OXFORD BUS COMPANY INCREASE BONUS SCHEME TO ATTRACT DRIVERS

The company has increased its bonus scheme by £1,000 to take it to £3,000 in a bid to further encourage jobseekers to become bus drivers. 

Bus and coach drivers are an integral part of the UK and often at the heart of their local communities. Being a driver means playing an essential role keeping people connected with friends and family, making sure they can access essential services, and travel to work, education or other training opportunities. 

Currently there is a national shortage of bus and coach drivers and Oxford Bus Company has run a series of proactive recruitment campaigns locally to boost its workforce. The increase in its PCV Driver Recruitment and Retention Bonus Scheme forms the latest part of its recruitment strategy. 

The bonus scheme was first introduced in October 2021 to encourage current PCV drivers who hold a full bus license (with a minimum of 12 months CPC) to apply. One year on the bonus, which is paid in instalments as milestones are achieved, has been increased.

One driver to benefit from the bonus is Mark Bumann who joined Oxford Bus Company earlier this year after 12 years’ service at another bus operator. Mr Bumann now drives coaches on Oxford Bus Company’s flagship Airline service between Oxford and Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport. 

“Oxford Bus Company is a great place to work,” said Mr Bumann. 

“The drivers and the buses looked smart and professional which really appealed to me. I particularly liked the look of the Airline coaches and the role on offer was well suited to me.”

He added: “The PCV drivers’ bonus is really impressive. I have already received my first bonus payment and as soon as I pass my probation, I will receive another £500. The bonus offers a real incentive to join the company and demonstrates how committed Oxford Bus Company is to rewarding staff and building its team.

“The company is flexible and I can plan my work schedule around my life, so my rota works for me and the company.

“I’m really enjoying my new job. Bus and coach driving is an important job, is rewarding and I’d encourage people to give it a go. Oxford Bus Company is always looking to the future, to see how they can improve the customer experience or do things differently.” 

The bonus payments are made when drivers hit four key milestones: driving on the road independently, passing probation and then at months six and 12 months after passing probation. The spread of the payments is designed to improve driver retention rates and to reward dedication to the bus company.

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company Interim Managing Director said: “Bus and coach drivers are vital to community cohesion, as public transport is key to connecting people, reducing congestion and improving air quality. 

“Currently there is a national shortage of drivers and recruitment is challenging. Unfortunately, this is having an impact on services at times, but we have adjusted timetables to manage the situation and are making progress in our proactive recruitment of drivers. We hope that by continuing to strengthen our campaign it will help us reach the volume we need. 

“Our PCV driver retention bonus is now market leading and we have also simplified the recruitment process to make it quicker and easier to become a bus driver. We’re seeking people with great customers service skills and will provide full bus driver training.”

To be eligible for the PCV Driver Recruitment and Retention Bonus applicants must not have previously been employed by Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, City Sightseeing Oxford or any other or any Go Ahead Group subsidiary.

Vacancies for current PCV driver positions at Oxford Bus Company can be found here: www.oxfordbus.co.uk/careers

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