Hi Shaun, So I'm from near your way originally, Elland to be more precise and moved to the South in the early 90s. I've been a Bus/Coach driver for 24 years, started on the local buses who trained me for my pcv on a manual coach so old it had a double-de-clutch crash gearbox. It turned out though I didn't care much for bus services and moved on once my minimum contract had expired with the thought of moving onto something new. Needing an income though I started doing some school runs for a local coach firm, quickly becoming full time and doing private hires as well. Over the years I've moved companies a number of times doing work ranging from schools, London tours, airport transfers, UK touring and European touring. The coaches have given me the opportunity to drive as far east as Prague, as far west as Galway as far south as Rome and as far north as Oslo but these days with a young family I do mostly daytime private hire with some occasional touring and even the odd day driving a double decker bus for the Warner Bros Studios Harry Potter tour. Keeping busy and the cash coming in is the name of the game... th-cam.com/video/OaQYTF_eSbM/w-d-xo.html
Been driving buses for 12 years, had to stop last November due to health reasons though! I worked for First Edinburgh then Stagecoach in the highlands. Miss it a lot though and would love to go back to it
Became a bus driver mostly because of vidoes like yours showing the better side of the bus industry and even though some parts are bad (driving hours can still be a pain) there are people working in the industry such as yourself which make life much more enjoyable. Also sorry if my reaction to seeing you in Oldham on Wednesday was a bit over the top but honestly wasn't expecting to see you driving there.
Great video mate, I guess I'll share what I've done. I did some work experience at the window fabricators my Dad worked at while in school, and then I picked up a part time job there while at college in Dudley, with some full time work in holidays and over summers. It was minimum wage, and hard work, but I loved working with everyone there. My Dad left for a way better paying position elsewhere though, and I was off to uni, so I left that too. I've since worked over a summer at a local design place doing school planners, and then a gig over the Christmas period just gone in another print place handling shipping, which was boring but it was a bit of extra cash. I'm now looking for some more work for the time being, so I can get my car license done, and then I'll be off somewhere to do my bus license, which will likely be at Diamond since I know a lot of the people there, and I have helped out before with odd bits for events and such. Fingers crossed!
Mate, I take my "Flat Cap" off to you! I can relate to most of this. I have been unemployed for 4 months, had my car taken off me which now I haven't drove properly for 3 months. I have just passed my assessment with First Bus Huddersfield and now I am getting ready to train for the next few weeks. Keep up the good work!
hi mate, I hope this video has given you some inspiration. I fell into bus driving but its really gotten me out of the crap with bills and stuff :) touch wood, that you enjoy it and financially benefits you :)
Hi flat cap. I work in the motor trade as a parts advisor. I’ve done that job at different places for 20 years. I have been interested in bus driving for a while and I see they have a job advertised at Tiger Waterloo. A change of career is always a big step.
I am retired now, I worked on the railway from 1962 till 1970 painting stations, signal boxes and trespass boards, level crossing gates etc, left there in 1970 and went on buses as a conductor, then over a year later went in the bus driving school for 5 weeks, passed my test and drove buses from the same depot 37 years, it was the PTE at first then came deregulation and it became Newcastle Busways, then in the 90s Stagecoach took over, the job got worse after Stagecoach took over, too much pressure on the bus running times, I was always running late, so took early retirement in 2008.
Thanks for sharing mate enjoying the channel. Currently a charter coach driver in Sydney Australia Started out at First Bus almost 10 years ago then as soon as I was old enough I started driving coach tours around Europe. Did a couple of stints in the quiet season at a UK based company doing charters, ski tours, National Express etc before moving to Australia where I trained as a driver guide for day tours and have since gone back to charter work. Love your videos as they remind me of my days driving buses around the English countryside back when my life was simple and men were men and I wasn't. Appreciate all the effort - I've thought about making videos but fear I lack the commitment.
Just started watching your videos about a month ago when I first applied to be a bus driver, passed the interview for stagecoach, small driving test in a van, passed my medical and start learning in just over a week! You’ve definitely made me want to be a driver even more mate, thanks! 👍🏻
Been driving for National Express buses for the last 7 months 👍 Stumbled across your "Day in the Life of a Bus Driver" series, and the rest, as they say, is history! Best thing I ever done, had to get out of working a boring retail job
Probably had more jobs than most people my age (I'm 18.) Worked at the Range for a total of four hours, most unpleasant experience of my life - got given 5 minutes of training on a till and then was left to my own devices for the rest of my shift - so I never showed up the next day, bad on my part, but it was the worst experience of my life. Took a job at a local cafe in the high street, listed as "assistant to the chef", started off by making food in the kitchen, best week of my life - then it was festival season. I was promptly moved onto potwash full time, which in my town during festivals was incredibly stressful, got laid off after 2 weeks because apparently I didn't smile enough. Only occurred to me now, that I never had any breaks whilst working, even when doing 5+ hour shifts, which as far as I recall is the law in the UK to have a minimum 20 minute break after working for 5+ hours. Then took a job at a garden centre/restaurant where I stayed for 9 months, loved it there, loved the people, minimum wage but what can you expect at 18? Left there only yesterday to start a new career in the Army in 13 days time.
I was a taxi driver for 5 years, full-time and part-time, day shift and night shift, weekends, the whole lot. I also did a bit of VIP transporting, and tutoring new drivers. Money was decent, especially since I lived with my parents at the time and didn't really have bills to pay. I was on really good terms with my boss, so I got to work pretty much whenever I wanted. My license expired last year, but I'll probably renew it because it's cheap unemployment insurance. Currently I'm studying business in university, so no driving for me at the moment.
