Busways driver Simon Craven never imagined he’d end up behind the wheel of a school bus in Macksville, let alone become one of the most recognised faces among students in the area. But what started as a part-time role quickly became something more meaningful.

Today, Simon is a mentor, storyteller, and now a Busways School and Community Educator who visits local schools to teach students about safe and respectful travel. 

This Christmas, Simon has added something special to his daily run. He has written a safety-themed Christmas carol called “Jingle Bells (Staying in Your Seat)”, reminding students to stay seated while the bus is moving. The song has already become a hit, with kids singing along and enjoying their festive rides with Simon. This fun tradition also reflects Simon’s passion for safety, using music and joy to help students remember simple rules that keep them safe.

Simon has built strong relationships with kids on his bus. He chats with them, remembers their names, and brings a sense of fun to their daily ride. To encourage tidiness, he introduced googly eyes on the bin and later named it “Jim the Bin” – a rubbish bin complete with a playful poem sign. Jim soon gained friends: Tim, Kim, Lyn, Finn and Phil the Bin. It’s a simple but creative way to get students to clean up after themselves – and it works. “I believe we can teach good habits to kids if we just make it a little entertaining,” says Simon. 

“Every day I get to meet people, talk to kids, and support new drivers starting out. I genuinely enjoy it,” he says.
Before joining Busways two years ago, Simon had run multiple businesses – including running Sydney’s largest ice sculpting business, creating elaborate installations for corporate and public events, sometimes using over 30 blocks of ice for a single sculpture.

Later, a sea change led him to Macksville on the NSW North Coast, where he ran a series of retail outlets for more than a decade. But a life-threatening medical event several years ago was a turning point.

“It made me stop and think about what really matters,” Simon says. He took a casual driving job with Busways — and found purpose in a slower pace, stronger community ties, the chance to make a daily difference and find the fun in life every day.

Now, he’s channelling his creativity into a children’s book titled Gus the Bus, a humorous story inspired by his experiences behind the wheel.

He’s proof that driving a bus isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about the people along the way, the kids, the commuters, the new drivers finding their feet, and the chance to make their day a little better.

Make a difference and become a bus driver today and get a sign on bonus of $1,000

Do you hold a Medium Rigid (MR) licence or above, and would you like to make a difference driving buses in your community? Busways is now hiring for casual drivers to join Simon and the team in Macksville, offering a $1,000 sign on bonus (terms and conditions apply). Busways offers a 4-week paid driver training program that will build on your current heavy vehicle skills and knowledge to navigate the roads as a professional Bus Driver.
Visit www.busdriver.au to find out more and apply.