Being a Ground Pilot

Experiences as a People Hauler

More “new fish” to haul today. These “new fish” are different than those I used to haul, because they’re all excited college students. ‘Tis the season. Another group of around 300 or so and I’m mid pack in a group of 9 buses. Really something to see traveling down the interstate. Some are easily stunned by seeing such an apparent spectacle.

Back a few years ago, the other “fish” I’d be haulin’ were headed to the “Joint” (reflecting on those “Gray Goose” runs to Wasco is used to make in 2 hours flat — no stop/s enroute, doorstep to doorstep to the IRC to see the Reception Officer at R&R).

Yep. You name it…the crime…I hauled the person that had to face a judge and got convicted of something (-Including a magistrate-)

What a dynamic (I think interesting) parallel as I sit in the seat, thinking about my past experience driving coaches. A few years ago on select midweek days, I’d have 50 or so aboard, chained and manacled, outbound to the “joint” to do time they owed and it wouldn’t be a peep much beyond some braggadocio, shot callin’ and a little yard posturing. Fairly quiet aboard the ol’ silver prisoner transport coach, I’d hear more of that turbo whistle, boosting that 8v92 down the road.

These days? I could barely hear myself breathe over the youthful exuberance of college co-ed’s. Most of which, old enough to be my own kid.