After discharging the last customer, what should the bus operator do if he is scheduled to depart in 6 minutes?

When a bus operator has discharged the last customer and is scheduled to depart in 6 minutes, turning the bus engine off until ready to depart is the most appropriate action. This is because leaving the engine running unnecessarily consumes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions, which is not environmentally friendly.

Additionally, turning off the engine when the bus is stationary for a short duration helps ensure that the bus is preparing for a more efficient operation. When the bus is about to depart, the operator can quickly restart the engine, ensuring that the vehicle is ready for the next phase of the route without any significant delay.

This approach aligns with practices promoting efficiency and sustainability in public transportation operations. A proactively maintained schedule also indicates that the operator is focused on timely service without causing traffic or environmental issues.