Become a bus driver – Canberra’s passengers need you, says transport minister Chris Steel.

“If you’ve ever considered becoming a bus driver and helping Canberrans get where they need to go, Transport Canberra wants to hear from you.”

The ACT Government is recruiting more bus drivers. Returning to high frequency services is a priority for Canberra’s public transport recovery, but the workforce is affected by COVID-19.

Around the world, more staff are taking sick leave or carer’s leave, putting pressure on reliability and service levels, and Canberra is no exception.

93 drivers have taken personal leave on any given weekday over the past month, Ben McHugh, Deputy Director General for Transport Canberra, said – and this could increase in the weeks ahead.

“We want to strengthen public transport service frequency, but to do that reliably during the pandemic, we need to grow a bigger and more flexible workforce,” Mr Steel said.

The latest recruitment campaign for casual and part-time bus drivers will run until 24 July. Remuneration is generous, and all Canberrans are encouraged to apply.

Transport Canberra has already recruited 33 drivers this year, and aims to recruit a further 60 drivers by December.

The ACT’s interim timetable has been in place since August, and, Mr Steel said, it still provides a good level of frequency on most services: rapid buses run at least every 15 minutes or better on weekdays during peak periods.

In Term 3, Mr McHugh said, Transport Canberra intends to step up service frequency.

Now is an exciting time to work in the public transport sector, Mr Steel said: Canberra’s first 12 all-electric buses are on the way this year, and an additional 90 electric buses are being procured.

For more information on driver recruitment, visit: www.transport.act.gov.au