Passed my PSV on 11/09/90 so been 30 years this year, Ive moved around as well , but i've also been unfortunate that theplaces i enjoyed working all closed down , but it's all i've ever done, and as someone said to me this week..i will always be a coach driver
Just come across you. I'm currently a railway engineer. Have been for 10 years agency all the way l, trackwork swgr and vital for the last 6 years. I've got a vacancy through stagecoach but covid has put it on hold for the past 12 months. But im looking forward to starting very shortly with them
And a year later here is another comment! What do I do for work? I was a radio presenter on Heart until most of us were let go back in 2019. I've been trying to get onto the railway for the last 4 years, but just can't get any traction.. Pardon the pun! Then I thought of busses. Why not?! I've got my medical next week. I don't know if I'll enjoy the job or not? I think I will. Long days though! Do you find the time goes quickly driving busses? I'd like to know the top 3 best and worst things about being a bus driver. A future video maybe?
I ve had various positions from school cleane r, to cleaning at T In The Park , to litter picking road verges to cutting grass next to trunk roads and motorways and now I am on gully tankers emptying the drain in the road which we call gullies
I’m an Operations Manager for a coach company in Telford. Been in the bus and coach industry for 15 years love it! Started driving service buses at Travel West Midlands. Love my current role as I still get to be behind the wheel as well as work in an office role.
Hey Shaun! Hope it's not too late to comment on this video. I'll start back in 1989 when I earned my Bachelor of Architecture (5-year degree) from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Worked for several small architectural firms for a couple of years (it was NOT what I was expecting). I wanted to get a job working for the city. The city gave the Assistant Architect civil service exam. I passed. Was given a list number. Two years later, they started to call me for interviews (didn't think that was ever going to happen). Was offered a position at a large city agency, and I took it. Paid better and had better benefits, so it was a "no-brainer" for me. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to do, and was going to leave, but I was then offered a position in a new unit, took it, and learned a lot about complex construction management. Later on, I got to do more fancier design projects. Eventually got promoted to a higher title after taking another civil service exam. Today, I am still there, and my title is Administrative Project Manager. I earn $92,000 a year with fully-paid benefits (health/dental/optical, etc.), pension and 7 weeks time off (I earn 3 days a month, although I don't take that much time during the year). Next year I am eligible for early retirement, but with a reduced pension. Might do that, since I will have a pension (and I believe all of my benefits, too), and can do something else with my life and have another income and perhaps another pension, etc. I have never driven a bus. I don't think I have the physical stamina to do that kind of a job. I have been a bus enthusiast all my life. For a long time, I really didn't talk about it, because in America, if you had said you like buses, people would think strangely of you. It wasn't until the internet, did bus enthusiasts in the US come together and find out that there are others just like them!! Today, thankfully, it is much different for us! Also, the internet has allowed me to collect lots of those Ian Allan (and other) bus books - like the Heyday and Glory Days series. I get them for like $5 each, which includes shipping from the UK. So I buy them all up. Plus I have a model bus collection. Finally, there are a good amount of models being produced of American buses - something unheard of just 10 years ago!! We still have a lot of catching up to do compared to Corgi OOC and EFE. Anyway, sorry for the rambling....thanks for reading this!!
hello shaun aim 52 been in the garage trade for 32 year and some of them years i was a hgv bus recovery driver and ive just been to arriva and past my bus test love the job and the people.keep the fantastic vids coming on u tube.
Currently a Shovel Driver. Was a Mason/bricklayer did abit of welding after that then folk truck driver moved onto a concrete plant. 32 still havnt a clue what I want do
I’m currently a host/Marshall at a go kart track. Done this for 2 and a half years and really enjoyed it but I’m trying to get into bus driving or van driving as I’ve always had a passion for driving.
I work as a bus cleaner for a coach company, but I also do odd jobs here and there like fitting seat belts, painting, mechanical work and much more. I love it
Man on many talents you mate :) Glad you enjoy it mate, I tell you now. bus cleaners are so underrated, you have such a complex job. I feel your pain mate
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver On Wednesday I got a phone call by the boss saying to get some bits ready for him when he comes back to the yard as we had a slight oil leak on one of our buses and needed to get it fixed asap, ended up taking a day to get it on the road as where the pipe that was leaking was awkward to get to, but is back on the road now luckily
Fairplay mate , I started in sales when I was 18, didnt work out so I went in to the bookmakers game and that didnt work out tried my hand at plumbing that didnt work out and now I've moved on to bus driving with National Express and its absolutely brilliant best job I've ever had I dont think the office life suited me , keep doing what you're doing pal !
Thank you for the comment mate, its crazy isn't it how other just don't fill the gap that bus driving does! I'd love to give NatEx a go one day! Seems a good run!
Great videos to watch. I am a coach driver in Essex and love interacting with members of the public. Generally I love driving anyway so this is the perfect job for me.
I had been doing Deliveroo and Uber for a few years and prior to that private restaurant work. I was trying to find a job that pays £20K per year to meet my needs and the latter wasn't fitting the criteria. One day, I'm on my motorbike and sat behind the bus "We're hiring and you could earn up to £22K" I didn't want to become a bus driver, but if that's what I need to do, I'll do it. I hate the automatic transmissions on them, but the people who work at the depot - friendly. I have been in service nearly 1 month now. At least I get to keep dry and no need to just wait around for nearly 2 hours to get an order £4 or less I am now stress free.
