Loading and Unloading Passengers, Including Standees
Loading fundamentals
Stop close to the curb, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in the proper gear before opening the door. Monitor boarding and alighting through mirrors and by turning to observe the aisle. Count passengers when practical, especially children and groups, so no one is left aboard. Secure mobility devices and require wheelchairs to face forward with brakes set.
Standees
Standees are permitted only where allowed by the carrier and the vehicle's rated capacity, and never where standing would block the aisle, exits, or the driver's view. Standing passengers must be able to reach a handhold. Never exceed the posted seated-plus-standing capacity; overloading changes stopping distance and handling.
Departure and unloading discipline
Close the door before moving, confirm no one is in the stairwell, and check both mirrors before pulling out. When unloading, stop fully, set the brake, and watch passengers cross in front of the bus only after you have made eye contact. Signal and check for cyclists before pulling away from the curb.
Traps
Questions often test whether you may leave the driver's seat with passengers aboard (generally no, except brief necessary checks with the brake set), and whether you may allow standees forward of the standee line - you may not. Another trap: opening the door before the bus is fully stopped, or moving with the door open and the interlock overridden.
Worked example
A crowded bus reaches capacity with a line still waiting. The correct action is to deny further boarding and request the next bus, not to let riders stand in the stairwell or ahead of the standee line.