Bus/coach drivers provide a transport service for passengers making short or long journeys. They are responsible for the care, safety and comfort of their passengers. A bus driver:
- drives a bus along a local regular route, pulling in and out at bus stops, often in heavy traffic, to pick up and set down passengers
- checks that everyone is safe before opening or shutting the doors
- works out the fare for each passenger, deals with money, issues tickets and checks season tickets and passes if there is no conductor
- notifies passengers, on request, when arriving at their stop
- checks that passengers do not stay on the bus past the stop they have paid for.
Some bus drivers ferry passengers on short trips, for example, from commercial car parks to airports.
A coach driver:
- drives a coach on longer trips, intercity or even abroad – trips may last hours or days, with breaks in towns or at motorway service stations
- loads and unloads large luggage into the baggage compartment of the coach
- takes fares or checks off names on a passenger list
- learns local laws if driving abroad and, in most other countries, drives on the right
- gives advice and information and, in some cases, a commentary to passengers
- makes sure no one is left behind
- deals with staff in hotels and restaurants at stopovers
- may have to clean the coach and its toilet facilities, and re-stock refreshments.
Both bus and coach drivers:
- check their vehicles, working from a safety checklist, to make sure they are in good working order
- pick up and drop off passengers, greeting them politely and answering any queries
- can be involved in providing community transport for school children, the elderly, or people with disabilities
- help disabled passengers – some vehicles have a lift for wheelchairs
- observe passengers inside the bus or coach and deal with any anti-social behaviour
- try to keep to their schedule, arriving at each stop on time
- drive safely and legally
- control the vehicle’s heating, lighting and ventilation
- deal with lost property and suspicious packages
- cope with emergencies, such as breakdowns, accidents, illness or aggression.
Hours and environment
European Union (EU) laws regulate hours of work, and drivers must have a 45-minute break after driving for four hours and 30 minutes. There is also a 56-hour weekly driving time limit, with a 90-hour maximum over any two weeks.
Most bus/coach drivers work shifts or rotas covering evenings, weekends, and sometimes nights. Some companies are introducing ‘family-friendly shifts’, with fixed hours on a rota basis. Full-time working hours can range from 37 to 45 a week, over five or six days. Part-time opportunities are increasing.
Coach drivers taking tours may be away from home for one or more weeks at a time, and may sometimes go overseas. Work for holiday and excursion coach drivers may be seasonal.
Bus/coach drivers spend most of the day sitting in the cabs of their vehicles. Some cabs are sealed off from the passenger area by security screens. Coach drivers get out of the cab to load and unload luggage, or to help disabled or elderly passengers. Bus drivers normally get out only at official break times.
Bus and coach drivers usually have to wear a uniform, which the company provides.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live. Starting salaries are in the region of €28,000 rising to €45,000 subject to transport company and location. Overtime and shift work may increase wages. Some companies offer free or concessionary travel.
Skills and personal qualities
Bus/coach drivers need:
- excellent driving skills and awareness of safety and security
- good communication skills and a clear speaking voice
- a polite and approachable manner with passengers
- to be calm and have the confidence to work with minimal supervision
- good eyesight and observation skills
- good concentration and the ability to remain alert for long periods
- quick reactions and to be able to cope in all traffic conditions
- to be able to complete checklists and other forms
- cash handling skills
- assertiveness for coping with difficult passengers
- to be punctual and able to work to timetables
- a thorough knowledge of driving laws
- to have knowledge of other languages, if driving overseas.
Interests
It is important to enjoy:
- driving and travel
- meeting and assisting members of the public.
Entry Routes:
The essential qualification for driving any kind of bus or coach is the D1 licence. To train for this licence the applicant must be 21 years of age or older, a category B driving licence is required and a category D driver learner permit.
Some companies ony employ drivers who are already qualified and some offer a driver training programme.
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