A New Chapter with a Route and a Reason

A Morning in Western MA (An anecdotal narrative)

By 6:15 a.m., the mist still hangs over the Connecticut River. Robert—retired from a 30-year manufacturing career—walks the length of his bus in Greenfield, checking lights and tires with a practiced calm. He knows his regulars by name now; he notices who’s carrying a science project and who needs a cheerful hello. The AM run ends before 9:00. He gets coffee with a friend, schedules a dental visit, and spends an hour in the garden. At 2:00, he’s back for the PM route. By 4:30, dinner is simmering. No late shifts. No weekends. But plenty of purpose.

Why Massachusetts School Bus Driving Works for Retirees

• School-day rhythm: Morning and afternoon blocks align with your life and energy.

• Community ties: You’ll become a familiar, trusted adult presence in your town.

• Paid training: Many MA employers help you earn the CDL with (P) & (S) endorsements.

• Healthier routine: Light physical activity, daylight schedule, built-in social time at the yard.

Requirements & Onboarding

• Clean driving record, background checks, DOT medical

• CDL with P/S endorsements (often employer-supported in Massachusetts)

• Solid attendance, communication, and safety mindset

Add Hours Only When You Want

• Optional extras: Athletics, field trips, and charters (where offered)

• Seasonal flexibility: Many retirees opt out of summer; others choose a few charters for fun

Growth—If You Want It

• Mentor new drivers, become a Trainer/Lead Driver, or support Safety and Dispatch

• Contribute to winter safety refreshers and parent communication best practices

How to Start in MA

1. Search “training provided” roles on SchoolBusHero.com.

2. Bring your reliability, patience, and calm to the interview.

3. Map your ideal hours (AM/PM only vs. add-on trips) before you start.

Next Step

Explore Massachusetts school bus driving openings now on SchoolBusHero.com—and choose purpose that fits your retirement.