Bus Driver
Buses and bus services are the vital public transport links in our cities, towns and villages.
Drivers are responsible for passenger safety, ensuring they have a safe, comfortable journey, and have their tickets to ride.
They guide a bus on a set route, stopping to pick up and let passengers off when needed.
They are also responsible for:
l Following routes as scheduled and checking for changes and alterations before starting a journey.
l Keeping to speed limits to ensure passenger comfort and punctual running.
l Always being alert and observant for potential obstacles, hazards and other dangers.
l Following all highway regulations and signs.
l Selling tickets to passengers.
l Handling cash.
l Looking after passengers in case of accident or other emergencies.
l Handling problems, such as badly behaved passengers, accidents, technical issues, etc.
l Helping passengers in need of extra help such as disabled people or OAPS.
l Ensuring all doors and controls are functioning properly.
l Keeping buses clean.
Most buses operate on a full timetable over six days a week with reduced services on Sundays and public holidays.
Bus operators, such as Stagecoach provide suitable opportunities for bus drivers on all rural, urban and metropolitan routes.
Bus drivers spend much of their day sat in driver seats and cabs. Sometimes cabs are sealed, but often they are exposed to passengers.
The basic starting salary is around £11000 per year, with more paid for shift working and overtime.
Beyond good GSCEs, no formal qualifications are needed for anyone to become a bus driver. New recruits must be at least 18 (sometimes 21), in possession of a full, clean driving licence. Companies recruiting drivers will provide them with training and instruction leading towards a Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence.
Applicants are required to pass assessment tests and undergo a full medical for fitness, eyesight, hearing and colour vision. They will also be subject to random testing for drugs and alcohol.
Vacancies are advertised publicly by bus operating companies, but they often recruit from within, as well as through job centres and local press.
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