Needs much improvement on the upper management side - School Bus Driver First Student Employee Review

2.0
10 Jan 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great co-workers who really care about each other," like family" work environment, relaxed dress code, team work valued. Get free training to obtain CDL-B license plus work experience.

Cons

Pays a lot less than other local districts that have their own bus fleets, monthly union dues increase frequently but pay and benefits do not improve, buses sometimes have safety defects that are not repaired or replaced on a timely basis, two way radio communication is constantly compromised by out-of-date/defective radios which causes operators/dispatchers/parents/administrators a lot of unecessary stress. Very high employee turnover due to these issues. As much as it costs to train new drivers why don't they just increase drivers' pay to retain them?

Explore other reviews about First Student

5.0
1 Jan 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good people, Hardworking, supportive towards medical care

Cons

no cons felt in my tenure

3.0
25 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The pay for driving is good, however, "driving is only part of the job description. May be well compensated for contracted substitute driver in other locations

Cons

Although there are rules to establish safe, orderly environments for riders and drivers, they are not enforced, and appear symbolic and subjective. Drivers have to bow to whomever decides how it will be handled instead of what the actual rules dictate, creating unnecessary chaos. There also appears to be a good amount of favoritism at this location and company rules and regulations are rarely enforced across the board, resulting in employees doing as they please with little to no repercussions.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All