Coach drivers

Drift:
To be fair I had some great times but that was mainly before the rules got strict before and just after deregulation, I have never seen a job with so many alcoholics though :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I can deal with drunks the only thing I’m bothered about is the radio I take it I can’t just listen to what I want

I stopped driving buses about 12 years ago but we always had our radio on even though we could be booked for it but the checkers where putty in our hands lol, or stick a bluetooth in your lug hole (we didnt have that back in the day)
I did the same route for years and the passengers complained when my radio batteries ran out lol.

I used to love the “twirlies” the pensioners where not allowed on with their free passes before 09.30 and I would pull up to the stop at 09.20 and there would be a crowd of them flashing their passes shouting “am I too early (twirlie) love” I used to shout “first three get on free” for a laugh, they knocked the bejesus out of each other fighting to get on :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I think that Drift is referring to alcoholic drivers.I can imagine that driving a bus in an urban envirnoment all day every day would be stressful to say the least.

alamcculloch:
I think that Drift is referring to alcoholic drivers.I can imagine that driving a bus in an urban envirnoment all day every day would be stressful to say the least.

Yes :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I don’t think it would be just city roads I think I would have to start cleaning them first and then they would help me get my license is it the same as a hgv license

Not sure these days, I past mine in a crash box double de-clutch , the same year as my HGV :blush: back then is was a similar test, observations and that was about it :laughing:

The two licences are not interchangeable,though the practical driving test is very similar.If you are a newbee a big bus firm might take you on and train you up.

alamcculloch:
The two licences are not interchangeable,though the practical driving test is very similar.If you are a newbee a big bus firm might take you on and train you up.

That’s what I thought I mean is there like a class 2 or class 1 and yes my uncle works for them and he told me to try them

Originally I passed a class 3 mini bus test but within three weeks they put me through a class 1 manual test but now its all changed, I dont think they even do manual pcv tests anymore?

Drift:
Originally I passed a class 3 mini bus test but within three weeks they put me through a class 1 manual test but now its all changed, I dont think they even do manual pcv tests anymore?

I would prefer a manual but a automatic would do

irish lorries:

Drift:
Originally I passed a class 3 mini bus test but within three weeks they put me through a class 1 manual test but now its all changed, I dont think they even do manual pcv tests anymore?

I would prefer a manual but a automatic would do

You would never have a manual bus doing local work these days, maybe the odd mini bus but nothing more, you dont even see semi automatics these days.
Coaching held out the longest with manuals but I bet thats changed now.

irish lorries:

Drift:
To be fair I had some great times but that was mainly before the rules got strict before and just after deregulation, I have never seen a job with so many alcoholics though :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I can deal with drunks the only thing I’m bothered about is the radio I take it I can’t just listen to what I want

He was on about the other drivers :smiley:

NewLad:

irish lorries:

Drift:
To be fair I had some great times but that was mainly before the rules got strict before and just after deregulation, I have never seen a job with so many alcoholics though :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I can deal with drunks the only thing I’m bothered about is the radio I take it I can’t just listen to what I want

He was on about the other drivers :smiley:

I thought he was on about both :laughing:

Drift:

irish lorries:

Drift:
Originally I passed a class 3 mini bus test but within three weeks they put me through a class 1 manual test but now its all changed, I dont think they even do manual pcv tests anymore?

I would prefer a manual but a automatic would do

You would never have a manual bus doing local work these days, maybe the odd mini bus but nothing more, you dont even see semi automatics these days.
Coaching held out the longest with manuals but I bet thats changed now.

That’s ■■■■ I would be hoping to do longer runs in coach’s when I get some experience but that would be a while

I was offered to go back bus driving for £11 an hour last year but I know I would be miserable, and I have never fancied coaching though I did do a few dupes for national express and private hires in the 80’s we where contracted to hated it all plus my temperament aint as forgiving as it was :blush: :laughing:
I am on a good screw now and the load doesn’t talk back, so happy as a pig in brown stuff at the minute :wink:

Without exaggerating in the slightest - I would never consider going back to wagon driving, even part time. Maybe just the odd agency shift a couple of times a year.

The coaching industry is the best job I’ve ever had - Since I joined it I have never had to worry about money. Don’t get me wrong, I’m on very good work and I’m very lucky indeed and it is VERY hard work at times, I’m away from home 20 or so days a month - But the money is beyond comfortable (You make your money in tips)

alamcculloch:
I think that Drift is referring to alcoholic drivers.I can imagine that driving a bus in an urban envirnoment all day every day would be stressful to say the least.

It can be, but then if you’re late you’re late :wink:
I’m actually leaving coaches to go back onto service work a) because service buses you when you’re starting, you’re days off are and b) they’re literally on my doorstep… :wink:
Plus my present boss is a bit of ■■■■ :laughing:

Yes I forgot that how much do bus or coach drivers make

For the big companies about £10 to £11 and hour usually straight through no overtime rate unless a local agreement, unions still have a shout on the big companies.
You will be working 5 over 7 including earlies, lates and splits, same rate but usually tons of overtime and Bank Holidays are usually part of your rotas.
You may start on a new starter rate about 20% lower for a short time and you WILL get all the rubbish duties for a year or so.

I think its still the same bus drivers had 5.30hs in the cab before a 30 minute break was due but worth checking as I am out of touch with the hours now.

Drift:
For the big companies about £10 to £11 and hour usually straight through no overtime rate unless a local agreement, unions still have a shout on the big companies.
You will be working 5 over 7 including earlies, lates and splits, same rate but usually tons of overtime and Bank Holidays are usually part of your rotas.
You may start on a new starter rate about 20% lower for a short time and you WILL get all the rubbish duties for a year or so.

I think its still the same bus drivers had 5.30hs in the cab before a 30 minute break was due but worth checking as I am out of touch with the hours now.

Yes it’s changed its now 4.50 hours driving and 45 min break and 56 hours driving time per week 9 hours per day with 10 hours driving time two days per week I think that’s right