Heavy Bus Driver

Roles and Responsibilities

A Heavy Bus Driver is responsible for operating large buses or coaches to transport passengers safely from one location to another. This role is critical in a variety of transportation sectors, including public transit, school transportation, tour groups, and long-distance travel. The job requires specialized skills in handling large vehicles, navigating different road conditions, and ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.

Key Skills of a Heavy Bus Driver:

1. Vehicle Operation Skills
   • Driving Large Vehicles: Proficiency in driving large, heavy vehicles like buses or coaches, which require a high level of skill to operate safely, especially in heavy traffic or difficult road conditions.
   • Route Knowledge: Familiarity with designated routes, stops, and regulations, as well as the ability to adapt to changing conditions (e.g., detours, road closures).
   • Manual and Automatic Transmission: Ability to operate buses with both manual and automatic transmissions, depending on the vehicle.
2. Safety and Defensive Driving
   • Safety Protocols: Knowledge and adherence to safety standards for transporting passengers, including ensuring the bus is equipped with safety features (seat belts, emergency exits, etc.) and that passengers are safe at all times.
   • Defensive Driving: Ability to anticipate and react to potential hazards or dangerous driving conditions (e.g., bad weather, road accidents, pedestrians, cyclists).
   • Passenger Safety: Ensuring that passengers board and exit the bus safely, especially in high-traffic areas or during crowded conditions.
3. Navigation and Route Management
   • GPS and Navigation Systems: Using GPS devices or route-planning tools to follow predetermined routes or to navigate unfamiliar areas efficiently.
   • Time Management: Ensuring timely arrivals and departures, keeping schedules on track, and managing rest periods according to regulations.
   • Adaptability: Handling unexpected delays, detours, or changes in route while maintaining safety and comfort for passengers.
4. Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
   • Pre-Trip Vehicle Checks: Conducting pre-trip inspections of the bus to ensure that it is in safe working condition (checking brakes, lights, tires, fluid levels, etc.).
   • Routine Maintenance: Addressing basic maintenance tasks or reporting vehicle issues that require professional attention, such as mechanical or electrical problems.
   • Keeping the Bus Clean: Ensuring the bus remains clean, hygienic, and presentable for passengers, including removing trash and maintaining the interior.
5. Customer Service and Communication
   • Passenger Assistance: Assisting passengers with boarding and disembarking, especially the elderly, disabled, or those with special needs.
   • Clear Communication: Effectively communicating with passengers about stops, delays, or safety instructions, and providing information as needed.
   • Conflict Resolution: Handling any passenger issues or conflicts professionally, maintaining a calm demeanor, and ensuring a positive experience for all.
6. Knowledge of Traffic Laws and Regulations
   • Driving Laws: Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations related to operating commercial vehicles, such as speed limits, weight restrictions, and road signs.
   • Passenger Transport Regulations: Understanding laws and safety requirements specific to transporting passengers, such as seat belt usage, safe passenger loading/unloading zones, and the use of child safety seats on school buses.
   • Compliance: Adhering to industry standards, local regulations, and company policies regarding hours of service, driving hours, and licensing.

Desired Candidate Profile

About the job

1. Driving and Transporting Passengers
   • Safe Operation: Driving buses to transport passengers to their destinations, adhering to traffic laws, road safety standards, and company policies.
   • Route Navigation: Following pre-established routes or itineraries for public transport, school routes, or tours, ensuring passengers are dropped off and picked up on time.
   • Passenger Comfort: Ensuring the comfort of passengers, including controlling the temperature inside the bus, managing noise levels, and ensuring the ride is smooth and comfortable.
2. Passenger Safety
   • Loading/Unloading: Safely assisting passengers with boarding and disembarking, helping them as needed, especially in difficult conditions such as bad weather or crowded stations.
   • Emergency Protocols: Ensuring that passengers are aware of emergency exits, safety protocols, and procedures in case of an emergency.
   • Enforcing Safety Rules: Ensuring that passengers follow safety rules (e.g., using seatbelts, refraining from distracting the driver, and not standing while the bus is moving).
3. Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
   • Pre-Trip Inspections: Conducting thorough checks on the bus before each trip, including inspecting tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, and other critical systems.
   • Reporting Issues: Reporting any mechanical or technical issues to maintenance teams or supervisors, ensuring that the bus is fit for service.
   • Routine Cleaning: Ensuring that the bus is kept clean and presentable, wiping down surfaces and removing trash after each trip.
4. Customer Service and Passenger Relations
   • Assisting Passengers: Helping passengers with questions, directions, or concerns, ensuring a positive and professional experience.
   • Providing Information: Announcing stops, route changes, or delays clearly and politely, offering alternative travel options if necessary.
   • Conflict Management: Handling disruptive or uncooperative passengers in a calm and professional manner, and ensuring safety for all.

• Immediately Joining (available in UAE)
• Having UAE license category 3 and 6
• Able to speak English
• Minimum 2 years experience in UAE as a heavy bus driver (66 seater and 80 seater)
• Work location: Fujairah and RAK