Exploring the Pros and Cons of Being a Bus Driver 4 Key Factors to Consider

[@razormaw6374]

I've been a Bus Driver for about 6 months now with Stagecoach, I have to disagree with some of your points, this job is the most stressless I have ever been. It's the most chill and relaxing job ever, I'm literally getting paid to sit in traffic, it's great. Also being late and not on time isnt streesful, because the controllers back at the depot help you out alot and get you back on track. I enjoy the interactions with passengers, even if they are intoxicated or fallen asleep. I have a great laugh with everyone and the amount of praises you get is through the roof, for getting the customers to their destination safe and sound. This is by far the best job, I put off for years and years and regret doing so. I recommend this to anyone if your stuck in a dead end job.

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Obviously everyone has a different perspective And obviously some will agree and disagree that’s perfectly fine Come back to this comment in a couple of years see if you still feel the same lol I’m glad your enjoying your job

[@aussiejohn5835]

I am a retired bus driver with 47 years driving in Sydney Australia and I think you have a great attitude towards the job and you sound like a "natural." I have always said that you can teach anyone to drive a bus but you can't teach everyone to be a bus driver because you have to be a natural which I think you might be. The first 12 months will show if you have the right attitude for the job. Good luck 👍

[@johnmcdonagh3156]

How much much could I earn as I do tramping atm and have a young family much rather be able to interact with people and go home!,

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

@@johnmcdonagh3156 in brighton we’rr on around £650 a week befotre deductions This does vary because of weekend premiums and overtime This is based on a 39 hour basic week

[@razormaw6374]

​@johnmcdonagh3156 This is exactly the reason I chose to go for Bus Driving the pay is very good for what you do I'm getting between 40k - 45k I've been told depending on overtime maybe even more but the highlight of it all I'm not as tired anymore from doing manual labour type of work so I get to spend more active time with the family.

[@raminbaghirov9998]

Go for that. You will definitely love it. Especially if you wanna travel go and drive tour buses.

[@meekomania205]

Worked for Lothian buses and Strathclyde buses for years.The unions weren’t liked by a lot of drivers.I never once heard drivers raving about them.2 The drivers used to say “your as good as your last shift”meaning anything could happen out there and you could also be held criminally responsible for your driving.If you google it one driver in Lothian buses had been driving for 29 years then he killed a woman.Was deemed his fault.Drivers never seem to like the companies they work for.The shift work is horrendous.The holidays imo never make up for the long shift work day in day out.The free bus pass is useless most drivers have a car. The desk staff and management had no respect for drivers. House prices are so expensive you would need to pay rent for years or mortgages and be tied in to driving if you didn’t like it.The turnover is huge right across the industry that it’s a revolving door. Oh yes the claim culture is big so any harsh braking could result in a claim and the company can send undercover investigators on your bus to check your driving

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Yep

[@bodazephyr6629]

Are Lothian good to work for? They are paying £18/hour at the moment which is the highest I've seen outside London.

[@meekomania205]

@@bodazephyr6629I was there in 2006 so I can’t speak for the 17 year gap,think they were just like you bog standard company.If it was a competition between Edinburgh and London I would say Edinburgh wins as cost ..of living in London is more.pensions are good,overtime premiums not just standard rate.

[@scottcobain27]

im going to do my cpc test on monday for lothian bues whats it like for new drivers for driving hours and family life?

[@bodazephyr6629]

@@pmc8651 what did you do after driving buses?

[@area5638]

That's shocking the hours they expect you to work!

[@busesinWY]

I want to be a bus driver and this has convinced me to become one

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

If you feel it’s right for you then go for it

[@motive1236]

I would like to drive coaches around the country I think that would be fun and you get to see more of the country. I think inter city bus driving would be more stressful.

[@petercurrell9344]

I have done bus😢 and. Coach driving , in coach driving the elderly experienced drivers always get the good jobs (elderly ladies round the Cotswolds.) and I get the moms and kids to Weston. Small tips and dirty interior which you have to sweep out at 11 at night and the cleaners always moan.

