Each month, the North Allegheny Communications Department recognizes one of our outstanding bus drivers from the school district. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to transport our students to school safely. This month, we had the pleasure of speaking with NASD bus driver Mr. Jim Fazio.
What inspired you to be a school bus driver?
After a brief attempt at retirement, I realized my life was missing something meaningful. I had always worked with the public and looked for something that would fill that need but not be an all-day, all-year job.
Can you share your journey to this profession?
When I joined law enforcement with the City of Pittsburgh, I immediately recognized that this was my true calling in life. Being among people and interacting with them gave me a positive challenge, which I eagerly accepted. My years in the force were very rewarding as I advanced through the ranks to eventually become a detective.
After I retired as a detective, my years of experience led me to accept the position of Assistant Chief of Detectives with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. Having worked in both roles—employee and management—I felt it was time to slow down and appreciate life. Driving a school bus provided the perfect remedy for that.
How do you prepare for your routes each day?
At the beginning of the day, I conduct a thorough safety check, both inside and outside of the bus. I will look for any new communications that would apply to my school runs. I then review stops where I learn the names of students who board at each location.
Share a memorable or rewarding experience with the students.
It’s usually the first day for new kindergarten students who get on the bus, look completely lost and scared, and often cry. During that first week of school, I try to talk to the children and make light-hearted comments or offer them a puzzle joke to lighten the mood. After that first or second day, most new students feel much more at ease.
What safety measures do you take to ensure the children’s safety?
To ensure the children’s safety, I emphasize several important guidelines. For example, I explain to them the importance of staying seated, talking with an inside voice, and being courteous to their fellow students. Once they board the bus, they should treat it like a classroom. I also explain the importance of not distracting the driver and explain why food is not allowed on the bus.
What connection have you made with families and students over the years?
Elementary parents are usually the ones who are at a stop. They mostly wave, comment on the weather, or make small talk while children are deboarding. Some will ask if their child behaved.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Knowing that I make a difference in their lives every day.
Can you share a funny or heartwarming story from your time as a bus driver?
I explain to the students that Wednesday is known as “Hump Day” and what that means. When I ask them, “What day is it?” they all respond, “Hump Day.” One week, I thought I would fool them, and, on a Tuesday, I asked them, “What day is it?” to which they all replied, “Tuesday!” It’s clear that they pay attention.
They will know if somebody has a birthday that day, so when we reach the school, I invite a student to come up and use the intercom microphone to lead the bus in singing “Happy Birthday.” They really look forward to this small gesture.
