(04 Dec 2021, 8:32 pm)lloyd647 wrote Hey just wondering what are the pay rates like at Jesmond and also at Ashington depot as I'm thinking about applying. Also what are the chances of Jesmond getting a new express route in future.

New starter rates as follows, mini bus £9.30/hr, big bus £9.93/hr, a pittance.

There is a pay rise due in January but no word of any offer yet from Arriva, and the clueless Unite union reps seem in no hurry to get them to make one either.

PS> I'd advise you not to bother applying, it's a thankless job at the moment. However, if you do have your mind set on it and are taken on (just turn up for the interview and you have the job pending a driving assessment) DO NOT join the union, they do nothing to help the drivers. Also bear in mind you'd be liable to repay the cost of your training if you leave the job within the first two years, I think it's about £2000.