Trainee PCV Bus Driver
Overview:
Come and join Blackpool and the Fylde’s #1 Bus Company!
Are you ready to embark on an exciting new career journey? We're seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team as Trainee Bus Drivers! If you're passionate about providing excellent customer service, love the open road, and have always dreamed of being behind the wheel of a bus, this opportunity is for you.
Don’t worry if you have never driven anything bigger than a car, you will be paid to learn how to drive a bus by one of our highly qualified Training Team. They will teach you all you need know on how to become a professional bus driver and customer service champion.
What we need from you- you must be 18+ years of age (this is a legal requirement)
- Driven regularly for at least 12 months.
- proof of right to work in the UK.
- a full UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
- a drive for quality customer service
- a passion for safe and courteous driving on our open roads
Why us
Blackpool Transport are a leading transport operator in the UK, operating Blackpool’s network of buses and modern light-rail trams. We are on a mission to connect people, businesses, and communities to a better future – through sustainable public transport.
We don’t sit still and our vision to be the most reliable and sustainable mode of travel on the Fylde Coast by 2025 is already coming to life. We’ll soon introduce the first ever electric bus to Blackpool and have exciting plans to redevelop our historic depot on Rigby Road.
Whilst we have ambitious commercial objectives, we’re proud to be a key part of the communities that we serve and work closely with our stakeholders, partners and customers to deliver a high-quality bus and tram service.
What we offer:
- Your basic salary is £23,000pa, rising to over 27k after 12 months. (Pro Rata, working 37 hours per week on the main roster)
- Overtime is often available.
- Full positions available
- A modern and well-maintained fleet of buses
A generous benefits package includes:
- 28 days’ holiday per year rising annually to 33 days after 5 years, inclusive of 8 public holidays.
- 'Recruit a friend' scheme.
- Free travel on all our bus and tram services (with additional passes available for a few of your nearest and dearest)
- An extensive training and development programme to ensure that you are one of the best qualified drivers on our roads and can provide an amazing customer experience.
- Learning and Development opportunities.
- Paid PCV Medicals
- A BTS bus driver of the year scheme, with some great prizes and a chance to represent the company in the national competition.
- Enrolment into the Blackpool Transport pension scheme and access to pension advice if needed.
- Work/life assistance 24 hours a day through Unum LifeWorks
- An employee care programme for help and advice when you need it.
- Exclusive Discounts
- A smart, top-quality uniform
Responsibilities:
Main Responsibilities
Ensure all vehicle checks are completed in line with the Company procedures and any faults found are reported,Ensure the safety and comfort of your passengers whilst boarding, travelling and alighting.
Control the boarding, alighting and conduct of customers.
To provide a high standard of customer service at all times
Be polite and helpful to customers. Treat them with respect and show patience when required.
To drive the Company’s vehicles in a safe, legal and professional way
Maintain operating schedules without compromising safety and ensure that you are at the correct take over point at designated time.
Implement accident report procedures when required.
Complete and submit appropriate report forms when required.
Be familiar with vehicle equipment and its use.
Issue tickets in line with Company agreed procedures and safeguard the Company’s revenue.
Operate the paying in system correctly and account for all money received and paid in.
Understand how to deal with customers with disabilities and treat appropriately.
Give advice about the Company Services.
Acquire knowledge of the passes recognised by the Company and deal with customers accordingly.
To keep up to date with any changes to condition of travel, ticket types, fares or promotions by reading notices and briefings from managers.
Ensure that vehicles display the correct destination information.
Be alert and courteous at all times.
Take action in the case of customer illness.
Be smart and presentable whilst on duty, compliant with company dress code.
Safeguard lost property and follow the lost property procedure.
Carry out any other duties which may reasonably be requested by the inspectorate or members of the management team.
To keep up to date with road closures, diversions or special events which may affect bus services. This is done by reading notices and listening to the on-bus radio.
Qualifications:
Person Specification
Requirement
Essential/
Desirable
(E or D)
How Assessed
(s) – used for short listing- Education/Qualifications/Knowledge
High school educated
Valid current UK (or acceptable other) drivers licence
Knowledge of geographical operating area
Understanding of what good customer service is
E
E
D
E
Assessment
Assessment/Interview
Assessment/Interview
Application form/ Interview- Experience
Experience of working in a customer focused role
Experience of handling cash
Professional driving experience
D
D
D
Interview
Assessment/Interview
Assessment/Interview- Aptitudes and Skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Good numeracy and literacy skills
Aware of the importance of Health & Safety procedures
Ability to drive a vehicle to a competent and safe standard
Able to work unsupervised
E
E
E
E
E
Assessment/Interview
Assessment
Interview
Assessment
Interview- Personal Attributes
Be a good team player
Able to solve problems quickly and decisively.
Flexible approach to working hours.
E
D
E
Assessment/Interview
Assessment/Interview
Interview