A Bus Attendant should be comfortable interacting with others, as the job often entails giving directions, answering questions or accommodating a passengers special needs. The job may also be very physical, with repetitive crouching, lifting, standing and reaching motions in a tight and noisy space. For example, a bus attendant may have to Buckle/unbuckle seat belts, handle baggage, operate wheelchair lifts or push out breakaway windows during an emergency. Sometimes, a bus attendant may be responsible for cleaning a bus inside and out as well as maintaining and refueling it.
Bus attendants must be attentive and responsible, serving as good role models for other riders. Because they serve as an authority on any bus-related rules and policies set by their organization, they must be prepared to enforce the rules as necessary. Dependability and an attention to detail are also important for school bus attendants who are responsible for keeping student rider records, reporting disciplinary incidents and timing their assigned routes to maintain an accurate timetable.