Syrenity

 @ Kingdoc & Flowerpower.......You both just brang back vivid memories of days 7-10 for me of how many tears I shed, how much my hands and legs trembled and that feeling of defeat basically how shot to hell my nerves we're when I trained. I'm glad I didn't experience any of the daily issuse I've read some have experienced however, I did mess up on qualification day and had to go to day 10.   As you can guess after that my nerves we're shot to shingles X infinity and the sight of the 2 most notorious instructors on my bus had me mentally out of the game before It even began on day 10. I say this to encourage you to trust yourselves & what the instructor is showing you. Please don't psych yourselves out!  I know it's a lot of info to absorb in a short amount of time while simultaneously battling your nerves but, you can do this!! 

I know it's cliche to say and from your point of view it sounds easier said than done (I felt the same when other's said it to me) but, try your best to calm down and focus on execution and correcting the mistakes they are pointing out and you'll  be fine. You already know how to drive you just need to learn the MTA way.  My prayers are with you both as well as the other's in class now.  I'm trying to remain calm for my turn.... It'll  be here before I know it. And prayerfully I won't allow my nerves to get the best of me like I did the first time.  Best wishes to you both on a day 7 qualification..... Hell a qualification on any day will do!

Is there a number I can call ?

I don't know the number to the unit that handles appeals but, here is the general number to the employment unit ask them for the correct department/unit you need to contact.

347-643-8229

If you fail the mta bus training, how long it take for you to reapply?. On does the reapplying waiting period goes for all three mta bus division?

 You can take any upcoming test however they tell youthere is a  4-5 years wait to be able to be rehired/ go fortraining . I heard of people appealing it to have that time frame reduced but i dot't know if it worked. It made 5 yrs for me this June

I took a drug test on 3/15/13 and still haven't received any calls or notice letters for 2901. 

Have you been in contact with any of the employment unit staff to inquire since then?

How long does it take for MTA to notify you of your Drug test results?

They normally don't contact you with drug test results. The results are usually back within 2-3 business days as per the individual's who administer the tests. However, if you call the staff will say 2-90 days which the 90 days is how long the test is valid.

You can call and ask but depending on who you speak with if they decide to respond they will just say pass/ fail. Once you pass you will only receive a call as to when to report for medical if you failed you will only receive a letter saying your no longer being considered for the position.

Question: I am nearsighted and I wear contacts. I do have a pair of glasses that i never wear. I know that I must have the glasses in my possession during training but do I have to remove my contacts and wear the glasses for the training. I don't think so but need to make sure. Thanks

No you won't be required to wear glasses only for bus training. I have prescription lenses and glasses which I carry as backup but, I trained only in my lenses.

Of course I'm sure you will or already do like most lens wearers: keep an extra pair of lenses with you as well as your glasses, you never know.

It's supposed to be valid 90 days yet they had me go back yesterday morning, which is less than 60 days. Found it strange since there is the July 29 class (found that out straight from the head of schoolcar a few weeks ago). With 1061 being last appointed I was thinking I'd get the July class instead of later, #110x. Redoing the drug test makes it seem like an August or later sort of deal. Currently in C/R schoolcar, so i'm ready for whenever

There was a lady there Tues who is going for CR she said she turned down the BO because it pays less than her current MTA position and that she was there because she had received a 2nd notice to take the drug test however, she had just taken it 3 wks ago.

She was told that they called her for a retake because they were planning ahead. That by the time the next anticipated CR class was to start her 90 day's would be up she was tight because like you she was trying to get in an earlier class later this month or early August.

That's awesome man!

I got through to Barbara Shivers today. Turns out, TA never told DCAS I cleared medical hold (two weeks ago.) I have an appt. next week for final processing...finally! Confirmed that July 29th class is on, and that they will be contacting eligibles shortly. Hang tight-- things are starting to move again!

On a related note: My original DT was May 2nd. That should be valid for 90 days correct? I don't mind taking another one, but-- I'd like to leave 180 that day with employee pass in-hand. I'd prefer to not wait for the results of yet another DT.

Yesterday when I was @ 180 they said it was valid 90 days.

Me personally I was hired as a bus operator a few short year's ago I resigned because I did not qualify during training to take the dmv road test. Going in a few hours to take my DT in hopes of being hired once again for at least one of the 2 bus operator lists that i'm on (TA & MTA Bus). I'm also on lists for 5 other MTA positions as well but, that's a whole other story.

In terms of you staying in constant contact with staff your doing the right things just continue to be consistent and most of all pray for extra patience as we all sure need it dealing with this process.

Yes indeed that left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing syndrome is the experience that the majority of us have dealt with or will at some point. I know i've gone through my share of it over the years which is why I stay very proactive and don't only wait around for letters and calls. I call and write frequently and i also do pop up checks/ inquiries when I can.

They are known for making mistakes down there over and over again. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. I would keep calling and calling until I get the right answer.

What He↑↑↑↑ said.