[@Just-Buses]

Good summation, Darren. Your company will have applications by the thousands. :-) Casual city bus driver, here in Brisbane, Australia - AUD $40 per hour (GBP 33.00) No double deckers. Just 12.5m rigids, 18.5m artics and 14.5m TAG axles.

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Thank you At the moment we only have double decks I think they’re around 10m We did have longer 12m buses at one stage but they’ve all gone now £33 ph that’s good But is it relative to the cost of living We’re now on £16.83 ph basic so a bit of a difference there

[@stuartstrachan1784]

More like £20 per $40 aus. At 52p to the aus dollar.

[@fruitdemer201]

you forgot the main pro: you do not have a boss who is breathing down your neck while you drive

[@aminsaddique]

Used to be a nice fun career once upon a time ....but them fun days are long gone....Today its just roadworks after roadworks....passenger attitudes are horrendous sometimes even turns violent......stress upon stress ....the only reason im still at it is to put grub on the table and pay the bills.... Definitely would not recommend bus driving for young people....

[@antonyblakeston8541]

Correct, started in 86, it was well paid, great lads that made the day pass with a laugh, passengers had respect for bus drivers. I left after 5 years went back after 7 years and noticed the decline in the job. nobody had any respect he laughs with the lads had gone. I was not the job it was. the only thing that remains is that its like a brotherhood drivers will always help another driver. glad I dont do it now but still have many friends from those days!!

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

True this is partly why I make videos Also the camaraderie between drivers from all companies is second to none I think it’s because we all do the same job With the same stresses As they say once a bus driver always a bus driver Because only a bus driver knows what it’s actually like

[@pokers112]

Lovely video mate. I've been a bus Driver for just over 2 months here in Melbourne Australia and you're right about the shift work and long hours but it is the best job I've had so far

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Good luck in your career

[@craigalexp]

I'm In Melbourne too. After 20 years working in warehousing i have been considering a change to bus driving, i'm sick of staring at the same walls every day lol. I've been off work the last 18 months for surgery and chemo but expected to be just fine. I feel like a change after that.

[@pokers112]

@@craigalexp hey mate i also used to work in warehousing got sick of it so i went for my HR license drove trucks for a bit which eventually led to me becoming a bus driver good luck

[@FriedrichNietzsche1]

​@@craigalexp​@craigalexp how is your health at the moment?

[@iansadler5018]

Unsociable hours no social life you don’t eat at regular times which can cause all manor of problems you are always in the wrong the management never take your side of customer complaints and the shifts are a joke you could on late’s for 7days finish at 1.30 in the morning two days off of which you have to get you system to change from late’s to early getting up at 3 in the morning to start at 4 in the morning I work for 12 years on the bus the people I saw that heath problems ❤ attack s strokes and just looking knackard and the management do not give a toss do your self a favour and give it a miss

[@meekomania205]

So true about the health issues if you google the studies about bus drivers the health issues are numerous.Where I disagree in that you say “give it a miss” You have to remember most bus drivers aren’t qualified for anything else,so they have to enter warehouses chills in freezing conditions,catering maybe as a hard kitchen porter lol.or all sorts of crap jobs so maybe they don’t have the luxury of “give it a miss” So there basically screwed no matter what they do.

[@Brock-Lesnar-WWE]

My eyesight is bad at night. Lights have lines coming out of them and car glare is too much. Thats what put me off.

