5 Questions: 60-Year School Bus Veteran Norman Mars Reflects on Career

Norman Mars is celebrating his 60th year in the transportation industry. His first job at age 18 was as a school bus driver. 

Today he’s the director of transportation at Harmony-Emge School District No. 175 in Belleville, Illinois. This is Mars’ 53rd year in student transportation management. His first management role was dispatcher and operations manager in 1971.  

“I tried retirement for about six weeks in 2018, but that just wasn't for me,” Mars said. “I like to be productive and make a positive contribution to others, so I went back to work. I just began my seventh year as transportation director for the Harmony-Emge School District. I'm privileged to lead a great team of drivers and aides, and our school district's administration, staff and teachers are an outstanding group to work with.” 

Here recently shared some thoughts with Illinois Association for Pupil Transportation newsletter: 

“I’m thankful for the many opportunities I’ve had to advance my career, for the many, many wonderful people who have touched my life, and for the privilege of serving many students, families, schools, communities and fellow transportation professionals. 

“Buses have changed dramatically (the first bus I drove was built in 1947). Regulations have greatly increased. Training and safety procedures have improved dramatically. Dealing with students' behavior has, in many cases, become more difficult. In 1964, my boss told me, ‘If any of the kids give you any trouble, make 'em get off and walk.’ Don't do that now, you'll end up in a lot of trouble. 

“But one thing that has never changed is our main objective, which is our responsibility to deliver the students entrusted to us safely to their destination, each and every trip.” 

School Bus Fleet asked Mars five questions about how the job has changed over the past 60 years. 

How did you start your career in school bus transportation and what led you to make it a career? 

My first bus driving job was for a strawberry farm in Granite Falls, Washington, transporting strawberry pickers to work and back home (like a school bus route - most of the berry pickers were middle school and high school students). I got talked into it by a friend who also worked at the berry farm. That fall, since I was an "experienced" bus driver, I got a job with a nearby school district. It was a part-time job while attending college. 

How do you compare being a bus driver to being a supervisor of a school bus fleet? 

Both jobs have their challenges. As an experienced bus driver, I understand and empathize with what our drivers deal with each day. That has helped build a positive relationship with them. 

It also helps when I take "corrective action," because the drivers know I know the expectations and the rules and regulations. I also keep my driving credentials current and still drive sometimes if needed. 

How has the job of a school bus driver changed over time?  

First, it is more difficult to become a bus driver, with the needed ELDT, CDL, bus driver permit qualifications needed. 

The buses are easier to drive and maneuver with power steering, automatic transmissions, greatly improved mirrors, driver's area and windshields designed for better vision, improved heaters and defrosters, automatic stop signs, and some buses equipped with push button door openers. 

On the downside, many students are far less respectful and disobedient because the consequences for their behavior are far less than in the past. This has caused frustration for many drivers and has led to some leaving the profession. 

What was your favorite day on the job? 

The day when I was contacted by a large contractor and offered a very sizable salary increase to leave the company I was working for and come to work for them. 

You tried retirement once. Why did you return to the job? 

I've been working since I was 10 years old (mowing lawns, picking berries, delivering newspapers).  It just didn't feel right to not get up to go to work and be productive. 

I find it very satisfying to be able to do my job and be appreciated by my employer and by the great team of people I work with.