Originally posted by Paul L.
I find it is safer to pass the bus on the left if there is no traffic and the bus seems to be stopped for some time. I have seen buses stopped for 5 to 10 minutes before and I refuse to wait for them in this situation. If it appears that the bus will be stopped for just a few seconds I will wait. In some areas I find I can outrun the bus, especially in congested areas. In other areas the Bus averages 25 mph and I just let it go. I think it depends on the situation.
I deal with buses similarly. My commute only requires me to interact with a bus occasionally. In the particular areas that I normally encounter them, it is pretty easy to merge into the traffic lane and pass the bus. Often, if a bus just overtakes me as we are approaching a stop, the bus driver will often wait a few seconds for me, then pull to the curb.