There are many similarities and differences between bus driving and driving a regular vehicle.

Liz Esbenshade knows some things about driving a bus. She's sort of an expert.

"When you're driving a bus, you have to think about your turns," said Esbenshade. "You have to be careful that you don't sideswipe anyone. I feel safer in my bus than I do in a car because you're sitting higher up and you have all those mirrors. When I started, I wasn't worried about driving, I was worried about what the kids were doing. You can't see everything, but you can see quite a bit."

Esbenshade recently retired from a 46-year career as a bus driver in the Eastern Lancaster County (ELANCO) School District. It was quite a run, complete with deferential relationships, dependability and safety.

"I just felt it was long enough and I wanted to do other things," said Esbenshade, a 76-year-old resident of New Holland. "For the most part, I really enjoyed the kids, and I really enjoyed driving the bus. I always tried to be a good influence on the children. It seemed like the right time.

"I got a couple of cards from parents that said, 'We consider you a friend, not just our child's bus driver,'" added Esbenshade.

As an employee of Brightbill Transportation, Esbenshade drove bus No. 44 between five and seven hours every school day - mornings and afternoons. Her passengers included high school kids, elementary school children and students attending the Brownstown campus of Lancaster County Career and Technology Center.

"I opened my door as many as 90 times a day," said Esbenshade. "I was always on time. I hardly ever missed work. I had perfect attendance quite a few years. I tried to be kind to the kids - not to be their buddy, but I tried to be respectful. I never really dreaded going to work."

Esbenshade began driving at a time when busses had manual stick-shift transmissions and drivers were expected to check and add fluids to their busses' engines and apply chains to tires during times of inclement weather. That work is now performed by transportation company mechanics.

"The reason I started doing it is because it allowed me to be home with our (three) children," said Esbenshade. "I think it's an excellent job for a mother or retiree who wants summers off. I feel like Brightbill pays very well, and they offer incentives. They try to do things that show their appreciation."

Esbenshade started driving a bus for Hinkletown Mennonite School in 1981 before taking a bus driving position that filled a need in the ELANCO School District.

"I know I'm going to miss some of the children," said Esbenshade. "Some of the children came up to me and said, 'I'm really going to miss you.' One girl cried, and some of the parents came out to wish me well. I have a lot of respect for parents who expect their children to act responsibly. I tried to treat everyone the same and tried to be respectful of rules."

"It probably won't fully hit me until the fall," concluded Esbenshade. "But I'll be glad not to get up at five in the morning anymore."