I am in my fifties and thinking of applying to GNE to be a bus driver.

My question is....would anyone recommend it?

(28 May 2014, 6:44 pm)Mobbsy wrote I am in my fifties and thinking of applying to GNE to be a bus driver.

My question is....would anyone recommend it?

Given that you've signed up to an enthusiasts' forum, I'm going to assume you actually like buses.
I think some of the best bus drivers are the ones who actually like them. The ones that have a genuine interest in the company and the fleet appear to be more motivated and hard-working.

If you feel that you'll be either of those two qualities, please do apply! We need another friendly driver on the streets. Which depot would you go for?

Thanks; yes, I have been fascinated by buses all my life and I would be genuinely excited about the prospect of driving them.

I would go for either Hexham or Gateshead Riverside

(28 May 2014, 6:59 pm)Mobbsy wrote Thanks; yes, I have been fascinated by buses all my life and I would be genuinely excited about the prospect of driving them.

I would go for either Hexham or Gateshead Riverside

I'd suggest Hexham, providing there are vacancies. From what I've heard, the smaller depots are - as cheesy as it sounds - more like little families.

Good luck if you do decide to go for it!

One of my friends worked for GNE for a while, and he said he'd go back tomorrow if it wasn't for the shifts, and speaks highly of them as a company. My impression is that a handful of drivers seem to dislike their job, which reflects a bad image of the company to customers. As he says though, any job is only as hard as you make it for yourself.

I'd love to be a bus driver someday - I'd like to drive for either Riverside, Percy Main or Chester-le-Street

(28 May 2014, 9:16 pm)Tom wrote I'd love to be a bus driver someday - I'd like to drive for either Riverside, Percy Main or Chester-le-Street

I intend to drive for Chester when I'm older, after university because an 18 year old doesn't have much of a chance when compared to someone in their 20s. I hope to become a leading driver or something after a few years, and just to make sure I get a nice variety; possibly even some National Express coach work.

I know all of Chester's routes (as sad as it sounds) and Crook's; and I think it's stupid to see something like that go to waste.

Mobbsy - If your hearts in it; go for it!

(28 May 2014, 10:07 pm)Marcus wrote I intend to drive for Chester when I'm older, after university because an 18 year old doesn't have much of a chance when compared to someone in their 20s. I hope to become a leading driver or something after a few years, and just to make sure I get a nice variety; possibly even some National Express coach work.

I know all of Chester's routes (as sad as it sounds) and Crook's; and I think it's stupid to see something like that go to waste.

Mobbsy - If your hearts in it; go for it!

I probably wouldn't bother with university - more likely college. It's nothing to do with the money, it's just that what's the point if I want to be a bus driver?

(28 May 2014, 10:20 pm)Tom wrote I probably wouldn't bother with university - more likely college. It's nothing to do with the money, it's just that what's the point if I want to be a bus driver?

In case you want to go for a management role within the company later in your life..just thinking about a few at GNE who started off on depot level?

(28 May 2014, 10:23 pm)Dan wrote In case you want to go for a management role within the company later in your life..just thinking about a few at GNE who started off on depot level?

Suppose so - I'd love to be in the management role

(28 May 2014, 10:25 pm)Tom wrote Suppose so - I'd love to be in the management role

Of course it's not a requirement, but I'd imagine it would put you at an advantage over another applicant if you had a degree in Business or whatever else.

(28 May 2014, 10:23 pm)Dan wrote In case you want to go for a management role within the company later in your life..just thinking about a few at GNE who started off on depot level?

That's my plan. Ten years on the road - get the experience, then start in the offices. Hopefully if I make a career with GNE, possibly management with Riverside. Maybe allocator?

(28 May 2014, 10:36 pm)Marcus wrote That's my plan. Ten years on the road - get the experience, then start in the offices. Hopefully if I make a career with GNE, possibly management with Riverside. Maybe allocator?

Aim for Bensham!

(28 May 2014, 10:37 pm)Dan wrote Aim for Bensham!

I'd love to have my own company ideally.

(28 May 2014, 10:37 pm)Dan wrote Aim for Bensham!

I'd never want to drift far from Chester. The furthest I'd want to go would be PA to a senior official in Bensham.

