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Her day begins at 6:18 a. m. at the Millcreek Township School District bus garage, where she completes a full pre-trip inspection of Bus 65. Drivers check lights, alarms, exits, and brakes before heading out. If a bus fails inspection, a spare is used.
“ We have the best technicians,” Bridget said.“ Drivers submit a work order, and most issues are fixed before afternoon routes.”
By 6:31 a. m., Bridget is on the road, picking up high school students before heading to Walnut Creek Middle School and Grandview Elementary. After each drop-off, she checks the bus to ensure no students are left behind. She returns to the garage around 9:45 a. m., spends late morning and early afternoon training new drivers, and begins her afternoon routes at 2:00 p. m. By the end of the day, she safely transports about 140 students.
Like any job, school bus driving comes with challenges: weather, student behavior, and at times frustrated parents— but the biggest concern is other motorists.“ We take it personally,” Bridget said.“ We’ re very protective of our students. There is plenty of time to stop.”
Millcreek Township School District buses are equipped with BusPatrol cameras to improve safety and accountability. School bus drivers are held to strict standards, including no speeding, hard braking, or quick acceleration, making it especially important for other drivers to remain alert and patient around school buses. Motorists
CURRICULUM CONNECTION: WHAT ' S NEW IN OUR DISTRICT?
who violate traffic laws and improperly pass stopped school buses are sent a citation with video evidence of their violation in hopes of preventing repeat offenses and improving student safety.
This spring, First Student is adding transformative tools designed to elevate safety, efficiency, and the overall transportation experience. HALO™ is First Student’ s technology platform that provides drivers clearer guidance, real-time tools, and confident starts and finishes to each school day. In addition, AIpowered cameras and in-cab tone alerts will help detect on-theroad risks, support personalized coaching, and prevent incidents before they occur. With this addition, First Student hopes to deliver an exceptional t transportation experience for students each day.
For those considering a career change, now may be the perfect time. First Student is currently offering a $ 7,500 sign-on bonus for new drivers for MTSD, whether they already have a CDL or not.
While the idea of training can feel intimidating, Bridget wants potential drivers to know they won’ t be doing it alone and she is one of many friendly trainers eager to help them.“ We do have an incredible training program,” she said.“ We set you up to succeed. We take you almost by the hand. We don’ t want anybody to fail. It’ s rigorous, but it’ s the best way to do it.”
For Bridget Williams, what once seemed like an unlikely career turned into a job filled with purpose, stability, and connection, one morning route at a time. illcreek
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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