Consider two drivers. One works for an independent operator, the other for a large group. The latter earns significantly more per hour than the former. Such are the economic realities of the bus side of the industry.
One of those drivers is smartly turned out. It’s a warm day but he still wears a tie with the top button of his shirt fastened.
The other ticks neither of those boxes. He seems to hate his job. The smartly-presented driver does not. He greets customers while remaining patient with those who need extra time to sit down, or who proffer a note.
Which is which? Some – but not all – may be surprised to read that the driver on a lower hourly rate is the one who creates a much better impression, and that the driver who earns more is the one who displays a can’t-be-bothered attitude.
This is not a hypothetical situation. It’s one encountered by routeone at the weekend. And while drivers all have idiosyncrasies, and some are naturally better ‘people people’ than others, a lesson is there.
Long held has been the theory that a driver will leave one job for another at the drop of a hat if there is more money to be had. But is that always true? Probably not.
Instead, a lot more than money governs whether a driver is happy with their lot. Being made to feel valued and – perhaps most importantly – not being treated like a child are certainly among the other factors.
Both of the latter require little financial investment to instil, but they do take up management time. Have you asked your drivers lately what they think of your business as an employer?