I know a few drivers who work for Go North East - most of whom I've worked with a previous capacity. I wouldn't describe any of them as enthusiasts and, judging by their Facebook status, none of them seem to particularly enjoy what they do as they tend to whinge about work a lot. That being said, the drivers I know have been employed by GNE for quite some time - so I guess it can't be all bad.

Being an enthusiast probably helps, however, I can imagine that driving the same routes day after day might prove to be a bit monotonous. If you like a bit of variety in your day then driving a bus may not be for you.

(28 May 2014, 10:38 pm)Tom wrote I'd love to have my own company ideally.

Didn't see this last night.

I know a woman who used to work for Stagecoach in Sunderland, and she has been a dear family friend since before I was born. Although she's not an enthusiast as such (she can name the buses and has favourites, but still not an enthusiast), she enjoyed driving buses so much that she's gone down south to set up her own bus company. She was on the top driver wages for being at Stagecoach for so long too.

I don't know how she's getting on, but her husband (who also worked for Stagecoach Sunderland) has gone with her. Shows anything is possible, once you've gathered enough experience.

(29 May 2014, 11:08 am)AdamY wrote I know a few drivers who work for Go North East - most of whom I've worked with a previous capacity. I wouldn't describe any of them as enthusiasts and, judging by their Facebook status, none of them seem to particularly enjoy what they do as they tend to whinge about work a lot. That being said, the drivers I know have been employed by GNE for quite some time - so I guess it can't be all bad.

Being an enthusiast probably helps, however, I can imagine that driving the same routes day after day might prove to be a bit monotonous. If you like a bit of variety in your day then driving a bus may not be for you.

I would only be comfortable driving with GNE if I could also do half-days on Scholars, coach work for National Express, occasional work in the offices or cover on more senior roles than 'driver'. Possibly miscellaneous is what I'm looking for?

Also, I wouldn't want to be based anywhere other than Chester, but that being said I wouldn't mind helping out at places like Stanley or Riverside; seeing as I know a few of their routes. Washington doesn't sound like a bad place either, I vaguely know the X1 route.

(28 May 2014, 7:08 pm)Dan wrote I'd suggest Hexham, providing there are vacancies. From what I've heard, the smaller depots are - as cheesy as it sounds - more like little families.

Good luck if you do decide to go for it!

I love the way a small depot sounds. I can't imagine Hexham being staffed by more than 30 odd people? citaro5284 will know.

About a year ago I asked a PA at Chester about how many people actually worked at Chester, and she said there were 20 engineers, 13 clerical staff and 187 drivers. That last one blew me away, but I would assume that includes National Express.

Since then, I've noticed several drivers have left Chester, several have joined and a few have just randomly disappeared . I recall being told by Gary Wheatley that one went to work with a nice independent company in the countryside. I would imagine the amount of drivers would hover around the same number.

(29 May 2014, 3:04 pm)Marcus wrote About a year ago I asked a PA at Chester about how many people actually worked at Chester, and she said there were 20 engineers, 13 clerical staff and 187 drivers. That last one blew me away, but I would assume that includes National Express.

Just to give you an idea, the amount of drivers we need at each location is:

Chester - 166, Coaching - 66, Consett - 23, Deptford - 320, Riverside - 406, Hexham - 43, Percy Main - 188, Peterlee - 33, Saltmeadows - 62, Stanley - 133, Washington - 146

(29 May 2014, 3:04 pm)Marcus wrote I love the way a small depot sounds. I can't imagine Hexham being staffed by more than 30 odd people? citaro5284 will know.

About a year ago I asked a PA at Chester about how many people actually worked at Chester, and she said there were 20 engineers, 13 clerical staff and 187 drivers. That last one blew me away, but I would assume that includes National Express.

Since then, I've noticed several drivers have left Chester, several have joined and a few have just randomly disappeared . I recall being told by Gary Wheatley that one went to work with a nice independent company in the countryside. I would imagine the amount of drivers would hover around the same number.

Having lived in areas primarily served by Washington, Sunderland Rd and Chester over the years, there seem to have been a core that have been loyal for a significant period (one in particular at Washington has been there since at least the early 90's. There was an Indian guy based at Sunderland Rd who appeared around the same period), others have been there for a shorter period and there are others which come and go.