I used to work at Amazon I live at Durham but it was only contacted work so now I’m busy training for arriva bus I have passed pcp theory test and hazard perception test and the theory test just busy trying to gain the practical test I’ve always wanted to be a bus driver
I started an apprenticeship for ADT fitting security moving on to working for my uncle doing the same thing but covering UK,Ireland and spain until I got made redundant. Then I went selling cars for 9 years one of best jobs, had a great laugh but they made it hard to earn money. I joined First Group then 5 days after starting got too over by Diamond North west which I been there 6months, and I applied for National express which I start in a couple of weeks. I am looking to moving forward to touring Europe.
If you read this was raw Marsh short staffed. I really want to be a driver from rawmarsh as I only live down the road but never see any vacancy’s come up
Hi Shaun, fellow Yorkshireman here. I'm celebrating 25 years as a registered nurse this year but have recently passed 3 out of 4 parts towards obtaining my PCV licence! Failed my practical test but retaking it again soon. It's never too late for a change 😀
Great Video Shaun! At the moment I am not currently in employment as I am a 17 year old College Student from Sheffield but I do plan on getting my PCV License next year when I am 18/19 hopefully at either Stagecoach Ecclesfield or Stagecoach Holbrook with Stagecoach Ecclesfield being my first choice!
Yes have u signed on? Or not yet lucky for you I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was 17 until now had uni in mind but it sucks so looking for something better
Am 33 started working in 2012 as a cleaner and I love it,I have had 15 jobs in 8 years but i have always had 2 or 3 jobs on the go working 6 or 7 days a week which to be honest I don't mind at all
am a deep-sea diver keep trying to quit then I get paid and think ok ill do another month. got the job in the chippy when I was 24, spoke to a guy and he said do you want a job, do you like night work? I said yes.. he said good but day and nights are the same in this place. ps, I was also a bus driver but I hated it.
If you work on the railway you wanna work for an actual train operating company or network rail because its basically guaranteed work and you get paid regardless if you have work because your on a proper contract.
Just wondering what buses you drove in rawmarsh, plus what years was you there, I lived there for years myself, so you surprised me, I probably saw you, subscribed to you as well,
I'm nearly 50, been a bus driver for 19 years now, and within the next month, I've to have my next medical. As for jobs I've had in the past, Welder, 7.5tonne driver, back to Welder, taxi driver, back to 7.5 tonne driver, warehouse, taxi driver again, Insurance company post room operative, then bus driver since 2001.
I just knew you would comment. Me huddersfield bus driving best mate! haha I didn't know you had all of the jobs, I honestly thought you've been a bus driver since you was born hahah! I can't imagine you as a taxi driver, but I suppose you'd be the best taxi driver on the road haha !!
Go on then I'll spill the beans. I'm currently Crew Trainer at Maccies, but last month I decided to follow the bus driving route. I'm going to start lessons for driving in May, and then try to get myself a car by early next year. Once I've spent a bit of time driving I'm gonna try to get into a bus driving job around here in Macclesfield. 3 facts; • I'm Trans, so that always makes people get confused with my name and stuff lol. • I've never broken a bone (touch wood) • I was all for doing IT and even did it at college then realised i need a job where i can be hands on lol
I love this comment! Honestly you must have more patience than me working in maccies, I couldn't cope with the stress lol! Once you'e passed your car test, get applying! honestly. Get your name down on the radar and they will know you're keen to work there! Love the facts
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver yeah how I've not quit after a year shocks me. If it wasn't that I didn't have a proper dream job in my mind till last month, I probably would have 😂
Great video this! So what have I done in the past... I left school in Year 11 with every GCSE passed and I planned to go onto collage and then university but it never works out as you plan haha. I left collage after a few months and decided to self teach myself Digital Marketing so that's everything from SEO to Social Media. I'm 17 (18 in like 2 months) with my own business working with businesses across the United Kingdom :)
Love it mate! Honestly education is so important but its also about your work ethic once your out of school! I hope your business takes off mate :) takes guts to start something from scratch!
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver My partner is a bit older than me and she left school at the same age to start a business so I guess I took inspiration from that! Thank you so much! Keep on the content too! It's taking a while but I'm getting there :)
I'm going through getting my bus license right now, 4 days learning and test on the 5th day, which is on wednesday. I've not been insured on my car for a while so I haven't been driving for about 3 months as well. TBH though mate I'm doing good, I think all these years of playing Euro Truck sim has helped me with driving a large vehicle, not hit a single curb yet lol :P aiming to keep it that way!
How do you design a timetable? Do a video on how you make one. I was a bus/coach driver for ten years. Local and long distance. I now drive artic trucks between the uk and Ireland.
I was thinking about a video on designing one but then I feel my skills will be shown and I won't be employable anymore hahah! they are so tricky to get right! big change from bus driving. Do you enjoy truck driving more?
The Flat Cap Bus Driver Im sure your doing pretty well at it . I do enjoy driving the trucks and I do still miss the buses. I would never rule out going back to work on them but at the moment I’m happy doing what I do. As you say yourself the work has to work for you and that’s what matters so who knows what will happen .
I'm currently unemployed but trying really hard to get a job to timetable planning etc but operators don't live giving opportunities unless you are a graduate with no life experience or you are a driver and work up through the company very slowly which is very annoying. Alternatively, just customer service based within transport but the jobs are very few and far between.
