Carrying the City: A former Waterbury Bus Driver’s Perspective on the Challenges of Student Transportation

By D.M. Livingston

Published Nov 15, 2025

Waterbury, CT- Driving a school bus may seem straightforward, but for those behind the wheel in Waterbury, it’s a high-stress, low-reward job that requires walking a constant tightrope. A former bus driver shared her experience and perspective on the city’s busing challenges, highlighting the immense responsibility drivers carry every day.

“You’re not just driving; you’re responsible for kids’ safety, obeying traffic laws, and monitoring behavior at the same time,” Rosie, a former bus driver and current transportation dispatcher, explained. “It’s an unforgiving job.”

She described the difficult decisions drivers must make, such as suspending students from the bus or having to pull over, even though will cause a late drop off. “Some kids don’t have anyone at home or even a meal waiting for them,” she said. “It’s a tough call, but safety comes first.”

Bus drivers, however, face significant job pressures. A single driving infraction or a parent complaint can cost them their positions quickly, underscoring a need for more support, training and security on the job. The former driver stressed that bus aides are essential, and that parents should reinforce respect for drivers just as they do for teachers and principals.

Recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges. When asked if she believed that higher pay and increased job security could help attract more drivers Rosie agreed, yet believes more still needs to be done.

For now, a small group of drivers is carrying the weight of the entire community, managing multiple routes across different schools and districts each day.

City officials confirmed that new drivers are set to start on Monday, bringing some relief to the system. The former driver also noted that the position can be ideal for single parents, providing steady work with a schedule that can accommodate family life.

Her insight offers a human face to the city’s transportation challenges, highlighting the dedication, patience, and resilience required to keep Waterbury’s students safe.

Behind the Wheel: Banana Head’s Perspective”

Not every hero wears a cape—some drive a bus. We spoke with a former Durham bus driver, affectionately known by students as “Banana Head,”who spent days on the road, earning the love and trust of kids across the city. He was more than just a driver—he was a favorite of many, always going above and beyond, often covering shifts during one of the district’s most challenging periods.

He painted a picture of a system constantly scrambling to fill routes, with last-minute requests for drivers to cover shifts. “There’s no protection if something goes wrong on a route,” he said. In the high-pressure world of school transportation, one mistake can have serious consequences. Yet drivers like him step up, driven by care for the kids they serve.

The driver highlighted the need for more bus aides, especially Spanish-speaking aides, to help bridge gaps in communication and safety. He also spoke candidly about the strict expectations and rules at Durham, where infractions are taken extremely seriously, leaving little room for error. In this environment, familiarity matters—students learn which drivers are reliable, which can be tricky for new hires. “Kids take advantage of new drivers just like substitute teachers,” he said.

Through his eyes, the district’s challenges aren’t just numbers—they’re daily struggles faced by the people who keep Waterbury’s students moving. It’s a system that relies on flexibility, dedication, and a little bit of luck to function.

“See the Full Story: Where is the School Bus?” –

From the kids who love them to the drivers who keep the wheels turning, Durham’s buses are more than just transportation—they’re a lifeline. But behind every route is a story of dedication, last-minute scrambles, and the real struggles of those keeping students safe.

Watch full YT episode here

Want to see the full story? Don’t miss our YouTube special this Sunday: “Where is the School Bus?” We go behind the scenes, showing the challenges, the heroes, and the system in action. Watch it and get the full picture.