We can only have huge respect for those who hold the lives of many passengers in their hands – and do their utmost to keep them safe from harm! Every time we board a bus or a plane we trust the driver or pilot to be a responsible individual who knows how to conduct himself behind the wheel and how to respond to the challenges on the route we are to take!
The driver of the luxury bus is not only confronted by the challenges from road and environmental conditions – but also the lawless and reckless road users – both human and animal!
We decided to approach a bus driver from Intercape with a few questions to gain greater insight as to how the meet and respond to these challenges!
- What would you regard as the most important qualities that a driver of a luxury bus should possess?
- How much experience do you have in driving a bus – do you also log the kilometres travelled like the pilots do?
Intercape’s criteria is a minimum of two years’ long distance driving, in the class of vehicle that you are applying for. I have been driving these vehicles much longer than that, but don’t keep a personal log of the kilometres that I drive.
- Do you remain on the same roads mostly or are there a rotational system as to designated routes for each bus driver?
- What do you observe on the roads as the major road behaviours from other road users that threatens your safety and the safety of your passengers?
- What are the major frustrations encountered by the driver of a luxury bus?
- What does Intercape and yourself do to avoid driver fatigue?
- Is there an increased need for alertness at night as compared to driving at day time – what would the biggest risks be?
- Have you ever experienced a medical emergency amongst the passengers – Do you have a protocol of steps to take in the event of a medical emergency onboard?
- What would you wish for passengers to be aware of that they might not know when climbing on your bus?
- Is the location of the bus continuously monitored from head-office and are there a need to update passengers and bus stops with estimated times of arrival?
- What can a bus driver do to make the experience enjoyable and comfortable for passengers?
- Do drivers meet with one another or with management to share experiences, do scenario planning and improve on services rendered?