It's a hard industry to crack at times. I've been very lucky (being in the right place at the right time) and this is how I've landed myself on training courses that have given me the right skill set. I would recommend (From a non graduate route) is that you start as a bus driver and show interest in other departments, this is how you'll be recognised and progress through the company. if you've have had no experience in transport and wanting to get into planning and scheduling they will laugh you out of the door, its a Job that you need to full understand before jumping into a SERIOUS position such as a scheduler. I would start by getting my bus licence and working up in the company getting to that position, there will be a lot of set backs but it's been done before. good luck.
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver Those who I have spoken to have commended my work (MDs and commercial directors), it's just the roles come up so infrequently and then the roles are filled internally. It's not impossible but just quite hard. If they sat people down for some of the jobs and said, show us what you can do, we would all be fine. Working your way up isn't easy in most of the companies. I have good friends in the industry and when in the companies, it's all who you know, not what you know. As you say, it's a very hard industry to crack. I did debate at one point setting up a side project offering to do network reviews or create routes for companies for like a fiver to try and build up a portfolio.
I work as a security officer in essex love my job 12 hours a day 6 days a week 3 day 3 nights 3 days off hope the family is ok I used to work for Amazon and on the trains as a cleaner n worked on the buses as a cleaner for arriva
Worked in retail at Comet, went to work overseas as a holiday rep, came back to uk and went to do revenue protection, went to M&s , pass year been driving buses
Good old comet! I feel a little old now! You've had an interesting collection of careers haven't you! working overseas is something I just couldn't do :( id miss Yorkshire too much haha
I trained to operate JCB 3CX's, phoned up a builder who had one asking if he would hire it out, but instead he offered me a job there as a plant operator and then over the phone, no interview, no application form. Just goes to show how getting a job can come about under the weirdest circumstances, you don't always need to dress up in a suit to impress a future employer. 😁
It must be pretty rubbish working on service buses not knowing whether you are coming or going with all the early and late and random shift patterns. It must be true because Arriva in my area are always advertising for drivers promising free training and big rewards. Heh
in regards to your comment about service buses 'coming or going' I don't get it? I'm assuming you'll be following a shift rota so you'll know what you're on?
Job: Shot blaster (best in yorkshire) for past 4 year before that you know lol coyle rail , Armitage uk , ganymede , Kennedy civils , carillion. 3 facts: once shared some of a hot dog crust pizza with flat cap bus driver 😂 Loves skeggy lol And last of all my hatred for the edlred will never die
I always wait for your reply haha! That hot dog crust pizza was amazing! EDLRED!! I forgot about that guy 'best track working in South Yorkshire' APPARENTLY hahah he asked me to join a gang and I told him to shove it
Haha exactly mate only good thing about that day was the pizza the shift was dreadful lol, And always remember the time we was all sat in crew van and then he was like we need one of you lot to go to the other site looked straight at me lol argued with him
GCSE's in summer and then college for HGV mechanic to become a bus mechanic and then maybe one day own my own company. Can you do a day in the life at spct.
Turning 14 this year so I'll probably start working at McDonald's then when I can drive a bus, I'm set! 3 facts: I wear glasses, I'm australian, I can't sing! Ps: Love your vids keep up the good work!
What's the average salary in north england for a bus driver? I've been a hgv driver for 5 years now I'm on £36k a year, just wondering how it compares.
Hi Shaun, So I'm from near your way originally, Elland to be more precise and moved to the South in the early 90s. I've been a Bus/Coach driver for 24 years, started on the local buses who trained me for my pcv on a manual coach so old it had a double-de-clutch crash gearbox. It turned out though I didn't care much for bus services and moved on once my minimum contract had expired with the thought of moving onto something new. Needing an income though I started doing some school runs for a local coach firm, quickly becoming full time and doing private hires as well. Over the years I've moved companies a number of times doing work ranging from schools, London tours, airport transfers, UK touring and European touring. The coaches have given me the opportunity to drive as far east as Prague, as far west as Galway as far south as Rome and as far north as Oslo but these days with a young family I do mostly daytime private hire with some occasional touring and even the odd day driving a double decker bus for the Warner Bros Studios Harry Potter tour. Keeping busy and the cash coming in is the name of the game...
th-cam.com/video/OaQYTF_eSbM/w-d-xo.html
Been driving buses for 12 years, had to stop last November due to health reasons though! I worked for First Edinburgh then Stagecoach in the highlands. Miss it a lot though and would love to go back to it
what routes u done at stagecoach
RYLEY LONGMIND 25, 25X, X99, 24, 29, 30, X98 plus some town work in Inverness
Became a bus driver mostly because of vidoes like yours showing the better side of the bus industry and even though some parts are bad (driving hours can still be a pain) there are people working in the industry such as yourself which make life much more enjoyable. Also sorry if my reaction to seeing you in Oldham on Wednesday was a bit over the top but honestly wasn't expecting to see you driving there.
Great video mate, I guess I'll share what I've done. I did some work experience at the window fabricators my Dad worked at while in school, and then I picked up a part time job there while at college in Dudley, with some full time work in holidays and over summers. It was minimum wage, and hard work, but I loved working with everyone there. My Dad left for a way better paying position elsewhere though, and I was off to uni, so I left that too. I've since worked over a summer at a local design place doing school planners, and then a gig over the Christmas period just gone in another print place handling shipping, which was boring but it was a bit of extra cash. I'm now looking for some more work for the time being, so I can get my car license done, and then I'll be off somewhere to do my bus license, which will likely be at Diamond since I know a lot of the people there, and I have helped out before with odd bits for events and such. Fingers crossed!
