Trainee Bus Driver

Application Deadline: 29 June 2026

Department: Bus Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Rigby Road Depot

Compensation: £25,877 - £28,956 / year

Description

Come and join Blackpool and the Fylde’s #1 Bus Company!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting new career journey? We're seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team as Trainee Bus Drivers! If you're passionate about providing excellent customer service, love the open road, and have always dreamed of being behind the wheel of a bus, this opportunity is for you.

Don’t worry if you have never driven anything bigger than a car, you will be paid to learn how to drive a bus by one of our highly qualified Training Team. They will teach you all you need know on how to become a professional bus driver and customer service champion.

What we need from you

you must be 18+ years of age (this is a legal requirement)
driven regularly for at least 12 months.
proof of right to work in the UK.
a full UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
a drive for quality customer service
a passion for safe and courteous driving on our open roads

Main Responsibilities

Ensure all vehicle checks are completed in line with the Company procedures and any faults found are reported,
Ensure the safety and comfort of your passengers whilst boarding, travelling and alighting.
Control the boarding, alighting and conduct of customers.
To provide a high standard of customer service at all times
Be polite and helpful to customers. Treat them with respect and show patience when required.
To drive the Company’s vehicles in a safe, legal and professional way
Maintain operating schedules without compromising safety and ensure that you are at the correct take over point at designated time.
Issue tickets in line with Company agreed procedures and safeguard the Company’s revenue.
Operate the paying in system correctly and account for all money received and paid in.
Understand how to deal with customers with disabilities and treat appropriately.
Give advice about the Company Services.
To keep up to date with any changes to condition of travel, ticket types, fares or promotions by reading notices and briefings from managers.
Be smart and presentable whilst on duty, compliant with company dress code.
Safeguard lost property and follow the lost property procedure.
Carry out any other duties which may reasonably be requested by the inspectorate or members of the management team.
To keep up to date with road closures, diversions or special events which may affect bus services. This is done by reading notices and listening to the on-bus radio.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

High school educated (E)
Valid current UK (or acceptable other) drivers licence (E)
Knowledge of geographical operating area (D)
Understanding of what good customer service is (E)

Experience of working in a customer focused role (D)
Experience of handling cash (D)
Professional driving experience (D)

Excellent verbal communication skills (E)
Good numeracy and literacy skills (E)
Aware of the importance of Health & Safety procedures (E)
Ability to drive a vehicle to a competent and safe standard (E)
Able to work unsupervised (E)

Be a good team player (E)
Able to solve problems quickly and decisively (D)
Flexible approach to working hours (E)

Benefits

28 days’ holiday per year rising annually to 33 days after 5 years, inclusive of 8 public holidays.
'Recruit a friend' scheme.
Free travel on all our bus and tram services (with additional passes available for a few of your nearest and dearest)
An extensive training and development programme to ensure that you are one of the best qualified drivers on our roads and can provide an amazing customer experience.
Learning and Development opportunities.
Paid PCV Medicals
A BTS bus driver of the year scheme, with some great prizes and a chance to represent the company in the national competition.
Enrolment into the Blackpool Transport pension scheme and access to pension advice if needed.
Work/life assistance 24 hours a day through Unum LifeWorks
An employee care programme for help and advice when you need it.
Exclusive Discounts
A smart, top-quality uniform

We will not be accepting applications for candidates that have applied for Trainee PCV Driver in the past 6 months.

Main Responsibilities

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Benefits

About Blackpool Transport Services