How to become a bus driver
In the symphony of the streets, where every horn and every pedestrian’s footstep come together in urban harmony, the bus driver acts as the maestro, orchestrating the endless ballet of movement. He is an essential pillar in the public transit system, ensuring smooth travels and connections between communities. In this article, we will dive into the details of this important profession, outline the steps to becoming a bus driver, and explore the skills required to excel in this career.
Becoming a bus driver: how to get started
Before anything else, let’s remember that bus drivers are not direct exo employees, as exo operates on a subcontracting basis. The organization hires freelancers and partners following calls for tenders, and for this reason, there are different business pools (we’ll explain this below). However, exo has a partner-oriented approach, which means that it is still involved in its bus drivers’ operations with passengers in order to maintain a strong relationship.
The word "chauffeur" has origins in the field of transport, specifically in the context of the very first motorized means of transport. It dates all the way back to the 19th century, a time when the first steam-powered vehicles and the first cars were being developed. Originally, the term "chauffeur" described the person in charge of monitoring and regulating the heating (le chauffage, in French) of the steam boiler. This task was essential to maintaining adequate pressure in the steam boiler, guaranteeing that the vehicle would run. Then, with the invention of motorized vehicles with internal combustion engines, the role of the chauffeur expanded to being the person in charge of driving the vehicle. And so, the term "chauffeur" remained a term to use for drivers of all kinds of vehicles, like busses, cars, and trucks.
So, how does one become a bus driver today? This career path varies; sometimes, a son maintains his family’s traditions by following in the footsteps of his father, while others seek a surprising career change. In an interview with Director of Bus Operations, Mr. Charles Drouin-Brunet, he told us the story of a former chartered accountant who craved human interaction so much that he swapped his quiet law firm office in Montreal for the steering wheel of a bus. Inspiring, no?
Required training
To embark on this adventure, you have to have your bus driving license, and there are several ways of going about it. There are:
- Programs (as well as certificates of education for those who want to fully master the career)
- Driving schools mandated by school boards (like CFTR, etc.)
- Partnerships with transport companies (who offer a complete training program, including practical training)
These trainings, which last about three months, are varied to suit all budgets and professional aspirations.
Exo collaborates with several partners to ensure its network runs smoothly. This is a great thing for your career! International companies like Transdev and Kéolis come together with family-owned businesses like Autobus Robert Paquette et fils, Transbus, and many more. There’s something for everyone in this array of partnerships. Some will prefer local management, while others will prefer a more international approach. This system works thanks to calls for tenders, which allow exo to choose different service providers based on the specific needs of each region.
Required skills and qualities to excel as a bus driver
When we asked Mr. Drouin-Brunet about the qualities required to be a great bus driver, his unequivocal response was:
- Love people
- Love driving
- Know how to manage stress
- Appreciate atypical schedules
He also shared that he has noticed that aspiring bus drivers have something in common. These individuals challenge the typical 9 to 5 workday, as well as the confinement of an office. This profession appeals to those who aspire to experience the four seasons and who find happiness behind the wheel. Does this sound like you? These driving enthusiasts often find themselves on the road over the weekend, maybe riding a motorcycle or simply driving for the sake of driving. Some are even retirees from major transport companies, who have come to impart their knowledge, simply because they love the road and social aspects of the job.
Being a bus driver is so much more than a job, because you have a big impact on both the community and the environment.
For example, with the arrival of the REM on the South Shore, exo did a huge overhaul of its bus routes. Drivers played a key role in informing, reassuring and guiding their clientele, contributing to the strategy’s success. They also support their communities when cities ask for specific routes during special events (e.g., Saint-Jean-Baptiste), which adds a little something festive and positive to their services. When it comes to the environment, every passenger who chooses to travel by bus contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by leaving their car at home. By respecting the rules, such as turning their engines off in bus terminals, bus drivers set an example for the community and help to protect our environment.
Career prospects and salaries
The road transport industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, both within exo and the Quebec industry. A bus driver’s salary and benefits are particularly appealing.
If you like a good story, you’ll love Mr. Drouin-Brunet’s. He started out as an STL bus driver, but he climbed his way to the top of his career ladder, step by step, taking advantage of development programs, and even going back to university to expand his knowledge. Now, he is a director at exo.
He emphasizes that there are many ways to evolve within this profession. It’s not uncommon to see bus drivers become network supervisors, dispatchers, or even operation managers. The opportunities are there, and companies often offer development and advancement programs, allowing employees to grow and evolve within the organization.
With that being said, according to Mr. Drouin-Brunet, it is important to keep three key things in mind to ensure that this is the profession for you:
- Involve your spouse and/or family in your bus driving career, bearing the atypical schedule in mind. Their support is essential.
- Take the time to sit down in a bus terminal and observe what’s going on, to familiarize yourself with the environment and the rhythm of work.
- Join for the right reasons, and be honest with yourself about your motivations and professional aspirations.
How exo supports its bus drivers
Customer safety is paramount for exo. That’s why defensive driving is at the heart of its principles. Bus drivers benefit from close support and have access to mobile driving simulators to help strengthen their skills.
Due to a shortage in manpower, exo has stepped up its support for newcomers in recent years to guarantee optimal guidance from their very first days onward.
In addition, the profession is changing fast. At this time, bus drivers are operating hybrid or diesel vehicles, but exo is moving towards the electrification of transport with the introduction of electric busses. This transition will require some adaptation in terms of driving skills, as they are completely different. Mechanics will also be affected by these changes. Route operating methods will ev olve too, with the need to plan stops to recharge the busses, especially in difficult meteorological conditions like cold weather and snow. Exo is committed to accompanying bus drivers, in partnership with transport companies, and technical staff throughout this transition, providing them with all the training and support they need to adapt to these new technologies and operating methods.
Becoming a bus driver with one of exo’s transport company partners is much more than just a job; it’s embracing a vocation for servicing the community. Pursuing this rewarding career path is an invitation to join a team that’s dedicated to making every journey safe and enjoyable for all. With nearly 1,100 bus drivers in the network, and up to 150 busses circulating simultaneously during peak hours, discover an opportunity to actively contribute to the flow and the safety of the public transit network.
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