Tell us about a time when you faced a difficult decision while driving a bus. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

One difficult decision I faced while driving a bus was when I encountered a sudden traffic jam during rush hour. I realized that I would not be able to reach my next stop on time, which meant that passengers would be late for their appointments. I decided to take a detour and inform the passengers about the situation, apologizing for the delay and providing them with an estimated arrival time. I also contacted the dispatcher to inform them about the delay and the alternative route I was taking to avoid further delays. This decision helped to minimize the inconvenience and keep the passengers informed.

A more solid answer

One time, while driving a bus, I encountered a sudden road closure due to an accident. It was a busy route during peak hours, and I knew that the closure would cause significant delays for the passengers. To handle this situation, I quickly assessed the traffic conditions and decided to inform the passengers about the situation, providing them with alternative routes and estimated arrival times. I used my strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and reassure the passengers that we were doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience. Additionally, I contacted the dispatcher to inform them about the situation and request assistance if needed. Thanks to my exemplary driving skills and knowledge of the area, I was able to navigate through the alternate routes efficiently and safely. This decision not only helped to keep the passengers informed but also ensured their safety and maintained the bus schedule as much as possible.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about how the candidate handled the difficult decision. It demonstrates exemplary driving skills by efficiently navigating through alternate routes and ensuring passenger safety. It also showcases strong interpersonal skills by effectively communicating with the passengers and providing reassurance. The candidate's time management skills are evident in their ability to estimate arrival times and maintain the bus schedule.

An exceptional answer

During one of my shifts as a bus driver, I encountered a major mechanical issue with the bus's brakes while transporting a full load of passengers. It was a challenging situation that required quick thinking and composure. I immediately activated the emergency brake, ensuring the safety of the passengers, and calmly informed them about the issue. To handle this difficult decision, I promptly contacted the emergency services and my dispatcher to seek assistance. While waiting for help to arrive, I used my strong interpersonal skills to keep the passengers calm and reassured, providing regular updates about the situation. I also coordinated with the passengers to safely evacuate the bus and arranged for an alternative mode of transportation to ensure their timely arrival at their destinations. Thanks to my exemplary driving skills, I was able to handle the emergency situation with caution and prevent any accidents. This incident showcased my ability to remain calm and composed under stress and prioritize the safety and well-being of the passengers.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer stands out by presenting a more challenging and high-stakes scenario. The candidate showcases exemplary driving skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the capacity to remain calm and composed under stress. The candidate's quick thinking and composure in handling the mechanical issue demonstrate their ability to prioritize passenger safety and effectively coordinate with emergency services. The answer also highlights the candidate's commitment to excellent customer service by arranging alternative transportation to ensure the passengers' timely arrival at their destinations.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences as a bus driver and identify situations where difficult decisions were required.
Consider scenarios related to traffic issues, mechanical problems, or passenger emergencies that may have been challenging.
Think about how you handled those situations, emphasizing your exemplary driving skills, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Practice articulating your actions and decision-making process in a concise and clear manner.
Demonstrate your commitment to passenger safety and excellent customer service in your responses.

What interviewers are evaluating

Exemplary driving skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Time management skills
Capacity to remain calm and composed