To be honest, it isn't just the bus industry like that. Wherever you work, there are members of staff who fall into each of those 3 categories.

On the other hand, when I went on the school trip to France last year, we hired a coach from Hodgson's, and the driver was called Andy.

He really was a nice guy, but he said that the reason he chose to do long distance work was because he drove for Bishop back in the late 90s; and only managed 3 weeks before being driven around the bend.

If you do go through with it; make sure your prepared for the obvious downsides.

(29 May 2014, 6:51 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Having lived in areas primarily served by Washington, Sunderland Rd and Chester over the years, there seem to have been a core that have been loyal for a significant period (one in particular at Washington has been there since at least the early 90's. There was an Indian guy based at Sunderland Rd who appeared around the same period), others have been there for a shorter period and there are others which come and go.

To be honest, it isn't just the bus industry like that. Wherever you work, there are members of staff who fall into each of those 3 categories.

When I had a conversation with one of Chester's leading drivers a while back; he said that he had been with GNE - 'on-off' for 14 years. Is that what you mean by 'come and go'?

I don't know if we're thinking of the same person, but many a time I've seen a driver at Sunderland Rd/Riverside whose of an ethnic backround. He was on 49s yesterday. He has a long white beard and seems really friendly.

(29 May 2014, 7:41 pm)Marcus wrote When I had a conversation with one of Chester's leading drivers a while back; he said that he had been with GNE - 'on-off' for 14 years. Is that what you mean by 'come and go'?

I don't know if we're thinking of the same person, but many a time I've seen a driver at Sunderland Rd/Riverside whose of an ethnic backround. He was on 49s yesterday. He has a long white beard and seems really friendly.

Yes I know who you mean, a very nice driver.

(29 May 2014, 7:41 pm)Marcus wrote When I had a conversation with one of Chester's leading drivers a while back; he said that he had been with GNE - 'on-off' for 14 years. Is that what you mean by 'come and go'?

I don't know if we're thinking of the same person, but many a time I've seen a driver at Sunderland Rd/Riverside whose of an ethnic backround. He was on 49s yesterday. He has a long white beard and seems really friendly.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/emdjt42/5032821497

?

(29 May 2014, 7:41 pm)Marcus wrote When I had a conversation with one of Chester's leading drivers a while back; he said that he had been with GNE - 'on-off' for 14 years. Is that what you mean by 'come and go'?

I don't know if we're thinking of the same person, but many a time I've seen a driver at Sunderland Rd/Riverside whose of an ethnic backround. He was on 49s yesterday. He has a long white beard and seems really friendly.

Sounds like it could be the same guy!

Nah, when I meant come and go, I was on about the drivers who come, drive for a year or two and then go - rather than keep returning/leaving etc.

There are a few drivers from Chester and Deptford who live in the Fencehouses area (the FPF don't give them wedgies these days after a truce was called), but one in particular drove the 71's for a good while, before progressing onto a few longer distance routes.
Last time I saw him, he was sitting driving for County Coaches.

(29 May 2014, 7:53 pm)Dan wrote https://www.flickr.com/photos/emdjt42/5032821497

?

Wow! That's the guy.

(29 May 2014, 7:57 pm)Marcus wrote Wow! That's the guy.

Found the pic when I was going through adding history details for the B10BLEs, and later discussed the driver with Liam.

Didn't just manage to find him just like that!

(29 May 2014, 7:49 pm)Tom wrote Yes I know who you mean, a very nice driver.

If only the rest could sort of act like him. Do you know what I mean? Say 'good morning' like he does when you get on. He is a really great guy.

I had a young lad (probably not even 20!) on the X66s once, and he was unbelievably canny. I know it sounds excessive, but I gave him a two quid tip when I got off 5389 with him. Really nice bloke.

(29 May 2014, 8:00 pm)Marcus wrote If only the rest could sort of act like him. Do you know what I mean? Say 'good morning' like he does when you get on. He is a really great guy.

I had a young lad (probably not even 20!) on the X66s once, and he was unbelievably canny. I know it sounds excessive, but I gave him a two quid tip when I got off 5389 with him. Really nice bloke.

A tip?! He ain't a taxi driver!!