As Orange County students head back to school Monday, one bus driver is sharing her day-to-day experiences at the helm of a big, yellow bus.

  • Michelle Cash has driven an Orange County school bus for 15 years
  • She loves her job, says you must have passion for children
  • She drives 1 of 900 buses for Orange County Public Schools

Michelle Cash has been driving a school bus for Orange County Public Schools for the past 15 years. Years ago, she and her husband were searching for something to work with their schedules and family.

“I have four kids of my own, so I chose to start driving a school bus where it’s convenient for my children,” she said, adding that the job gives her summers off with her children. “My kids, they love it.”

Although Cash said she loves her job, it’s not for everyone.

“With this job, you have to have a passion for children,” she said. “If you don’t have a passion, and you don’t have patience, it’s not going to work.”

Cash drives one of about 900 buses for the district. This year, about 70,000 students will hop on the bus each day, and getting them to and from their destination is a big undertaking.

Bill Wen, the district's senior director of transportation services, said that patience is also key for parents and students tackling the new school year.

“We’ll have a lot of first-time bus riders getting used to the process,” he said. “With new students on board, it may take a little longer to get there. But we’ll get there.”

Drivers start as early as 5:30 a.m. and often finish their bus runs around 4:30 p.m. Cash said her day-to-day job is very methodical. She begins each morning with a pre-trip check; she closely inspects tires and gauges. Safety, she said, is her main focus.

“Once I’m approaching the area where I’m picking up the kids, I’ll put on my warning lights, 200 feet prior,” she said. “It’s giving the traffic and the kids, letting everyone know that the bus is ready to stop. Even though our buses are big and yellow, people just don’t see it.”

Cash said she then throws on the brakes, puts her bus in neutral and quickly checks mirrors.

“Once everything is clear, I just open my door and greet my kids -- and welcome them back to a new school year,” she said.

Wen offers a few pieces of advice for kids and parents, in order to have a successful school year.

  • At bus stop, be aware of your surroundings. Don’t play around in the road, and watch for other cars.
  • Wait to approach the bus, until the driver is at a complete stop.
  • Listen to the driver on the bus. They are in charge.