‘It's about the safety and well-being of the kids’: School bus driver refuses to allow her coworker to take over her regular driving route because it breaks safety procedures and protocols, potentially putting kids at risk

Author image for Lana DeGaetano
Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."
Oct 9, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

All school staff—from teachers to bus drivers—must take student safety into account at all times. Honestly, they're with your children (awake) more than you are, so it's important that the children they look out for take the top spot on their priority lists. Without our mandated reporters, children would be lost, and there would be unavoidable and irreversible mistakes.

Luckily, the school bus driver who shares this next story explains that first and foremost, her students are her top priority—even in the face of a bitter coworker who wants to switch bus routes with them.

I'm not a bus driver, but it seems like each driver on the faculty is assigned a route so that they can memorize it, and nothing gets confused in their daily proceedings. The bus driver's coworker demands that she switch routes with her because hers is less "demanding," which is not only untrue but also telling of the colleague's work ethic. We all have to work for a living, and sometimes, work is hard. An "easy" day at the risk of a child's safety isn't worth it, and the bus driver knows this. Her colleague was not happy with this outcome. Scroll below.

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  • "Her words were, 'You always get the easy routes! You should let me have this one, I need it more!"" EMERGENCY DOOR RELEASE➡ DIESEL FUEL ONLY
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • The bus driver is grappling with guilt, despite remaining firm in her decision to stick to her own route.

    At the end of the day, a stressed colleague is a small price to pay for the confirmed safety of the children, including kids with special needs. There's a reason that the school assigns specific routes to certain bus drivers… Knowing your schedule like the back of your hand is essential for a smooth pick-up process, especially when parents have a schedule to adhere to as well.

    What do you think? Is the bus driver thinking too far into this? Continue reading below.

  • "AITA for refusing to let my coworker take my regular route because she needs it more?"

    I (36F) am a school bus driver, and I've been stewing over a conflict with a coworker (39F).
    via BubblyCr***
  • I've been driving the same route close to two years now. it's a long one with younger kids who
    via BubblyCr***
  • require a lot of supervision. I am very conversant with this route like the back of my hand,
    via BubblyCr***
  • and it's part of why parents trust me. Last week Thursday, my coworker asked me if she could
    via BubblyCr***
  • switch routes with me because she said hers was too stressful this week.
    via BubblyCr***
  • I told her I couldn't and my route isn't about convenience because it involves following strict
    via BubblyCr***
  • safety procedures, handling some kids with special needs, and coordinating drop-offs with multiple schools.
    via BubblyCr***
  • a group of elementary age school children sitting together on a school bus, smiling at the camera
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • She said she understands but insists that I do this, because I can. Her words were "You always get the easy routes! You should
    via BubblyCr***
  • let me have this one, I need it more!" | was shocked. Not only is my route demanding, but
    via BubblyCr***
  • framing it as if I was being unfair felt completely uncalled for.
    via BubblyCr***
  • We ended up arguing in the break room. She kept bringing up all the times I covered her shifts like it was a moral debt.
    via BubblyCr***
  • Honestly, it felt manipulative and I was left feeling emotionally drained.
    via BubblyCr***
  • Other workers noticed she was sulking and muttering about me the rest of the day, which makes me feel even worse.
    via BubblyCr***
  • I understand wanting a break, but this isn't just a favor situation, it's about the safety and well- being of the kids. I
    via BubblyCr***
  • didn't budge but I'm second-guessing myself. AITA for refusing to switch routes with her?
    via BubblyCr***
  • Buick6NY This is a her problem, not a you problem
    via Buick6NY
  • SparkleMrs Exactly it's her problem. Life is unfair she should deal with it instead of trying to guilt trip OP
    via SparkleMrs
  • Nikosma Lord...when I read about almost 40-year-olds doing this I'm at a loss. ' NTA - Stand your ground - You have absolutely logical reasons for keeping your route. I would inform your manager at this point because she's creating a toxic/hostile environment. She needs to grow up.
    via Nikosma
  • Exotic-Rooster4427 All the times you covered her shifts? So you do more than enough for her by helping her out?
    via Exotic-Rooster4427
  • If you want the route. Keep the route. If you like the route keep it. If she has a problem she needs to go to the manager.
    via Exotic-Rooster4427
  • Not you. Her manipulation tactics work because you're a nice person. Next time just say no and sit on your bus until it is time to go. If she creates an atmosphere tell report her. Chances are her behaviour is clocked and noted.
    via Exotic-Rooster4427

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