Bus drivers across the UK have teamed up with the Government as part of a push to get more people into the career, where no two days are ever the same.
Drivers all the way from London to Cumbria have shared their pride in a career that offers fast progression, competitive salaries, and a sense of purpose, all while enjoying views of some of the UK’s best landscapes.
Driving a bus is a rewarding career with drivers working on a shift basis, enabling a good work-life balance, with good benefits, travel concessions and strong prospects. Once behind the wheel, many stay in the industry for decades.
It is never too late or early to become a bus driver, with pathways open to those entering the world of work for the first time or thinking about a change of career.
While recent industry figures show there is a shortfall in the bus and coach driver sector, and although operators have made strong strides in closing the gap, drivers are now putting forward their stories to get more people on board.
For Leea Carnegie, a 25-year-old driver working for Stagecoach Yorkshire, the job is more than just one with fast development.
She said: “I love being a bus driver as its not only a way to give back to the community, but you get to join a team that are more like family. I started out as an apprentice and in a year and six months have been given the brilliant opportunity of becoming a lead driver.
“I would highly encourage people to join our industry as the support and growth is endless, even if it’s just to make someone smile.”
Meanwhile Jamie Jackson, 24, joined Stagecoach when he was just 18. He said he has received “so many opportunities” in the six years of being a bus driver.
He said: “I also really enjoy driving around many different areas, meeting new people and seeing regular faces who also recognise you too. Being a bus driver at such a young age really makes me feel like I’ve achieved a great profession.
“Within the bus industry there are so many opportunities to progress. I’d highly recommend bus driving to anyone who loves to drive and has great people skills.”
For Sophie Ord, a 24-year-old driver for Go North East who has supported major events like the Great North Run, there has never been a better time to get involved in bus driving.
She said: “I love being a bus driver because every day is different and I get to make a real difference in people’s lives. As a young female driver, I’m proud to be part of an industry that’s evolving and becoming more diverse. I’ve gained fantastic road experience and confidence, and I genuinely enjoy helping passengers get to where they need to be safely.
“I’d highly recommend bus driving to other young people. It’s a career that offers independence, responsibility, and the chance to travel around different places, meet new people, and experience something new every day, far from being stuck in a typical office job.”
Simon Lightwood, Minister for Roads and Buses, said: “These testimonies from our brilliant bus and coach drivers show just how rewarding a career this is. It truly offers something for everyone, from those weighing up what’s next after Summer exams to people looking for a radical change.
“With our £3 billion investment in services for the next three years and our Bus Services Act now law, there has never been a better time to get involved in this wonderful industry, and I hope to see more talented drivers over the coming years.”
The push from bus drivers comes at a time when buses are being overhauled by the Government, with the Bus Services Act giving local leaders unprecedented power over their services.
A further £3 billion is being invested in bus services over the next three years with local authorities able use their allocation in any way they see fit, including cheaper fares, more electric buses, or upgraded stations. Operators will also receive a portion of this investment to help maintain and improve their services.
This can only mean good news for bus drivers, with the Act also increasing protections for socially necessary routes, meaning more routes need to be provided for, and mandating training so drivers can properly tackle anti-social behaviour on board.
Meanwhile, the fast roll out of electric buses across the UK is not just offering smoother journeys for passengers, but also for drivers, with these quieter and greener vehicles often more enjoyable to drive than diesel counterparts.
There is regular engagement across Government and with industry to understand and monitor the pressures operators are facing.
