Before Busways’ drivers commence driving with us they undertake comprehensive training to ensure that all of our customers travel safely. A two week induction program involves learning about bus routes, fares and ticketing as well as polishing their driving skills to meet Busways’ driving standards.

All new drivers enter a traineeship – Transport Distribution Road Transport Certificate 3. The traineeship is the equivalent of a Trades Certificate. It recognises the skills needed to be a professional driver.

This ongoing training is given over a 2 year period and is mainly on-the-job. We use our own driver assessors as well as a professional training company, Into Training Australia, to complete this program.

Subject areas covered include:

• Customer service skills
• Occupational Health and Safety procedures
• Driving MR vehicles
• Using bus communication systems
• Managing disruptive and/or unlawful behaviour
• Using ticket machines

When they successfully complete the traineeship, drivers receive a certificate that recognises them as a professional driver, ready to deal with all situations they will meet in a day’s driving.

In addition, drivers have access to regular training through updates and refresher sessions with Busways’ RTA qualified trainers and assessors.

New policies and procedures affecting occupational health and safety (eg: Drug and Alcohol procedures) are discussed through OH&S committees and presented throughout the company.

We use our regular company newsletter to convey information about changes that affect drivers and other staff (OH&S, road laws etc.).