Getting more bus drivers on board

Transport for NSW (Transport) has contributed to an 87 per cent increase in the number of new bus driver authorities issued for the January – May periods for 2022 and 2023.

Recruitment campaigns are targeting areas that are experiencing the worst shortages like the Sydney’s northwest, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs and the Inner West to get more people into the role.

Using paid social media, digital display and search, owned channels across other modes, radio, emails to public transport customers and the Transport website, the campaign raised awareness of bus careers and encouraged people to apply for local jobs. The campaign also targeted culturally and linguistically diverse audience by using in language messaging (Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese)

“We have been working very hard to assess over 1,900 applications received since January this year,” explained Meagan Felton, Senior Manager Licence Programs

“Easing the bus industry driver shortage is vital, so we’re really proud to be supporting industry onboard new drivers by assessing applications as quicky as possible despite an increased workload.”

All applications are currently being assessed within five days Within this time an applicant will:

Be issued a BDA if their application is complete and they are assessed as suitable to hold a BDA. Currently around 91 per cent of completed applications are finalised within five working days, or

Will be asked for missing or additional information needed to assess their application, or

Be advised that their application could be refused subject to the applicant providing any other relevant facts or information supporting their application.’

Busways driver, John Davis wants to encourage more people to consider bus driving as a serious profession “If you need a healthy change in lifestyle, I definitely suggest becoming a bus driver. If you like being of service to the community, then this is the career for you!”

For more information about becoming a bus driver or the bus driver authorisation process please contact busapplications@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Bus Driver Authority improvements

Transport will make it quicker, easier, and cheaper for drivers to get their bus driver authority in response to the Bus Industry Taskforce’s early recommendations.

On 1 August 2023 we are waiving the $70 fee for the next 12 months for new applications

Transport is making system changes to enable this. If these changes are still being carried out after this date, those that apply will be reimbursed the $70 application fee.

By the end of October 2023 Transport will also be: 1

Allowing drivers over the age of 25 to apply if they hold a current unrestricted Australian driver licence, and have held any kind of Australian driver licence, or a nationally recognised overseas driver licence, for at least three years

2. 3

Enabling electronic issue of documents

Scrapping duplicated paperwork requirements and streamlining the application process.

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