Are the bus drivers at Disney employees of Disney or is that job subcontracted out?

[TDC Nala]

Disney Transportation (the buses you take from the resort to the parks, etc) are Disney employees.

Disney Magical Express (the airport transportation service) is contracted out to Mears.

If there is a transportation issue like the monorail going down for an extended period of time or a special event needing extra transportation, Disney sometimes brings in Mears buses to assist.

Yes, I've seen a few (only a few) outright rude Disney bus drivers. Have also seen a few rude CMs in other areas. In my experience bus drivers are no more or less rude than any other Disney CM.

 

[goofy4tink]

If you take, let's say, 500 bus drivers, you are going to find some that are 'less magical' than others. Same with any group of CMs. Not every single CM, in any area, is going to be 'on' 100% of the time.
I had pretty good bus drivers for my week long stay last week. But I did run across some less then wonderful other CMs.

 

[Missytara]

As long as they drive safely from point A to Point B, how can they be less magical,

Ditto!

I think of the position they are in. Would you rather bus drivers put on a show, or drive safely? What about the crane operator that puts up the lights at the castle, etc?

I also think of the stuff the bus drivers put up with.

Opening the back door of the bus to let on an EVC and having to scurry teenagers who think they can hop on the bus. People expecting at some of the busiest times of year, or even time of day, and complaining about the service. Dealing with people driving on property not used to the traffic or where they are going.

It is a thankless job.