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SALT LAKE CITY — Bus drivers and TRAX train operators have the some of the most stressful jobs in the city — from sitting for hours in traffic to dealing with unruly customers, even trying to avoid cars and pedestrians that cut them off.
Still, many of them consider the work they do rewarding.
Every day, the Utah Transit Authority's bus and train operators try to stop their machines from crushing people and cars in their paths.
Scott Wheeler has driven UTA buses for nine years, and he's had his share of aggressive drivers and pedestrians.
"By the time of the next stop, I have to put it out of my head," Wheeler said. "Other guys can't let it go. I just got to move on. I have an important job watching passengers and the road."
"He's got to pay attention to passengers, traffic. I couldn't do it," said UTA passenger James Purcell.
But if you think driving a bus is difficult, try operating a TRAX train. Unlike a bus, TRAX operators can't dodge people trying to beat the train.
"There's a fair amount of people that really don't understand what we do," TRAX operator Owen Cox said. "I know people are in a hurry downtown, but cut back on the jaywalking in front of the train."
But with all the stress that comes from weaving these big machines through the city, Wheeler and Cox wouldn't trade their jobs for anything.
"It's fun to drive a train," Cox said. "Not too many people do what I do."
"We just want to keep the traffic moving," Wheeler added. "Give us the chance to do our jobs. We'll all be happy."
Email: psamore@ksl.com
