Go North East (GNE) plans to recruit and train up to 200 bus drivers through what it says is an expansion of Britain’s most ambitious recruitment campaign for that role.
That will see the introduction of the Elite Bus Driver Academy concept in North East England, following similar work by sister business Go North West in 2023 ahead of it taking up two large bus franchise contracts in Greater Manchester.
Again using the ‘Be an Elite Driver’ strapline, the GNE campaign will continue the use of fighter pilot-style uniforms and imagery. Pictures of drivers will be displayed on the operator’s fleet and recruits will undergo a six-week training programme. It is open to existing category D licence holders and those who do not hold the relevant entitlement.
The recruitment drive follows conclusion of an earlier period of industrial action at Go North East that saw drivers’ rates of pay increase to £14.27 per hour from January.
GNE adds that the campaign will support “ambitious plans to transform buses” in the region, delivered in partnership with local authorities using Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding. The North East and North of Tyne received the highest allocation from BSIP phase one. A £1 flat fare is also in place for passengers aged under 22.
Speaking about the recruitment campaign, GNE Managing Director Nigel Featham describes it as necessary “to match the huge scale of change that we will be helping to deliver in the North East’s public transport.” He adds that a good amount of interest has already been generated and that the operator expects “thousands” of applications.
Local passenger transport executive Nexus is supporting GNE’s work. Says Customer Services Director Huw Lewis: “Nexus and its partners have ambitious plans for public transport. It is great to see this huge recruitment drive taking place, and the creation of hundreds of jobs for local people.”
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