After 41 years, this Kansas City driver still has the ‘cool bus’

Shelia Mosley, a Zūm driver in Kansas City, puts a lot of work into making her school bus a special place: The walls and ceiling are decorated with cheerful signs and pennants for local sports teams. Each day she wears a custom outfit covered in school buses, and she often gives treats to her passengers (after getting their parents’ permission, of course).

“My kids say, ‘Oh, you’ve got a cool bus! I like this bus!’” Mosley laughs. “I really like what I do, and I dress for the occasion.”

Mosley has been driving a school bus for 41 years, or long enough to serve multiple generations of students. This is her second year with Zum, which launched its partnership with Kansas City Public Schools in 2024.

Each morning Mosley wakes up at 3 a.m. to make the 22-mile drive to the bus yard. After her morning routes, she goes back home to take her husband to work as a track and field coach. In the afternoon, she returns to drive students home. 

“I try not to miss work, because I know my kids are depending on me to be there,” she says. 

“Sheila brings an incredible 41 years of experience to her role and her pride in what she does is evident the moment you step onto her bus,” says Vikas Gupta, General Manager at Zum in Kansas City. “From maintaining an exceptionally clean and welcoming environment to dressing for the occasion every day, she takes true ownership of her bus and the student experience. Her enthusiasm, consistency and commitment to her students are what make her very special and make her a truly valued member of the Zum team and a trusted partner for Kansas City Public Schools.”

While school buses haven’t changed too much in 41 years, she adds that she appreciates the tablet that Zum drivers use as well as the air-conditioned buses. Mosley maintains a positive energy and prioritizes cleanliness and good behavior. Colorful signs remind kids of school bus safety rules. (“Mrs. Mosley’s Bus — I Run The Show!!!” reads a sign up front.)

But the real treat comes at the end of the school year, when Mosley rents an ice cream truck and treats all of her passengers, from elementary through high school. 

When she isn’t working, you might find Mosley cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder or going camping with her husband of 30 years. But during the week, everyone knows where to find her. 

“I have a good report with my students,” Mosley says. “They love my bus.”