I've saw you on virtual hub
Mate, I take my "Flat Cap" off to you! I can relate to most of this. I have been unemployed for 4 months, had my car taken off me which now I haven't drove properly for 3 months. I have just passed my assessment with First Bus Huddersfield and now I am getting ready to train for the next few weeks. Keep up the good work!
hi mate, I hope this video has given you some inspiration. I fell into bus driving but its really gotten me out of the crap with bills and stuff :) touch wood, that you enjoy it and financially benefits you :)
Hi flat cap. I work in the motor trade as a parts advisor. I’ve done that job at different places for 20 years. I have been interested in bus driving for a while and I see they have a job advertised at Tiger Waterloo. A change of career is always a big step.
Great video Shaun. I turn 16 in May and doing my GCSEs so hopefully get a part time job after before I do my A levels.
great stuff mate! always but your education first, top lad
The Flat Cap Bus Driver Agreed and thanks mate 😀👍
I am retired now, I worked on the railway from 1962 till 1970 painting stations, signal boxes and trespass boards, level crossing gates etc, left there in 1970 and went on buses as a conductor, then over a year later went in the bus driving school for 5 weeks, passed my test and drove buses from the same depot 37 years, it was the PTE at first then came deregulation and it became Newcastle Busways, then in the 90s Stagecoach took over, the job got worse after Stagecoach took over, too much pressure on the bus running times, I was always running late, so took early retirement in 2008.
Thanks for sharing mate enjoying the channel.
Currently a charter coach driver in Sydney Australia
Started out at First Bus almost 10 years ago then as soon as I was old enough I started driving coach tours around Europe. Did a couple of stints in the quiet season at a UK based company doing charters, ski tours, National Express etc before moving to Australia where I trained as a driver guide for day tours and have since gone back to charter work.
Love your videos as they remind me of my days driving buses around the English countryside back when my life was simple and men were men and I wasn't.
Appreciate all the effort - I've thought about making videos but fear I lack the commitment.
thank you for the comment mate! I love the fact you've been all over haha! I hope you're enjoying AUS! I'd love to immigrate over there!
Just started watching your videos about a month ago when I first applied to be a bus driver, passed the interview for stagecoach, small driving test in a van, passed my medical and start learning in just over a week! You’ve definitely made me want to be a driver even more mate, thanks! 👍🏻
thank you mate! I Hope the journey is a positive one and you enjoy the adventures that await!
Been driving for National Express buses for the last 7 months 👍 Stumbled across your "Day in the Life of a Bus Driver" series, and the rest, as they say, is history! Best thing I ever done, had to get out of working a boring retail job
Probably had more jobs than most people my age (I'm 18.)
Worked at the Range for a total of four hours, most unpleasant experience of my life - got given 5 minutes of training on a till and then was left to my own devices for the rest of my shift - so I never showed up the next day, bad on my part, but it was the worst experience of my life.
Took a job at a local cafe in the high street, listed as "assistant to the chef", started off by making food in the kitchen, best week of my life - then it was festival season. I was promptly moved onto potwash full time, which in my town during festivals was incredibly stressful, got laid off after 2 weeks because apparently I didn't smile enough. Only occurred to me now, that I never had any breaks whilst working, even when doing 5+ hour shifts, which as far as I recall is the law in the UK to have a minimum 20 minute break after working for 5+ hours.
Then took a job at a garden centre/restaurant where I stayed for 9 months, loved it there, loved the people, minimum wage but what can you expect at 18?
Left there only yesterday to start a new career in the Army in 13 days time.
I was a taxi driver for 5 years, full-time and part-time, day shift and night shift, weekends, the whole lot. I also did a bit of VIP transporting, and tutoring new drivers. Money was decent, especially since I lived with my parents at the time and didn't really have bills to pay. I was on really good terms with my boss, so I got to work pretty much whenever I wanted. My license expired last year, but I'll probably renew it because it's cheap unemployment insurance. Currently I'm studying business in university, so no driving for me at the moment.
Passed my PSV on 11/09/90 so been 30 years this year, Ive moved around as well , but i've also been unfortunate that theplaces i enjoyed working all closed down , but it's all i've ever done, and as someone said to me this week..i will always be a coach driver
Just come across you. I'm currently a railway engineer. Have been for 10 years agency all the way l, trackwork swgr and vital for the last 6 years. I've got a vacancy through stagecoach but covid has put it on hold for the past 12 months. But im looking forward to starting very shortly with them
And a year later here is another comment! What do I do for work? I was a radio presenter on Heart until most of us were let go back in 2019. I've been trying to get onto the railway for the last 4 years, but just can't get any traction.. Pardon the pun! Then I thought of busses. Why not?! I've got my medical next week. I don't know if I'll enjoy the job or not? I think I will. Long days though! Do you find the time goes quickly driving busses? I'd like to know the top 3 best and worst things about being a bus driver. A future video maybe?
I ve had various positions from school cleane r, to cleaning at T In The Park , to litter picking road verges to cutting grass next to trunk roads and motorways and now I am on gully tankers emptying the drain in the road which we call gullies
I’m an Operations Manager for a coach company in Telford.
Been in the bus and coach industry for 15 years love it!
Started driving service buses at Travel West Midlands.
Love my current role as I still get to be behind the wheel as well as work in an office role.
Love it! Getting behind the wheel is always important!
