Trainee Bus Driver

Lothian is the UK’s largest municipal bus company and proudly owned by the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils. Lothian connects the region with over 70 services and more than 700 buses which run day and night throughout the year. Our easy-access fleet is among the most modern and environmentally friendly in the UK and now includes the city’s first zero-emission electric buses. We are also an award-winning transport operator and continue to invest in technology and our people. We’ve been based in the city for over 100 years and are now one of the region’s largest employers with over 2,700 people, 1,900 of whom are drivers. Many of our employees are from Edinburgh and the Lothians or have made the region their home.

Main tasks:

As a PCV Driver you are responsible for delivering an efficient, reliable, safe and high-quality service in accordance with company procedures whilst providing the highest levels of customer service.

Safety and Operations:

• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers at all times
• Drive the allocated vehicle according to the schedule set out on the running board, in compliance with the Highway Code and Traffic Commissioners guidelines
• Ensure that all accidents and incidents involving company vehicles are reported following the Accident Reporting procedure
• Advise the company immediately of any accident or incident that may affect the granting of your PCV licence
• Ensure that all company safe working practices are complied with.

Compliance:

• Carry out a thorough pre-use daily walk round check on any vehicle being used, recording and reporting any defects found, following the defect reporting procedure
• Ensure compliance with the relevant rules governing drivers hours and rest periods for PCV drivers and the Working Time Directive
• Comply with all company policies and procedures including Safety, Environmental Policy Statements and the Drugs and Alcohol Policy
• Ensure that a valid driving licence and CPC card are held at all times whilst on duty and these are made available for inspectionby a member of the supervisory team upon request.

Fares, Tickets and cash handling:

• Issue the correct tickets for travel or ensure the validity of any tickets presented by passengers when boarding your vehicle
• Keep up to date with any changes to the Conditions of Carriage, ticket types, fares or promotions by reading our Traffic Notices.

Customer Service:

• Maintain the highest standards of customer service at all times ensuring that customers are treated with respect and courtesy
• Be an ambassador for the wider ‘Lothian’ family
• Use diplomacy and tact in difficult or challenging situations and represent the companies best interests.
• Assist customers with boarding/disembarking
• Make appropriate announcements to customers as required and keep them informed at all times.

Essential:

• Full UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points
• Exceptional customer service skills and clear communication skills
• Excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic regulations
• Flexibility to work various shift pattern including weekends and Bank Holiday.

Desirable:

• Previous experience driving larger vehicles (anything from a Transit to a Class 1 Truck).

Health and Safety:

All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety within their workplace. As such you should ensure you are familiar with any health and safety matters and/or risks relevant to your role and place of work. Further information on this subject can be found within myLothian.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Lothian is committed to building a diverse workforce where everyone can be themselves. As an employee you will help us to ensure that all employees are treated with dignity and respect, and uphold our belief that any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation will not be tolerated.

Benefits:

• Paid training for the first 5 weeks whilst you train to gain your PCV Bus Licence (Cat D)
• Competitive salary: once qualified, earn £33,786 (£16.66 p/h), rising to £39,120 (£19.29 p/h)* plus overtime opportunities with enhanced rates. 
• Employee benefits:  enjoy a full range of benefits including free travel, free health plan, full uniform provided and access to a range of discounts for hundreds of retailers. 
• Be part of a team: join a company that values inclusivity, teamwork, and excellent customer service
• Training and development: annual paid training to help maintain your driver qualification