[@howto9620]

did you not see his eyes lol

[@Catfordprepper665]

Subject to ref, medical and training, in at 51

[@UR-9820]

I like your honesty I’m a fully qualified bus driver but I quit ages ago my contact said I could leave within a year I left within 1 week ! 😂😂😂

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Your contact is correct lol

[@UR-9820]

@@Thebusdriverphotographer😂😂😂 contract*** sorry

[@meekomania205]

😂 ur a fast learner,took me 6 years to get to where u got in 1 week.well done 😂

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

I’ve been a bus driver since 2002 So I’ve a fair amount of experience under my belt Obviously I have to take care in what and how I say things

[@UR-9820]

@@meekomania205 thanks mate appreciate it. In all honesty it’s a good job what made it difficult for me were some inpatient and ignorant passengers u get. I do like HGVs now which is a bit better no more dealing with difficult people. 😂

[@Jack-ux1ow]

Watched this since I am considering doing bus driving as a career and all the things you said are the same things my grandfather said to me about the job as well. He always reccomended the buses as a good job though despite some of the bad element about it. He ended up spending a good 50 years driving buses all over the country and even had the chance to go and work over in Sydney in the 60s/70s although he decided at the last minute not to do that. I'm planning on applying when I have had my licence 6 months which is the requirement of the company in my city. My local company pay £14p/h normal rate and £17.50p/h for overtime and thats a good wage for anyone imo, certainly is for me at 22 when all my previous jobs have been right on the minimum or national living wage. Eventually I'd love to drive the tour buses especially the open tops and once I have a bit of experience under my belt I am hoping to move up to Scotland since I really would like to drive routes up in the Highlands. Cheers for the video!

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Good for you The job isn’t for everyone But if you can handle the stresses it’s not to bad I wouldn’t mind driving in the highlands myself but there’s no way I’m moving up to Scotland

[@willmcallister8464]

Great comment mate & hope you get up to Scotland as it's stunning.

[@Graeme-C]

Ive been qualified for about a month and yeah the job has its ups and downs, shifts are varied. I generally do an early/late cycle which has knocked hell out of me, generally i prefer the early shifts, First Glasgow pay £13p/h and any hours over your shift time and any extras are paid at Double time. Go for it!! i dont have any regrets

[@EinkOLED]

@@Graeme-C Do you still get discounted £6 train ticket with First?

[@meekomania205]

Yeah mate defo,passengers are a lot harder 😂but couldn’t make some of they hard turns in an hgv.All the best mate

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

I have thought of going HGV But the hours puts me off Plus some of the places they have to go blows my mind lol Thanks for watching

[@juliesmith5567]

I am very surprised what the hrs you do and others things I see write things and check buttons about things 😢but the drivers are very good polite people and distant and times up too but 😊❤they are patient in road works but in mind no 😮

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

There is more to it than it at first seems and yes the hours can be long But every job has its down sides Most people would say they are unhappy in there job no matter what industry they’re in Hence the KZbin videos

[@elliot7205]

What is the shift pattern and times? How many sat and Sundays do you have off a month

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Depends on your rota The 5 day I think 1 Saturday and maybe 2 Sundays off a month with 1 4 day weekend off a month (I could be wrong on this) been a while since I’ve been on the main 5 day Shifts range from 0430 in the morning to finishing at around 0100 am 4 day rota I think is the same as 5 day except you get an extra day off with a 6 day long weekend a month

[@elliot7205]

@Thebusdriverphotographer is the 4 day rota hard to get on? Are new drivers put at the bottom of the barrel?..

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

@@elliot7205 I think it’s easier now a days Drivers who have been there less than a year have already got on it It all comes down to if there’s a space or not At the time you ask to go on the list Obviously there is a list for all the different rotas so as a new driver you’ll join the back of any list Once your at your garage and get a taste of the job and the hours and what each rota is You’ll then be able to decide which rotas best suits you and join the lists for those rotas

[@elliot7205]

@@Thebusdriverphotographer when doing the middle shift what is the earliest you can be done for? can you be home for tea time?

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

@ the shifts start and finish at all times of day If you’ve an early middle ie say starting between 7 and 9 yeas you could be home But if starting 10 11 12 then maybe not

[@newpersonatuni]

4 day sounds good. Ive only ever had jobs where ive done 6 days.