Hey Shaun! Hope it's not too late to comment on this video. I'll start back in 1989 when I earned my Bachelor of Architecture (5-year degree) from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Worked for several small architectural firms for a couple of years (it was NOT what I was expecting). I wanted to get a job working for the city. The city gave the Assistant Architect civil service exam. I passed. Was given a list number. Two years later, they started to call me for interviews (didn't think that was ever going to happen). Was offered a position at a large city agency, and I took it. Paid better and had better benefits, so it was a "no-brainer" for me. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to do, and was going to leave, but I was then offered a position in a new unit, took it, and learned a lot about complex construction management. Later on, I got to do more fancier design projects. Eventually got promoted to a higher title after taking another civil service exam. Today, I am still there, and my title is Administrative Project Manager. I earn $92,000 a year with fully-paid benefits (health/dental/optical, etc.), pension and 7 weeks time off (I earn 3 days a month, although I don't take that much time during the year). Next year I am eligible for early retirement, but with a reduced pension. Might do that, since I will have a pension (and I believe all of my benefits, too), and can do something else with my life and have another income and perhaps another pension, etc. I have never driven a bus. I don't think I have the physical stamina to do that kind of a job. I have been a bus enthusiast all my life. For a long time, I really didn't talk about it, because in America, if you had said you like buses, people would think strangely of you. It wasn't until the internet, did bus enthusiasts in the US come together and find out that there are others just like them!! Today, thankfully, it is much different for us! Also, the internet has allowed me to collect lots of those Ian Allan (and other) bus books - like the Heyday and Glory Days series. I get them for like $5 each, which includes shipping from the UK. So I buy them all up. Plus I have a model bus collection. Finally, there are a good amount of models being produced of American buses - something unheard of just 10 years ago!! We still have a lot of catching up to do compared to Corgi OOC and EFE. Anyway, sorry for the rambling....thanks for reading this!!
Hi Shaun, currently working at Subway up here in Fife, Scotland. Hoping to become a bus driver within the next few years
Pleased to have found your channel.from a complete Rookie.starting at 62 years old.KG.
hello shaun aim 52 been in the garage trade for 32 year and some of them years i was a hgv bus recovery driver and ive just been to arriva and past my bus test love the job and the people.keep the fantastic vids coming on u tube.
Currently a Shovel Driver. Was a Mason/bricklayer did abit of welding after that then folk truck driver moved onto a concrete plant. 32 still havnt a clue what I want do
I’m currently a host/Marshall at a go kart track. Done this for 2 and a half years and really enjoyed it but I’m trying to get into bus driving or van driving as I’ve always had a passion for driving.
Honestly I'd love that job, bet you can have some hassle at times though with stupid people :(
I work as a bus cleaner for a coach company, but I also do odd jobs here and there like fitting seat belts, painting, mechanical work and much more. I love it
Man on many talents you mate :) Glad you enjoy it mate, I tell you now. bus cleaners are so underrated, you have such a complex job. I feel your pain mate
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver On Wednesday I got a phone call by the boss saying to get some bits ready for him when he comes back to the yard as we had a slight oil leak on one of our buses and needed to get it fixed asap, ended up taking a day to get it on the road as where the pipe that was leaking was awkward to get to, but is back on the road now luckily
Fairplay mate , I started in sales when I was 18, didnt work out so I went in to the bookmakers game and that didnt work out tried my hand at plumbing that didnt work out and now I've moved on to bus driving with National Express and its absolutely brilliant best job I've ever had I dont think the office life suited me , keep doing what you're doing pal !
Thank you for the comment mate, its crazy isn't it how other just don't fill the gap that bus driving does! I'd love to give NatEx a go one day! Seems a good run!
Great videos to watch.
I am a coach driver in Essex and love interacting with members of the public. Generally I love driving anyway so this is the perfect job for me.
thank you mate :)
I had been doing Deliveroo and Uber for a few years and prior to that private restaurant work. I was trying to find a job that pays £20K per year to meet my needs and the latter wasn't fitting the criteria.
One day, I'm on my motorbike and sat behind the bus "We're hiring and you could earn up to £22K"
I didn't want to become a bus driver, but if that's what I need to do, I'll do it. I hate the automatic transmissions on them, but the people who work at the depot - friendly. I have been in service nearly 1 month now.
At least I get to keep dry and no need to just wait around for nearly 2 hours to get an order £4 or less I am now stress free.
I used to work at Amazon I live at Durham but it was only contacted work so now I’m busy training for arriva bus I have passed pcp theory test and hazard perception test and the theory test just busy trying to gain the practical test I’ve always wanted to be a bus driver
Nice video mate!! Can’t bloody wait to start my training, just have to wait a couple of months to start it though
Cheers lad, pop up on facebook! why are you having to wait to start training? I might be able to help you out!
I love your videos mate. Keep up the good work.
I started an apprenticeship for ADT fitting security moving on to working for my uncle doing the same thing but covering UK,Ireland and spain until I got made redundant.
Then I went selling cars for 9 years one of best jobs, had a great laugh but they made it hard to earn money.
I joined First Group then 5 days after starting got too over by Diamond North west which I been there 6months, and I applied for National express which I start in a couple of weeks. I am looking to moving forward to touring Europe.
started working in the buses in 2004 have worked for Ulsterbus N.I, Merto (Belfast),Glider(Belfast) and now back with Ulsterbus as I like the work
If you read this was raw Marsh short staffed. I really want to be a driver from rawmarsh as I only live down the road but never see any vacancy’s come up
If you see older comments just found your channel. I am a Truck Driver in the US. Been driving 26 years
Hi Shaun, fellow Yorkshireman here. I'm celebrating 25 years as a registered nurse this year but have recently passed 3 out of 4 parts towards obtaining my PCV licence! Failed my practical test but retaking it again soon. It's never too late for a change 😀
How did all this go?
