Bus driving is better than bar work, says York university student

A University of York student is sure that bus driving is better than bar work in providing spending power to support finances during studies.

Pippa Salisbury, 22, is in her third year studying for a degree in Sociology and is the first student to be employed by bus operator as a driver. She reckons joining First Bus in York is the best part-time job move she’s ever made.

“I was surprised I was even eligible to drive a bus,” says Pippa, who has held a driving licence for three years.

Like many her age, Pippa was working in a fast food chain but wanted a change. “I’ve done all kinds of jobs in hospitality and bars and tried lots of places, often not hearing back at all.

“I saw an ad for bus drivers and decide to apply. I was unsure about the interview but at the end I was offered a job and began training – I was amazed!”

Training a new bus driver takes between 6-8 weeks and includes classroom-based learning alongside on-the-road driving tuition. Candidates need to have held a full driving licence for six months and are allowed to have a maximum of six penalty points. New recruits are also paid during their training.

When qualified, a ‘buddy’ supports drivers in service for the first two weeks. 

Pippa has a contract giving her two days’ work a week with pay of £15.00 per hour which she manages around her lectures.

The security of guaranteed working hours also appeals. “In many jobs it’s zero hours contracts, so you can’t be certain. Typically it might be three or four hour shifts but with driving I know it will be a lot longer so I can earn more.”

She drives on the university routes as well as other city services so regularly sees fellow students and accepts there will be jokes.

“It’s fun and every time I’m out with my friends and meet other people, they always say: “She’s a bus driver.”

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