Become a bus driver

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The profession of bus driver

The profession of bus driver is versatile and essential for the functioning of public transport. With the constant need for new employees in cities and municipalities, this profession offers numerous employment opportunities, both in the public sector and in private companies. Training to become a bus driver is a key aspect that offers interested parties a solid professional foundation. In addition to driving, the profession also involves dealing with people and ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. Our guide provides information about training, alternative career paths and earning potential. We also highlight important facts and everyday aspects of the profession to paint a realistic picture.

In our article, we offer a detailed insight into the world of bus drivers. We explain what personal and professional qualifications are required and what a typical working day looks like. We also look at the challenges and opportunities of the job, including the importance of customer service and safety. Our information is of interest to both potential new entrants and the general public. The aim is to create a comprehensive understanding of the role and importance of bus drivers in our society, while providing a realistic look at career opportunities in this field.

Bus drivers are key players in mobility, as they make a significant daily contribution to connecting and moving our society and keeping it mobile.

Why should I become a bus driver?

Mobility is a constantly growing sector and occupies an ever-increasing area. In general, the job of a bus driver is considered a varied profession. Contact and proper communication with passengers are just as important as the safe transportation of passengers. In addition to transporting passengers, activities such as selling tickets, sightseeing or handing out luggage may also be involved.

The bus driver is the first point of contact for the guests and clarifies any inconsistencies. The responsibility is correspondingly high. For trips lasting several days, accommodation and meals are covered by the customer or employer. At the agency for global transport, we are also observing a general trend towards ecologically sustainable coach travel. Many people know that individual travel is expensive and produces high emissions.

Especially with the rising cost of finite resources in 2023, many people are looking for sustainable solutions to make travel greener again. Buses and their drivers therefore play a crucial role for the environment and the mobility of tomorrow.

Many companies are looking for new employees in order to fulfill their tasks and are competing with each other for the few potential employees. The BDO (Federal Association of German Bus and Coach Companies) estimatesthat there will be up to 70,000 unfilled positions by 203o (as at 2024). A major correction to the 36,000 bus drivers already identified in 2022. There is already a shortage of more than 7,500 bus drivers on the roads today. To satisfy the high demand, many companies are offering above-average pay and other benefits. The situation on the bus market is now so tight that many companies are covering the costs of the bus driver's license to accommodate applicants.

Training as a bus driver

Training as a professional driver, a state-recognized apprenticeship since 1973, offers a wide range of career opportunities. This three-year apprenticeship usually requires a secondary school leaving certificate, but many companies also welcome applicants without a school leaving certificate. The training is characterized by a high retention rate, and even if direct employment does not take place, the job opportunities in metropolitan areas remain high.

The training is divided into practical experience in the company and theoretical learning at vocational school. In the company, trainees learn how to handle the vehicle and about everyday working life, while at vocational school they learn basic theory, including business and social studies as well as specific subject areas such as passenger safety and accident management.

Facts about the bus driver

Practical experience in the company: Trainees acquire practical skills in handling vehicles in the company and prepare themselves for everyday working life.

Theoretical learning at vocational school: Trainees learn important theoretical principles at vocational school, including economics, passenger safety and first aid at the scene of an accident.

Obtaining a bus driver's license: During their training, trainees usually also obtain a bus driver's license, which is essential for driving a vehicle.

Salary during training: The training salary increases annually, starting at 530 to 670 euros gross in the first year and rising to 600 to 800 euros gross in the final year.

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Employers and behaviors

There are jobs for bus drivers in almost every sector. A distinction is usually made between public and private employers.

Public companies are generally transport companies that manage local public transport in cities and municipalities. The salaries of bus drivers in local public transport are covered by collective agreements in many regions and organized in the local public transport union. In general, bus drivers benefit from the trade unions, which campaign for the interests and improved conditions of bus drivers.

Bus drivers for private companies can be needed for a wide variety of tasks. Bus drivers for private bus companies drive guests to their desired destinations and support local public transportation. Some companies specialize in certain routes, such as trade fair and airport shuttles or school trips for schools. In large companies, bus drivers support employees in the form of bus shuttles to work in the form of bus shuttles, or are part of a company transport that has been set up specifically for this purpose. With the trade fair transfer, we offer reliable, comfortable and punctual transportation between accommodation, the trade fair and other important stations.

