Is there a shortage of bus drivers in London?

Is there a shortage of bus drivers in London? THE recent HGV crisis saw thousands of people retrain as lorry drivers – but now the bus and coach industry is facing a shortage too. Around 30 per cent of current drivers are aged over 55 — and fewer youngsters are choosing driving as a career.

Is 30 000 a good salary London?

Earning £30k a year makes you a slightly below-average earner. However, these averages take into account large cities such as London where wages are significantly higher on average. If you are earning £30k in cheaper cost-of-living areas this is a reasonably good salary.

Is being a London Bus Driver a good job?

Because of the variety of routes you drive, and the number of people who use your bus, you'll meet and interact with lots of different people every day. This makes driving a London bus an excellent job choice if you want to drive for a living whilst avoiding the more solitary hours of being an HGV driver.

Are bus drivers in demand UK?

A spokesperson for CPT Scotland said: Despite a range of industry initiatives to recruit and retain more drivers, many operators are still experiencing significant staff shortages, with CPT's latest member survey showing a UK-wide vacancy rate of 6.8% for bus.

What qualifications do you need to be a Bus Driver UK?

Do Londoners thank bus drivers?

London is famous for its frostiness – so much so that lots of people feel silly saying 'hello' and 'thank you' to bus drivers in the capital. But it turns out that we should be greeting our dedicated drivers, with a new survey revealing they're happier when passengers are nicer to them.

Is bus driving hard on body?

It may seem like bus drivers have easy jobs, but in fact, they are just as physically demanding as many others. While it is true that drivers sit for most of the day, it doesn't mean they don't experience wear and tear on their bodies.

How long is the bus driver shift in London?

The maximum total driving time across the entire rota is seven hours and 51 minutes on any day, the rota averages out at just under 40 hours a week and there are two scheduled rest days (including Sunday).

Are London buses cheaper than underground?

Buses Are The Cheapest Public Transport In London As long as you scan the same card on each journey you will not be charged again within an hour. Daily caps on buses are £4.95, and if you have the time, travelling by bus is easily one of the best and cheapest ways to see some of London's landmarks.

Why are buses in London red?

London General Omnibus Company (or L.G.O.C.) owned most of the buses and in 1907 painted its entire fleet red to stand out from competitors. Since 1933, the colour was adopted by London Transport and it has remained ever since.

Is being a bus driver stressful in UK?

It's not just New York: Research in the United Kingdom has found that bus drivers report fear of physical assault as their job's biggest stressor. With good reason: In 1993, for example, more than 1,500 assaults were reported.

Is it stressful to be a bus driver?

This responsibility can be stressful, as school bus drivers are responsible for the safety and well-being of their passengers. They must also navigate busy streets, unpredictable traffic, and inclement weather conditions, all while ensuring that students are on time for class.

Do London bus drivers earn well?

Start on about £30,700 per annum rising to about £38,850 per annum depending on experience with further opportunities for overtime. If you're already a qualified PCV driver, you'll start on a higher salary that reflects your years on the road.

Which bus company pays the most in London?

Why are London buses cheap?

Bus fares in London are subsidised to the tune of nearly £1bn a year, as Stagecoach observed in your article. As it is, there are four times more bus trips than rail, which gets a subsidy of £5bn a year.

How many hours do bus drivers work UK?

A typical bus company will contract you somewhere between 38 – 45 hours. Worth noting that there is almost always overtime to be had to boost your salary. But always make sure you do not exceed your driving hours to do it!

How long is bus driver training UK?

Training usually takes around 6-8 weeks to complete. If individuals pass the training and get their PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) Licence, they will get a job as bus drivers. There are two categories of PCV licence: Category D1 – minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 metres.

How long is a bus drivers shift UK?

Daily duty limit You must not be on duty for more than 11 hours in any working day. This limit does not apply on any working day when you do not drive. You must record your hours on a weekly record sheet or on a tachograph. Some vehicles are exempt from the duty limit.

Why not touch out on London buses?

You also need to tap out if you are travelling on the national railway network if you are travelling on your Oystercard. You do not need to tap out on London buses or trams, as it is a fixed fare. If you try, the system will either just ignore it (The correct response) or charge you another fare.