Great Video Shaun! At the moment I am not currently in employment as I am a 17 year old College Student from Sheffield but I do plan on getting my PCV License next year when I am 18/19 hopefully at either Stagecoach Ecclesfield or Stagecoach Holbrook with Stagecoach Ecclesfield being my first choice!
ooosh love it! both good choices of depots!
Yes have u signed on? Or not yet lucky for you I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was 17 until now had uni in mind but it sucks so looking for something better
Am 33 started working in 2012 as a cleaner and I love it,I have had 15 jobs in 8 years but i have always had 2 or 3 jobs on the go working 6 or 7 days a week which to be honest I don't mind at all
am a deep-sea diver keep trying to quit then I get paid and think ok ill do another month. got the job in the chippy when I was 24, spoke to a guy and he said do you want a job, do you like night work? I said yes.. he said good but day and nights are the same in this place. ps, I was also a bus driver but I hated it.
If you work on the railway you wanna work for an actual train operating company or network rail because its basically guaranteed work and you get paid regardless if you have work because your on a proper contract.
Just wondering what buses you drove in rawmarsh, plus what years was you there, I lived there for years myself, so you surprised me, I probably saw you, subscribed to you as well,
I'm nearly 50, been a bus driver for 19 years now, and within the next month, I've to have my next medical.
As for jobs I've had in the past, Welder, 7.5tonne driver, back to Welder, taxi driver, back to 7.5 tonne driver, warehouse, taxi driver again, Insurance company post room operative, then bus driver since 2001.
I just knew you would comment. Me huddersfield bus driving best mate! haha
I didn't know you had all of the jobs, I honestly thought you've been a bus driver since you was born hahah! I can't imagine you as a taxi driver, but I suppose you'd be the best taxi driver on the road haha !!
Go on then I'll spill the beans.
I'm currently Crew Trainer at Maccies, but last month I decided to follow the bus driving route. I'm going to start lessons for driving in May, and then try to get myself a car by early next year. Once I've spent a bit of time driving I'm gonna try to get into a bus driving job around here in Macclesfield.
3 facts;
• I'm Trans, so that always makes people get confused with my name and stuff lol.
• I've never broken a bone (touch wood)
• I was all for doing IT and even did it at college then realised i need a job where i can be hands on lol
I love this comment! Honestly you must have more patience than me working in maccies, I couldn't cope with the stress lol!
Once you'e passed your car test, get applying! honestly. Get your name down on the radar and they will know you're keen to work there! Love the facts
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver yeah how I've not quit after a year shocks me. If it wasn't that I didn't have a proper dream job in my mind till last month, I probably would have 😂
3 facts.....
Im also a bus driver (previously arriva)
Im a Medium and Paranormal Investigator
I met you at the Batley Bus Show/vintage day.
I'm a bus driver in Birmingham been a bus driver for 3 years love driving small and big buses and like watching your blogs and videos
You're at BC ain't you pal?
@@DJenerate I'm indeed been there since may last may was at yw for 2 and half years
Great story time bro! Great learning more you!
Great video this! So what have I done in the past...
I left school in Year 11 with every GCSE passed and I planned to go onto collage and then university but it never works out as you plan haha.
I left collage after a few months and decided to self teach myself Digital Marketing so that's everything from SEO to Social Media.
I'm 17 (18 in like 2 months) with my own business working with businesses across the United Kingdom :)
Love it mate! Honestly education is so important but its also about your work ethic once your out of school! I hope your business takes off mate :) takes guts to start something from scratch!
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver My partner is a bit older than me and she left school at the same age to start a business so I guess I took inspiration from that! Thank you so much! Keep on the content too! It's taking a while but I'm getting there :)
I'm going through getting my bus license right now, 4 days learning and test on the 5th day, which is on wednesday. I've not been insured on my car for a while so I haven't been driving for about 3 months as well. TBH though mate I'm doing good, I think all these years of playing Euro Truck sim has helped me with driving a large vehicle, not hit a single curb yet lol :P aiming to keep it that way!
Love it! I hope that everything is still going good buddy. I've played Euro truck a few times and im absolutely rubbish hahah!! h
Hey since you hearted my comment, thought I'd let you know that I passed the test. I'm applying for my first bus driving job now and can't wait :D
@@boilaknezzi8974Hey ! any update ? Did you get to drive buses ?
How do you design a timetable? Do a video on how you make one.
I was a bus/coach driver for ten years. Local and long distance. I now drive artic trucks between the uk and Ireland.
I was thinking about a video on designing one but then I feel my skills will be shown and I won't be employable anymore hahah! they are so tricky to get right!
big change from bus driving. Do you enjoy truck driving more?
The Flat Cap Bus Driver Im sure your doing pretty well at it .
I do enjoy driving the trucks and I do still miss the buses. I would never rule out going back to work on them but at the moment I’m happy doing what I do. As you say yourself the work has to work for you and that’s what matters so who knows what will happen .
I'm currently unemployed but trying really hard to get a job to timetable planning etc but operators don't live giving opportunities unless you are a graduate with no life experience or you are a driver and work up through the company very slowly which is very annoying.
