What's it like being a Salisbury bus driver? We find out!
Salisbury Reds has a proud heritage that can be traced back to 1915 when Wilts & Dorset ran it's very first bus service between Salisbury and Amesbury. The company soon established a reputation for high quality bus and coach services in Wiltshire and continues to provide links across Salisbury, Amesbury, Andover, Tidworth, Marlborough and Devizes to this very day.
You could become part of that Salisbury heritage by becoming one of their drivers!
As part of our 5 Questions With.... series, we’ve been finding out what it’s like being part of the long-standing service.
Here's what Salisbury Reds bus driver, Dylan de-Charmoy-Bouchet has to say about the job he loves:
What’s it like driving a bus? Is it difficult?
It's a very exciting experience. You wouldn't believe how well buses drive on the road - smooth, refined and comfortable. No, it's not difficult at all, but as you'd expect, it does require a lot of concentration and forward planning. Salisbury Reds have a great training team who make sure that you feel right at home behind the wheel.
Dylan on his Salisbury Reds bus
What is the best thing about being a bus driver?
Our customers rely on us to get to places. It's a great feeling knowing that you're helping so many people reach their destinations - safely, in comfort and with great customer service.
How much training do you have to have?
There's about 7 weeks of training, it's very in-depth and informative, covering all aspects of the job, from vehicle first use checks, to Health & Safety in the workplace, to protecting vulnerable customers, and how to give great customer service. The company has a dedicated fleet of training buses in which you learn to drive. After you pass your practical test, you have a personal mentor who helps you reach the high standards required before the momentous day when you go into "solo" service. It's a very collaborative working environment at Salisbury Reds. Colleagues help one another and advice is always at hand, whether from your fellow driving colleagues in the canteen, or from the management team, who are all very approachable and supportive.
Where’s the best place in Salisbury to travel to?
There are many interesting places to visit in the region, and our buses can take you to them all. Travelling by bus is a great, stress-free way to see the beautiful countryside that surrounds Salisbury. My personal favourite would be our 25/26 routes, lovely countryside routes out to the west of Salisbury that meander through the many picturesque villages towards Zeals, Tisbury, Hindon and Wincanton. Being out in the open countryside is fantastic, no matter what season it is.
What would you say to anyone who’s considering a career with Salisbury Reds?
Do it, you won't regret it! You'll have great colleagues, you get to drive to different areas, and you'll spend your day helping people. It truly is a job for life....apply now!
If you are interested in becoming part of the Salisbury Reds family and joining them as a bus driver, you can find more information by clicking here.
For more job opportunities, head to the Experience Salisbury Recruitment page.