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Yeah im on the 4 day long days but 3 days off a week with a 6 day long weekend every few weeks there is a list to get on the 4 day rotas

[@newpersonatuni]

@@Thebusdriverphotographer ah ok. 4 days isn't guaranteed then. The only one I saw was stagecoach In aberdare. They state a 4 day week. And Cardiff bus say you can chose between 4 or 5 days.

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

@@newpersonatuni yeah every company is different most have both 4 and 5 day weeks with B&H its just a case of being patient and youll get on the 4 day

[@newpersonatuni]

@@Thebusdriverphotographer thanks man. Good luck with your channel

[@markadams3746]

Great video

[@markadams3746]

What happens when people say the ticket is on the phone but my battery has ran out do u let them on

[@jamesnoonan7450]

Considering doing Arriva or one of Stagecoaches trainee programs after manu year in logistics. I'm only 28, in your opinion as a bus driver would you say I could make a full career out of it. Driverless buses concern me as I don't really want to be out of a job in ten years. 😂

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

In my opinion you could definitely make a carrer out of it driverless buses are a long way off and even when they do come in theyll still need a driver having completely driver free vehicles in the uk is a long way off let alone buses

[@jamesnoonan7450]

@Thebusdriverphotographer Okay, I've got an interview with Stagecoach next week. Have you worked for them? Are they an alright company? I've read some poor reviews, but I'd rather ask an actual driver. Thanks for the advice, mate. I really appreciate it.

[@doc1665]

worked in the buses till 2005 then decided i would rather rejoin the Army and go to Iraq and Afghan than work another day in that dead end job. The shifts are atrocious the desk men and managers have no respect for the staff, the operating companies will shaft you as soon as look at you and the Union is as corrupt as the day is long the shop stewards get a school in the morning and one in the afternoon and just sit in the depot all day Mon to Fri and only out for themselves . My uncle was in the buses for 25 yrs and he always said being a bus driver is not a life it is a existence , if you have a young family stay away from it as you will never see them. I now do multi drop deliveries which is paid slightly less that the buses and is a heavier job but i would rather have my teeth and finger nails removed by rusty pliers than ever drive a bus again.

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

You enjoyed it then lol

[@thericola]

What'd you think the chances are of becoming a bus driver at 19? Thanks!

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

Depends how long you’ve had your license I think the requirements were 1 year although I don’t know if that’s changed You have nothing to lose by applying

[@Shadow_1987-b2c]

How about 37 yrs, is it to late ?​@@Thebusdriverphotographer

[@skfa1216]

Being one at 19, you've absolutely got nothing to lose!

[@skfa1216]

@@Shadow_1987-b2c Never too late mate, got people in their 50's and 60's going for it.

[@sharescene-stories9332]

I wanna be a bust driver.. Im from the Philippines 😉🚌

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

I have no knowledge of bus driving in the Philippines What I would say is if that’s what you want to do then go for it

[@theolderigetthewrongbitget4746]

If you are not a people person this is not the job for you.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Bus drivers talking smack about other drivers behind their back, ribald humour that's not for everybody, gossiping that's worse than a church, petty jealousy, very male environment that's a bit like a prison and school yard environment. People looking down on the job in a snobby sense. Managers that don't support you. The list goes on but there's always the pay right? This is Australia In talking, but I'm sure the culture is similar in NZ, Americas, and UK.

[@gerradwalker346]

Very similar but I don't let the gossip & rumors get me down.

[@philm4682]

9.5 hours isnt long. Go be a truck driver thats long hours

[@Thebusdriverphotographer]

@@philm4682 yes truck and coaches are on the same driving restrictions Obviously uk domestic rules is 10 hours driving truck and coach is 9 hours driving per day but both can be spread over 16 hours I think it is which I believe is more common with HGV However the main difference is we are carrying people with no seat belts and could also be standing where as HGV the cargo is somewhat less valuable This in itself adds a certain amount of pressure