Bus Driver Review

I inspect buses for faults and ensure that their compliance with legislation, follow directions on my written duty boards to drive the correct routes at the correct time. I ensure that I meet customer needs by picking them up and dropping them off, providing them with information as and when required. I correct revenue for the company, issue correct tickets to passengers and pay in at the end of the day.

I learnt how to drive a large vehicle, have managed to build on my existing customer service skills. I learnt how to manage the Stagecoach app and utilise it to provide information to passengers. I also learnt my way around the Alton / Bordon area, which is a part of Hampshire with which I was previously unfamiliar.

I enjoy the work / study aspect of my program and find the conversations, experience sharing etc that we discuss via zoom to be extremely helpful with my day to day job and feel reassured that having an apprenticeship will help me with my future career prospects. Everyone is friendly and helpful.

There is always a clear aim of any activity that is explained to us at the start of the workshop, various segments, breaks and discussions are managed in a professional way, allowing for fun experience sharing whilst keeping us on topic and within the guidelines which we are reminded of at the start of each session.

My employer is supportive of my role in the apprenticeship programme, giving me time to attend whenever possible despite severe staff shortages. Normally I actually attend on a rest day and claim the overtime as a preference which they are again supportive of. If I need help answering a question, I know that I can approach a leading driver or controller for a better explanation.

I have always had helpful support from my training provider, they answer emails quickly and offer phone or zoom support. During sessions I know that I can discuss any concerns with them privately or publicly and that I will get any assistance that I need. They structure zoom calls in such a way that no one feels sidelined or under pressure.

The support I have received during learning has enabled me to focus on the importance of my role as a whole, not just in the carrying of passengers from a to b. It has highlighted my roles and responsibilities in a way that I may not have previously considered. Repetition of policy, legalities and best management has given me the confidence to deal with emergency situations and the mundane with professionalism and knowledge.

Unfortunately in the post covid world and due to high staff turnover we do not have many social events at Basingstoke. I have gotten involved with the union and have discussed setting up a lottery syndicate with a few other drivers. We do have networks that support colleagues with additional requirements, such as carers, lgbt, parents etc.

Yes

Stagecoach is a well recognised company with plenty of opportunity to advance or move around if you wanted or needed it. They provide training in regards to actually obtaining a licence, apprenticeship, onward development such as engineering or management, they actively want drivers to apply to become mentors and help out their colleagues.

To simply do it. There are not many companies that would put new employees through such high value training and only require a minimal commitment. They have a number of jobs at most locations with quick starts in many cases, allowing anyone who wanted a career with a safe future to apply almost immediately.