Hey guys going in for my drug test in 180 Livingston can anyone tell me what come next and how long can I expect them to call me for training? Thanx

If they didn't give you the packet to fill out already and/or had you stay for your medical exam than you will be waiting for them to contact you to come in for that. Once your called for medical if all the paperwork is completed accurately and your medical goes well they will tell you the start date for your training class if one is available at that time. You will be sworn in, fingerprinted and you will take your photo for your ID. If not they will contact you with that information as well as when you'll come in for fingerprints etc.

indeed it is I was surprised myself.  If the young lady was accurate than they are making great progress

Found out today they are up to # 326

You're welcome i'm trying my best to be patient along with the rest of you.

Three weeks ago I spoke to Mrs. Watson @ 180 I was told the last # was 199. She said they were calling again in june but didn't say a date.

Thank you for teaching me something new. I haven't parked between two vehicles yet. Either in training now and even during B/O training a few yrs ago they didn't have us do that.

Does practicing with a school bus help with parking - backing - alley dock - ect...  ????

The training on the school bus does go over pre trip, parking, backing and all the other important techniques you need to operate a commercial bus with air brakes. I've never heard the term alley dock before even when I trained with MTA previously so I can't comment on that. However, I decided to take some CDL lessons and try to get my full license before training so I'd have less to worry about like last time. Most if not all schools conduct CDL training on school buses. I tried looking for one with charter buses and wasn't successful.

You might have been one of the student's I saw over by sprint creek practicing parking and backing up if you saw a white school bus on the same block that was me practicing as well.

I just fail on 6-17-13,that was day 10.I was support to pass on day 9,but i hit a curb.the training is one of the most intense experience of my life. At night before training I couldn't sleep, that was how intense it was.But I leave with a lot of experience.

Sorry to hear that Battob. I actually know how you feel I had the same experience a couple years ago. Don't worry you will get another opportunity and be way more prepared I'd you choose to take it. You will never look at a bus driver the same though and if you ride any you will find yourself going over what was taught in your head lol.

I never hit a curb or anything during training however, after coming to a full stop I eased off the breaks and inched up too far and my wheels touched the crosswalk that's an automatic failure especially on qualification day. My nerves we're shot from the beginning and were 10 x worse on day 10 when I found out i'd be driving with 2 infamously tough instructors. Like you I walked away with a new respect for bus drivers and lots of lessons & experience. Now if this medical appointment happens before summer's end i'd be in heaven.

@ Syrenity, 

 

Wish you all the best this time around. Thanks for sharing.

No problem and Thank you. My sincere best to you as well.

What have you learnt from you past experience?

My last experience processing for the B/O position was 5 yrs ago and it taught me a whole lot. For one it was a good example of teaching me how to become way more proactive in preparing myself with information and skills. I also had to deal with coming face to face with a fear I didn't know existed which in turn forced me to learn how to control my emotions. I was extremely nervous {to the point of physically trembling while waiting as my fellow co workers were having their turn behind the wheel, had stomach upset for a few days and most definitely tears days 8-10}

Unfortunately for me, I couldn't get over that hurdle fast enough. I allowed my fears to get the best of me instead of using them to challenge myself to get past it all and execute what was taught to me at my absolute best. Those are the greatest benefits I walked away with even though it honestly felt like someone had reached inside my chest and ripped my heart clean out when I had to turn in my pass and officially resign. I am greatful for the experience I now know what's expected of me and what challenges are ahead of me.

Skill wise I have learned how to be an even better listener and on my own have taken initiative to practice the things I've been taught. All the fear I had regarding opearating that RTS {I know they are way outdated but, that's what I was trained on} is long gone. I can and will walk into this

opportunity with no doubt or fears. I can begin training as a sponge ready to absorb all the instructors teach and prayerfully I will execute my way

well through training, graduation and that 365 big boy....probation!

Did you drive for MTA before

If that was for me I went through B/O training but didn't get past that.

Thank You

Your more than welcome. I'm waiting patiently for medical and mentally preparing as well to begin training {Again}. I just wish I was aware of forums like this before my first time in so like you I'm taking full advantage of the plethora of information available. Right now I'm a sponge soaking it all in.

Yes, someone did state that it was open book and after the DMV test. In my case after day 7-10. I was confirming because my buddy told me different. Maybe he was bugging out. 

 

Do they test you on the pre-trip to see what you know or do they instruct you first?

 

Thanks

They don't care what was taught or known previously the only thing that matters is what is being taught at the moment and if your learning how to operate that vehicle the MTA way. Training begins day 1 at Zerega and with hands on instruction starting Day 2 {once you arrive at your randomly selected depot} They absolutely test and evaluate your knowledge and progress DAILY on ALSAPS/ pre- trip, bus stops, turns, backing up, parking basically.... EVERYTHING!!!! Everyone in your group will get the same level of training "The MTA way" it doesn't matter if you've been driving trucks or buses for years or if it's your very 1st time behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.

Thanks,

 

There is a written 19-A test the first day at Zerega. Can I study the DMV manual for that test?

 

Your welcome.

From my experience the 19-A was not given the first day at Zerega. To my knowledge it is given after you qualify on either day 7 or 10 for your DMV road test {whichever day applies to you} given the fact you pass said road test. I was told it's an open book test even though it's years later I'm 90% positive about that {90% only because I didn't qualify for my road test so, I can't confirm anything beyond day 10}. However, I'm sure that somewhere on this site you can get that 100% clarity you need on whether there is a study guide available or if it is in fact an actual open book test.