The range of activities is therefore broad in both public and private companies. Bus drivers in the public sector often enjoy the benefits of collective bargaining coverage and union support, while bus drivers in private companies can benefit from a greater variety of job opportunities. In both sectors, the demands for professionalism and reliability are high, and the role of the bus driver remains essential to the mobility and functioning of public life.

Whether in the public or private sector, bus drivers make a significant contribution to the mobility and connectivity of society. They enable people to go about their daily lives by getting them to their destination safely and on time. This makes the job of a bus driver both responsible and fulfilling.

Behavior for bus drivers
As a bus driver, professional behavior is extremely important. Accidents involving buses are particularly serious due to their weight and the large number of passengers. Especially as passengers often do not wear their seat belts. The consequences can be fatal, especially at high speeds. We have summarized some rules of conduct for bus drivers:

A bus driver should always remain calm and composed and concentrate on the journey
Make sure your posture is good, even while driving
Always wear your seat belt when driving
Drugs and alcohol are prohibited at all times
If you do not feel well, stop
Comply with all traffic regulations and the rest and driving times

How safe is it to work as a bus driver?
According to the Federal Statistical Office, buses are the safest means of transportation. Thanks to special training, bus drivers are well prepared for the challenges of road traffic. This is also confirmed by the TÜV. This makes it all the more important to keep the number of accidents as low as possible. To this end, de-escalating behaviour on the part of the bus driver is important in order to minimize conflicts of any kind. In the event of aggressive behavior towards the bus driver or passengers, the bus driver may expel the offender from the bus and call the police.

Meals and accommodation
On tours lasting several days with overnight accommodation, such as school trips with school classes, coach drivers are part of the tour group and usually stay in the same accommodation. Many hotels have rooms specially designed for coach drivers. Drivers also receive a per diem for food and drink.

Tipping bus drivers
Tipping bus drivers is not uncommon and older people in particular like to give a small tip as a sign of respect and for the service. Tipping is particularly common on so-called coffee trips or longer tours. However, they are not obligatory for guests.

Who we are and what we believe in

Discover the drive that drives us at agt and the values that we stand for in our daily work and that shape our convictions.

Bus drivers shape the cityscape, connect communities and play a central role in urban mobility and quality of life - for you, for everyone.

How much do I earn as a bus driver?

How much a bus driver earns depends on a number of factors. The most important are the employer, the region and professional experience. According to the remuneration atlas of the Federal Employment Agency bus drivers can expect an average gross salary of 3,177 euros per month. Bus drivers in Baden-Württemberg can expect the highest salaries. Gross salaries of over 3,500 euros per month are possible here. Brandenburg brings up the rear. Here, the average gross monthly salary is only 2,779 euros.

There are also differences in salary between the sexes. For example, female bus drivers earn an average gross salary of 3,046 euros per month, which is on average 146 euros less gross than men with an average gross salary of 3,192 euros. The public sector generally pays better than private companies. However, salaries vary between the individual federal states and are negotiated with the trade unions themselves. How much a bus driver earns is therefore not clearly defined. In our Buswelt article, we take a closer look at the salary of a bus driver and also look at regional differences.

Bus driver as a career changer
Many people switch to the bus industry after years in their old job and want to become a bus driver. The reasons for this are obvious. In addition to secure jobs, there is a large selection of potential and regional employers. Many employers cover the costs of retraining as a bus driver. Retraining is often full-time and also consists of a practical and theoretical part, with the practical part taking place in the company. Instead of going to vocational school, the theoretical part of further training often takes place at alternative educational institutions such as the IHK, Dekra or TÜV. As a rule, the training lasts about 1 year. The retraining is completed with an examination.

There are different ways to complete your further training. For example, you can complete accelerated basic training via the alternative educational institution, which is then completed with an examination. Once you have completed the basic qualification, you are then qualified for other training occupations and can continue your training. For example, you can earn a salary of up to 4,200 euros gross per month as a master craftsman in road transport.

Our bus world

In our agt Bus World, we provide information about current developments in our company, as well as the latest topics and events in the bus and mobility industry.

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