An Interview with a Kennedy Space Center Tour Bus Driver
I
decided to get details regarding driving the tour buses at Kennedy
Space Center. Driving for a place that famous has to be interesting, and
I wanted to know. So here are the details, I hope you enjoy this as
much as I did getting the information!
Q. What is it you do with Kennedy Space Center?
A. I am a tour bus driver.
Q. Is all that you do all day is drive?
A. No, I also point out the places, and things, and tell the people about them.
Q. Is this your first bus driving job?
A. No.
Q. Did you like your other bus driving jobs?
A. No
Q. How many years have you been with KSC?
A. Two years now.
Q. Do you like it?
A. Yes, I love it.
Q. What made you want to become a tour bus driver?
A. Well, they were hiring at the time, and I knew quite a bit about KSC because of my prior job, so I thought I would give it a shot.
Q. What do you like best about your job?
A. The teaching part of it. Every day and every bus ride is different. The people, the wildlife we pass along the way, NASA itself, other bus drivers, and even famous people come to KSC, it's never a dull moment. You never know what might happen on your next turn. You meet many people from different walks of life too, it is not a dull and boring job, like you might think!
Q. What is the worst thing about your job?
A. Not getting enough hours, and being a junior driver. The job is so fun, sometimes at the end of the day; you don't want to go home. Oh, and another thing that is bad, is the rude people who talk over top of you as you are doing your speech. It isn't just me they are punishing; believe it or not, people do want to hear what the driver has to say.
Q. Is your job an easy job?
A. Yes and no. Yes, it's easy driving. It isn't a strenuous job, no physical labor-but on the same token, you have to learn all the facts and know them. It is challenging. You have to pay attention to the Customers, and their safety, you know basic road hazards. You have to know what symbolic lights mean and how to react if we are being held up or terrorized. There are a lot of rules; it is a very strict facility. And we have to be nice, even to the rude people.
Q. Were you, or are you a NASA space buff?
A. Not before my family and I moved to Florida. I mean I knew Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, but being in Florida and living on the Space Coast I learned-even before I started driving for KSC.
Q. Is there a Union at KSC?
A. Yes
Q. How many years have you had your bus endorsement?
A. For 11 years now.
Q. How many people fit on the buses?
A. It ranges from 54 to 63 with the capabilities of carrying up to 2 wheel chairs.
Q. Did you think you were going to like this bus driving job?
A. No, not really. I didn't think I would be able to memorize everything. And I don't really like public speaking. But here I am, no regrets!
Q. Have you met any famous people?
A. Yes, astronauts like Al Warden and John Glenn as well as others!
Q. Have you met any non space famous people?
A. Not to my knowledge.
Q. Have you ridden the new Shuttle Launch Experience ride yet?
A. Yes, and it is awesome. Everyone needs to try it. It does not cost extra to ride it either; the price is included in your Admission ticket!
Q. have you rode on other people's buses?
A. Yes
Q. Do you get tipped?
A. I get offered tips but technically we aren't supposed to accept them. If people insist we can and do take them. I get offered and tipped quite a bit, and complimented all the time.
Q. Do you hope to advance in your current position, or is there even advancement opportunities?
A. In this particular job, there is no advancement, you just move up in seniority. Each slot in seniority is based on hours to be worked. The more you work, the more money you make, with raises and hours. But yes, I do hope to advance eventually.
Q. Is there a big turn around on drivers?
A. Yes and no. Lower end seniority drivers can't handle the less hours so a lot of times they leave. But those that stick around with the small amount of hours in the beginning will eventually get more hours if they remain. Some drivers have been here for over thirty years. You just have to be patient, it is a slow and painful start, and trust me; it isn't easy paying your bills on a tiny pay check!
Q. If someone asks you a question about NASA and KSC can you answer them?
A. Yes
Q. Has anyone ever asked you a question that you couldn't answer?
A. Yes. You direct them to the information center. If they can't answer your question, they will take down your name and address, and research it, and mail the answer to you. I personally research it as well, this way I am prepared for the next time!!
Q. Have you ever been scared, hijacked or terrorized during work?
A. No, not yet, and thank God!
Q. Can you tell us something customers say about you?
A. They say I am very informative, very thorough, understandable, and I make learning fun. I am entertaining. I make it so they are learning and don't even now they are doing it.
Thank you David, for this interesting interview. I do hope this helps anyone who might be interested in joining Kennedy Space Centers Tour bus drivers. I know I like to ride the tour buses when I go to KSC, and I like to have a good time when doing so! After all, it is supposed to be fun!
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