Greg
BUS DRIVER
Previous work:
Supply Chain Optimisation Partner (Transport & Delivery)
Why did you choose a career as a bus driver?
I wanted a change of career and to work locally. I’m a member at the Dee Why Surf Club and some of my friends suggested attending an open day about working as a bus driver. I went along and saw many familiar faces.
During one of the conversations, a supervisor asked me, “Greg, what do you think are the most important things to be aware of as a bus driver”, and I answered “safety, customer service, accountability and speed of action.” I started working soon after.
Before working as a bus driver, I was looking after supply chain partners and delivery performance in transport. My job was to analyse and report on procedures for parcel delivery and making sure we were meeting strict KPI’s. There were many points in the supply chain to maintain for our end to end delivery service to work as well as it did.
I was committed to good customer service, which is important in my job as a bus driver.
I chose this work because I wanted less stress every day. And I didn’t realise there would be career opportunities, so this was a bonus. I was very impressed by the training that was provided by the business and Keolis Downer have helped me upskill with Cert IV in Training and Assessment, and I now help to train new bus operators.
What do you love most about your work?
I like being my own boss and being outdoors and I see a lot of passengers I know because I have lived on the Northern Beaches for thirty years. I enjoy this social aspect of the job.
I also enjoy being responsible for passengers. I take a little extra time for what’s important, to make sure that the most valuable freight – humans – are delivered safely from A to B.
This is the best job I have ever had.
I’m now a driver coach and train others, and my words of advice for new bus drivers is, “don’t take risks, and most importantly get passengers from A to B safely rather than worrying about your times and schedules. And do everything with a smile.”
People think it stressful driving a big vehicle, but you get used to this and we are very mindful of the fact we are responsible for other people’s safety.
How do you maintain your work-life balance?
I have leisure time between shifts. I like surfing and swimming in winter and summer. I can be home in ten minutes and down to the surf before and after my lunch break. I get plenty of time to myself and this job gives me flexibility.
It’s not a stressful job, actually it’s quite relaxing. You switch on when you have to, and you can switch off when you’re not working. I don’t have KPIs anymore and deadlines. I also don’t have to travel as much as I did before in my previous role.
I like that we’re providing an important community service for people getting to and from work or loved ones. We’re an important cog in the wheel of the North Shore economy, and we take our roles seriously. We also support and get involved in community events such as the Sun Run from Dee Why to Manly. Keolis Downer transports the runners from Manly surf club back to Dee Why at the end of the run.
”I like being outdoors and I like being a driver coach.
Autonomy, work-life balance and supportive team culture
Our bus drivers enjoy autonomy, work-life balance, a supportive team culture and social connection. With a potential to earn up to $90K (full-time average), we give you onsite training with a recognised qualification, so no experience is needed. You just have to love to drive!
Part-time, full-time, casual, and job share options are available. Other benefits include a FREE license upgrade, health and wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport for you and your family, staff rewards and discounts, and more. Start the journey toward a fulfilling and rewarding career today. You won’t look back.
