drivers have during the bus purchasing, design, etc. process?
Your response to Terry makes me wonder if the braking issues are simply a limitation of the current state of bus technology, or if there were trade-offs made for different features in the course of deciding what to order. With more and more seniors taking transit, the jerkiness sometimes frankly makes me nervous as to whether buses are viable alternatives to private automobiles for fragile people.
Thanks again.
Hi Brian,
Just out of curiosity, which bus route(s) do you enjoy driving the most in Vancouver, and why?
What is the procedure for having to take an unscheduled detour? Is it any different if the detour ends up missing stops?
A couple years ago, my Greyhound bus was pulled over for excessive speeding. Coast Mountain Bus Company drivers are among the best, so I expect this doesn’t happen too often, but what happened the last time a driver was pulled over?
I’m not kidding about the fact that you guys are excellent drivers. What is it about CMBC that puts it a step above other bus companies in this regard?
Hi Brian! Thanks for taking the time to provide such great answers to everyone’s questions, this thread is a very enjoyable and informative read!
My question is… How do you feel about people bringing cups of coffee on the bus? And what is Translink’s official policy on this? I’ve had several drivers explain to me that as long as the cup has a lid, and you take the used cup with you when you leave, it’s OK to bring coffee and other drinks on board.
I always thought that the policy was no open food or drinks on the bus, period. But so often now I see people bringing food and drinks on board and the operator doesn’t bat an eye. So, having seen this demonstrated day after day, and hearing drivers say what I mentioned above, imagine my dismay when last week a bus driver refused me entry onto his bus — the last bus of the evening, not to mention it was raining — because I had a small, lidded take-out cup of coffee with me. The ONE time I try to bring a drink on the bus in ages! It was cold and I needed sugar!
He pointed to the no food/drinks sign and loudly insisted that I leave the drink behind if I wanted to board. I even said please? I see other people do it all the time. Plus the bus was nearly empty, so the odds I’d spill it on someone were practically nil. He replied no, that’s the rule, are you getting on or not? So I reluctantly threw it in the trash and got on. To add insult to injury, there was already half a discarded ham sandwich on the back seat of the bus when I went to sit down. Grrr.
As a long-time responsible transit rider, I can’t argue with the rules. So I would like to know, as an employee, could you please explain what to us what the rules actually are, and are you allowed to make exceptions? Are there loopholes? Or are some drivers just more willing to argue about it than others? It would be nice to see the rules consistently enforced, or not enforced, across the board. What do you do on your bus?
Thanks :)
Hi Brian,
Thank you for answering all these questions, by the way. It really helps us understand your side of the story. I want to hear your opinion on people who bring huge baby strollers onboard the bus, and having to ask 2-3 people (sometimes seniors) to give up their seats to accommodate the large stroller.
In Switzerland, where I used to live, people who brought dogs on board have to pay for the dog. When I asked why, they simply replied “because the dog takes up space too.” I tend to agree that with the bus fares that we pay, we are essentially buying a piece of space to be on the bus (whether standing or sitting).
I can certainly understand that it is ok to bring in the large stroller and take up the entire front row of the designated seating when the bus is not very full. I find it infuriating, however, that people are being passed at stops when there is a huge stroller taking up 3-4 seats.
I know this is a very controversial topic, and would greatly appreciate your thoughts on this!
Second and less controversial question: why do bus drivers crank up the heat in the winter until it feels like a tropical (non)paradise?
Thank you for the great feedback, it’s very nice to finally fully understand why the buses are so loud! I might only have to hear it once every half hour at home, but you’re hearing it all shift is much worse, but yes it’s helping those in need and I can live with that! Thanks again!
Seb: Brian has short but easy to do response for your question about things that brighten your day, but few passengers do:
Karen: Here’s your answer!:
Kevin: Brian has some thoughts on his favourite routes:
Cliff: And here’s Brian’s answer to your unscheduled detours question:
Reva: Brian has his answer to your popular question about beverages on transit. Let’s not forget about Transit Pet Peeve Hungry Hamster – http://www.translink.ca/petpeeves!
