Turns out, turning right takes work.

At least when you’re learning to drive a 15-seat ‘turtle-top’ bus.

Thankfully, people like F&S’ Andy Ray are there to help drivers get accustomed to a big rig.

F&S’ transportation division deals with cars, trucks, vans, and buses meant for U. of I. use. Some customers need to rent a car for a quick trip; others sign up for UI Ride, the shuttle service that goes between C-U and Chicago; there’s the vehicles needed by F&S’ crafts and trades shops; and there’s the capability to hire an F&S driver to transport people or goods, like when they helped get COVID-19 tests taken on campus to the labs where they were processed.

For bus-driving orientation, offered for free by F&S transportation a few times per week, two Illinois employees can attend each session, where they learn about the inside and outside of the bus. It’s big. You’ve got to use your side-view mirrors. There’s a back door for storing *some* baggage. Taking up four parking spots is encouraged, to offer passengers a safe, comfortable way in and out of the bus.

Recently, Madison Wilson from the School of Labor and Employment Relations, and Axel Baldwin, from F&S transportation, took Ray’s lessons and learned this new skill.

Right Practice Makes Perfect Rights

Ray encourages drivers, offering plenty of time to practice in Lot E14.

Turning right is the maneuver that requires more attention than when driving a normal passenger vehicle.

First, make sure you stop plenty early, behind the stop sign or line at the stop light.

Next, you’ll have to lean forward and backward in your seat to ensure you see everything to your right; because of the layout of the bus and it’s windows, you’ll want to take your time with blind spots. Bicyclists and pedestrians are abound, so keep your eyes open. After assessing traffic flows, it’s time to go!

As you inch forward, you’ll want to turn to the right, then wheel back left, before turning the wheel for your turn onto the street. Ray calls this a ‘button hook’ turn. The whole point is to avoid hitting the curb, or an overhanging street sign, on the right side.

Ray enjoys this part of his job – a task he shares with others in F&S transportation.

“I like people, so it’s a fun thing for me to help with,” he said.