Transit / Intercity Bus Driver — On-the-job English
Study in your language — but on the job you'll speak English. These are the real phrases you actually say for this work, with a note in your language. Not a script; common situations workers report.
Fare and route questions from riders
The fare is two dollars, exact change or a transit card.
State the fare and accepted payment.
This bus goes downtown — get off at the third stop for the transfer.
Give route and transfer directions.
Sorry, this route doesn't run on Sundays — the next one is Route 12.
Explain a schedule limit and suggest an alternative.
ADA wheelchair-lift assistance
I'll lower the lift for you — please stay behind the yellow line.
Announce the lift operation and a safety boundary.
I'm going to secure your wheelchair with these straps now.
Explain the wheelchair tie-down before doing it.
🔴 On-board medical emergency
This is Bus 42 — I have a passenger down, need EMS at Fourth and Main, requesting 911.
Call 911 / dispatch and give bus number, situation, and location.
Everyone please stay seated — I'm pulling over and calling for help.
Keep other riders calm and seated while you respond.
If it's not safe to stay on the bus, exit through the rear door and move away from traffic.
Direct an evacuation away from danger if needed.
Dispatch / two-way radio
Dispatch, Route 7 is running about ten minutes behind due to traffic.
Report running late on your route.
Dispatch, I have a mechanical issue — requesting a relief bus at the next stop.
Report a mechanical problem and ask for backup.
De-escalating a passenger conflict
I need you both to lower your voices, or I'll have to stop the bus.
Set a firm boundary to defuse a rider dispute.
I'm calling dispatch and requesting an officer to meet the bus at the next stop.
Escalate a safety threat by calling for support.