A note about Say Hi On The Bus day. http://www.facebook.com/sayhionthebus If you’d like to say hi to Brian, he’s on the #25 and #41 routes. Hi Brian!
Enid: Brian has a couple of answers for you. The first is on heat on the bus and second is on strollers. We’ve written a lot on strollers on the bus before. Here’s a good link to accompany Brian’s answer – http://buzzer.translink.ca/2012/10/parenting-pet-peeves-on-transit/
And for Lisa:
Hi Brian,
I am a transportation planning student at Langara College. I am wondering what sorts of transit planning related (routing, scheduling, etc) challenges (generally speaking) you see on the ground level?
Thanks!
example: route 135.
there are no bus pullouts along hastings. driver will put right signal on to indicate that they are stopping at a stop. when they leave that stop they put the left signal on. why do this when this is incorrect? people in the next lane over think that the bus is changing lanes when it isn’t. aren’t signal for indicating turns and lane changes and not to indicate stopping and going? wouldn’t it be better to use the hazards?
Hi Brian,
I was wondering how recent additions such as GPS on buses and Twitter have affected your day to day work? For example, are people better informed about “stuff”? Are you able to get help quicker if you need it? If you have any other insights that would be neat to know too.
What does the RTT, Fare Not Paid, Pass Up, and PRTT buttons do on the TMAC screen?
[…] we’re going to have a live Facebook chat with Brian Revel, bus operator ! Here’s Brian’s introductory post with the numerous questions he’s already answered this […]
Hi Michael: Brian has an answer for you:
Cosmo: Brian also has this for you:
Adam: Brian has and answer for you:
And for you Jimmy:
[…] super helpful bus operator, Brian Revel, finished up his busy week of answering your bus related questions on the blog at noon today, Friday April 26, 2013. There are too many highlights to mention. However, the […]
Here Jimmy, I found this while searching for the answer.
https://buzzer.translink.ca/2009/02/a-look-at-t-comm-the-transit-communications-centre/
I would fathom a guess and say that those buttons notify the communication centre and send out the appropriate people to rectify the reason as to why that button was pressed.
They may not have the resources to go after each and every person who walks on without paying, but I’m guessing that when the “Fare not paid” button is pressed, if transit police are nearby, the communication centre can have them pay the bus a visit.
This is in vast contrast to if the red button is pressed, which I can only assume means that, if required, the nearest transit police would be summoned, regardless of how far they are, along with local police and any additional assistance that may be needed.
I can only hope the “Pass up” button summons a complimentary taxi to the unfortunate person who wound up being the reason for pressing it. :p
Hello Brian. Do you know when will translink have another job fair? I got a perfect driving record and definitely want to become a bus operator in the future. But I need your guidance on how to go upon achieving that. Thanks.
Hi Brian,
Two questions actially
What’s your say on transit fans?
And, what times do you leave Oakridge 41st for UBC in the morning? I pretty much take the 41 daily, might just ride that one if its the right time for me, and say hi…
Jimmy: PRTT and RTT are some kind of radio communications thing, Pass up signals control that the bus is skipping stops because of the bus is full, and also Fare not Paid is some sort of thing for if a passenger doesn’t pay…
Hi you guys — sadly, Brian’s time answering questions on the blog was over last Friday! But I’ll see what I can do to get some answers for you.
Tony: I asked our HR department and there isn’t a career fair currently planned for the near future. However, you can check out our online careers portal and apply to any external operator job openings. The job openings can be viewed on both the CMBC and TransLink portals. Currently, we don’t have a job posting for operators, but there should be one in the near future.
[…] Week 2 (April 22-26): Brian Revel, bus operator […]
I would like to know what are the proper questions to ask during the interview with trans link
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
I stumbled across this post while looking for the drinks/no drinks policy.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer each question so exhaustively! It was really interesting!
vary good
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