NYC Transit Bus Operator flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Pre-trip inspection purpose

A required walk-around and in-cab check completed before each shift to confirm tires, lights, brakes, fluids, mirrors, emergency equipment, and passenger safety items are serviceable and defects are reported.

Air brake leakage test

With the system fully charged and the engine off, pressure loss must not exceed 3 psi in one minute for a single vehicle; larger loss indicates a leak requiring repair before operation.

Low air pressure warning

A visual and audible warning must activate before pressure drops below about 60 psi, alerting the operator that braking performance is degrading and the vehicle must be stopped safely.

Spring brake application point

The emergency or parking spring brakes apply automatically when air pressure falls to roughly 20 to 45 psi, bringing the bus to a controlled stop if the system loses pressure.

Total stopping distance formula

Stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance; braking distance grows with the square of speed, so higher speeds greatly increase stopping distance.

Following distance for buses

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one second; a 40-foot bus needs about 4 seconds under 40 mph, and more in poor weather or low light.

Right-turn pivot technique

Approach from the left side of your lane without crossing the center line, monitor the right mirrors for cyclists and pedestrians, then turn so the rear axle clears the curb.

Curb distance at stops

Where practical, stop with the front door within 12 inches of the curb so passengers can board and alight safely without stepping into traffic or over gaps.

Wheelchair securement duties

Secure the wheelchair with tiedowns and apply the lap and shoulder belt to the passenger, confirm brakes are set, and verify the aisle remains clear before moving the bus.

Grade crossing stop zone

Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, open the window and door to listen, look both ways, and cross only when clear.

Hazard lights at incident

Immediately activate four-way flashers, set the parking brake, place reflective triangles or flares when safe, and notify dispatch with location, injuries, and vehicle status.

Fit-for-duty standard

An operator must be free of alcohol, drugs, illness, and fatigue that impair driving; report any condition that could affect safe operation to supervision before starting the shift.

Passenger counting and headcount

After an evacuation or incident, account for all passengers by counting seats and aisles, checking the wheelchair area, and confirming no one remains aboard before leaving.

Defect reporting rule

Any safety-related defect found during inspection or operation is recorded on the vehicle defect card or log and reported to maintenance and dispatch before the bus is placed back in service.

Mirror adjustment and use

Set flat and convex mirrors to show the side of the bus, the rear tires, and blind spots; check mirrors before lane changes, turns, and door operations, and use convex views for clearance.

Left-turn clearance check

Before turning left, confirm oncoming traffic gaps, watch the left mirror for pedestrians and cyclists passing on the left, and keep the rear wheels from clipping the corner curb.

Door operation safety

Open doors only when stopped and secure, watch the step and mirror for approaching passengers, close doors fully before moving, and never move with a door ajar.

Emergency exit locations

Know the roof hatch, side windows, rear door, and front door exits; be able to operate each release, brief passengers when needed, and use the fire extinguisher only on small fires.

Fire extinguisher use

Use the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side; evacuate passengers first and call dispatch before fighting any fire.

Safe following in rain

Wet pavement reduces traction and lengthens stopping distance; increase following time, reduce speed, brake earlier and gently, and avoid sudden steering inputs that can cause a skid.

Skid recovery technique

If the rear wheels skid, release the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid without hard braking; once traction returns, straighten the wheel and slow gradually.

Rail crossing clearance rule

Do not start across the tracks unless there is room on the far side for the entire bus; stopping on tracks is prohibited and can trap the vehicle in a train's path.

Passenger dispute de-escalation

Stay calm, speak in a low steady voice, keep a safe distance, avoid physical contact, and call dispatch or police if the situation escalates; safety of all riders comes first.

Accessibility announcement duty

Announce stops, transfers, and accessibility features clearly; secure mobility devices; and give passengers with disabilities extra time to board and alight before closing doors.

Seat belt and restraint use

Operators must wear the seat belt whenever the bus is in motion; the lap and shoulder belt reduces injury risk and is required by agency policy and vehicle safety standards.

Distracted driving rule

No handheld phone use, texting, or other distraction while driving; use hands-free devices only when permitted, and pull over safely to use dispatch radio or phone when needed.

Vehicle height and clearance

Know the bus height and posted clearance limits; approach low bridges, tunnels, and overhangs slowly, and stop rather than attempt passage when clearance is uncertain.

Backing safety procedure

Back only when necessary; use a spotter or the rear camera, check mirrors, sound the horn if needed, and stop immediately if visibility or guidance is lost.

Brake fade awareness

Repeated or prolonged braking overheats brakes and reduces stopping power; use lower gears on downgrades, apply steady moderate braking, and stop to cool brakes if fade occurs.

Passenger injury reporting

Report any injury immediately to dispatch, record names and details, preserve the scene, and complete an incident report; failure to report can delay medical care and agency response.

Traffic signal and right of way

Obey signals and signs, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and never assume right of way; a bus needs more time and space to stop, so approach intersections at reduced speed.

Fatigue countermeasures

Get adequate rest before shifts, use scheduled breaks to stretch and hydrate, and report drowsiness to supervision; do not rely on caffeine or open windows to overcome fatigue.