Alternatively, just customer service based within transport but the jobs are very few and far between.
It's a hard industry to crack at times.
I've been very lucky (being in the right place at the right time) and this is how I've landed myself on training courses that have given me the right skill set.
I would recommend (From a non graduate route) is that you start as a bus driver and show interest in other departments, this is how you'll be recognised and progress through the company.
if you've have had no experience in transport and wanting to get into planning and scheduling they will laugh you out of the door, its a Job that you need to full understand before jumping into a SERIOUS position such as a scheduler.
I would start by getting my bus licence and working up in the company getting to that position, there will be a lot of set backs but it's been done before.
good luck.
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver Those who I have spoken to have commended my work (MDs and commercial directors), it's just the roles come up so infrequently and then the roles are filled internally. It's not impossible but just quite hard.
If they sat people down for some of the jobs and said, show us what you can do, we would all be fine.
Working your way up isn't easy in most of the companies. I have good friends in the industry and when in the companies, it's all who you know, not what you know.
As you say, it's a very hard industry to crack. I did debate at one point setting up a side project offering to do network reviews or create routes for companies for like a fiver to try and build up a portfolio.
I work as a security officer in essex love my job 12 hours a day 6 days a week 3 day 3 nights 3 days off hope the family is ok I used to work for Amazon and on the trains as a cleaner n worked on the buses as a cleaner for arriva
Thank you for the comment mate! working 12 through the night would kill me off hahah!! The family are all good mate thank you, how are you all?
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver I'm good thanks yh I work 72 hours a Week 228 plus a month but I love it in glad the family are ok carnt wait for the next video
Worked in retail at Comet, went to work overseas as a holiday rep, came back to uk and went to do revenue protection, went to M&s , pass year been driving buses
Good old comet! I feel a little old now! You've had an interesting collection of careers haven't you! working overseas is something I just couldn't do :( id miss Yorkshire too much haha
No jobs yet. But thinking of joining tiger at one point in the next year or so. Half of the drivers know me😏
Oooo who is this !! IM SO NOSEY!
I came on your free town bus on Christmas Eve 2018 😆
I trained to operate JCB 3CX's, phoned up a builder who had one asking if he would hire it out, but instead he offered me a job there as a plant operator and then over the phone, no interview, no application form. Just goes to show how getting a job can come about under the weirdest circumstances, you don't always need to dress up in a suit to impress a future employer. 😁
Sometimes is the first impression that lands you a job! this just proves it doesn't it! I hope you're still enjoying it too!!!
Stagecoach driver now shaun been a year now start to finish , has its ups and downs but highly recommended.
love it! glad you're enjoying it!
Hi there mate I like watching your Videos do you ever travel up to Scotland as I would like to have a wee chat with yourself.
Great video and training to work for go north east bus driver
Good luck mate
Good video it like the job I do now drive tractor and towering big stuff
18 got an apprenticeship at a tyre garage doing every sort of tyre
It must be pretty rubbish working on service buses not knowing whether you are coming or going with all the early and late and random shift patterns. It must be true because Arriva in my area are always advertising for drivers promising free training and big rewards. Heh
in regards to your comment about service buses 'coming or going' I don't get it? I'm assuming you'll be following a shift rota so you'll know what you're on?
Job: Shot blaster (best in yorkshire) for past 4 year before that you know lol coyle rail , Armitage uk , ganymede , Kennedy civils , carillion.
3 facts: once shared some of a hot dog crust pizza with flat cap bus driver 😂
Loves skeggy lol
And last of all my hatred for the edlred will never die
I always wait for your reply haha! That hot dog crust pizza was amazing!
EDLRED!! I forgot about that guy 'best track working in South Yorkshire' APPARENTLY hahah he asked me to join a gang and I told him to shove it
Haha exactly mate only good thing about that day was the pizza the shift was dreadful lol,
And always remember the time we was all sat in crew van and then he was like we need one of you lot to go to the other site looked straight at me lol argued with him
GCSE's in summer and then college for HGV mechanic to become a bus mechanic and then maybe one day own my own company. Can you do a day in the life at spct.
Great ambitions mate! Im cheering for you, if you own your company and make it big remember me haha :) I'll film a day in the life soon :)
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver Thanks Shaun
You told a funeral directors you was dying 😂
pothole inspectors are a conspiracy theory, they don't exist 😂😂
Turning 14 this year so I'll probably start working at McDonald's then when I can drive a bus, I'm set! 3 facts: I wear glasses, I'm australian, I can't sing!
Ps: Love your vids keep up the good work!
G'day mate! Thank you for the comment mate, means a lot!
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver no problem. You are genuinely the best youtube!
What's the average salary in north england for a bus driver? I've been a hgv driver for 5 years now I'm on £36k a year, just wondering how it compares.
Hi Shaun I go to school I'm in year 11 and I volunteer in a coffee shop
Got my pcv license in December I'm going on to driving coaches
Love it! What made you want to become a coach driver over a bus driver? good luck mate with it though :)
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver want to drive over seas ect and I did my test in a coach
Thanks man have a better insight
Now cutting business cards for a rotherham company
& u moved to tiger again...
Ayup I’m doing my GCSE’s in summer
Good luck mate! Get revising!
Yeah I am haha thanks
Trc on morgate road ur a local man to me
Also what stage cosch runs did u use to do
up on Moorgate! yeah, very local hahah! I worked at the raw marsh depot so most of the rotherham work
@@TheFlatCapBusDriver cool msm might have been on route with u