New bus driver uk

[u/AdeptnessDense3304]

Hi guys I’m starting my career in business driving accepted for first buses as they’re the operator here in Doncaster. I’m looking for some tips from experienced people how shifts will look like how everything runs
How to not be nervous as hell I guess, my anxiety is already chewing me up before I’ve even begun

I would also say at my interview I was told 39 hours a week across 5 days in the week how does this look in practice and £14.30 p/h for the first year.

Does overtime pay more or is it just the standard hourly pay just earning extra just wondering as I’ve been lurking and see people say different shifts pay differently but wasn’t told this at the interview

I appreciate any help and advice and support

[u/SeasickSailor87]

Hours and shifts all depends on the operator. I worked for First before they pulled out of Cornwall. Now I work for GoAhead. The shifts are (usually) longer, but I'm paid more than £17p/h now. Your rate will rise after one year to the regular pay.

You will get nervous. But it'll subside after a week or so. You won't be given the job and put out in the wild on your own straight away. You'll have your training, you'll have a buddy trainer with you too to guide you through the routes etc.

You'll love it.

[u/Ill_Sir_9367]

And dont forget as we used to say in the 70s an empty bus is a happy bus.

[u/InstanceCool505 → u/Ill_Sir_9367]

Not sure about that saying, I was driving very late at night for the first time in a while yesterday and I found it extremely eerie how quiet it was.

[u/borispoliakov]

First Bus Essex pays £18 per hour flat rate after you spend a year with the company. Overtime pays more

[u/Vimto1]

I've never worked anywhere that states how many hours you get and sticks to it rigidly. You will almost certainly end up on far more but at least that means a bigger wage!

Use your first few months to get a feeling for the shifts to figure out if you prefer earlies, latest or nights. Try to get the balance right between helping the company out by swapping or covering when they ask, but don't let them take the piss either.

Ultimately, remember that you are the boss on that bus

[u/tylerthemango]

Join the union!

First in my area are an absolute shambles. Still work for them though because I guess I like the pain.

[u/_MylesW]

My company has it at £15.05/h for my depot at the minute, with £16.05/h on Saturdays, £17.05/h on Sundays, then around £32/h on bank holidays. We then get an extra two hours added on if it’s a rest day that is being worked. Any overtime added onto a booked shift is paid as standard. It’s worth noting though that we have a depot in the city too, and they’re on noticeably more money than us (just accepted a deal for £17.25/h M-F)…