Why does it take so long for bus drivers to swap over and why is it
done half way through a route?

In practise this shouldn't take too long, as the driver is approaching
the
stop where the changeover takes place he can sign-off his module and
print
off a waybill, then as the bus stops just grab his cash bag and leave
the
bus, the new driver gets in, signs on his module and drives off.

Are you seriously suggesting that a bus driver should do his paperwork
(even
if it on a machine not actually on paper) while driving the bus along the
road?

As a response to the question above, *and* to answer the
question in the subject line.....

Many years ago, I caught an overnight coach from London to
Edinburgh. The drivers changed over without stopping -
the outgoing driver standing up, the incoming one slipping
in behind him, with a co-ordinated hand- (and foot-) over of
wheel and accelerator.

A friend who worked on the buses in Edinburgh told me that
one day there appeared on the bus station noticeboard a
totally serious letter from an American tourist, congratulating
the company's drivers on having perfected this tricky and
impressive manoeuvre. It was, of course, accompanied with
a note from management saying that anyone caught doing
this would have their employment terminated immediately.
--
Garry Smith