What real bus drivers think!
Case Study 01:NAME: MARGARET HEMA // JOB: SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
“I absolutely love it!” is how Wairarapa bus driver, Margaret Hema, feels about driving a school bus for students in the Lake Ferry district.
A bus driver for 28 years, Margaret says her responsibilities and challenges as a school bus driver are far removed from those of her first job driving a ‘big red’ for the Wellington City Council.
“I was working as a hotel laundry delivery driver and became hooked on driving big vehicles,” said Margaret.
“So I started to think about driving buses for a living. I loved the idea of entering what was, at that time, a man’s world.
“The training was nothing like you get these days. Once I had the correct licences it was two weeks of training, one with another driver, and then you were out on your own!” she said.
Margaret, who was one of the first women drivers in Wellington, also enjoyed being able to shift work.
“We had a young family and it meant my husband, who is also a bus driver, was able to work the day shift while I looked after the kids and then worked the night shift when he got home. It suited us perfectly.”
But it’s the school bus route that Margaret really loves.
“I love being part of, and being able to contribute to a community, and this is certainly a job that makes you feel part of the local scene.
“I started dropping some of these kids off when they were just three years old and going to kindy. Now I’m dropping them off at college. It’s fantastic getting to know them and watching them grow,” she said.
Margaret starts her day at 6.30am when she drives a mini van to where the bus is stored on a farm.
“I fight my way past chickens and cows!” she laughs.
The mini van is then used by a small local school for their school run and once Margaret has performed her daily service check on the bus she starts her own run.
Margaret’s fleet is being modernised but she still stresses the need to improvise when driving a bus.
“You have to be able to do the basic mechanics, like changing a fan belt, because if you break down in the middle of nowhere it can be a long time before anyone turns up to rescue you!” she said.
“But most importantly you need to be a people person.
“I love people, I love kids, and I love driving – this job gives me the best of all worlds.”
Case Study 02:NAME: MARK Rakuraku // JOB: HEAVY VEHICLE & COACH DRIVER
“It gives you a great feeling,” Mark says when asked to describe his reaction to passengers thanking him for an enjoyable trip. “It really makes your day!”
A driver of heavy vehicles for over 20 years, Mark has worked for Mana Coach Services for two years as a contract driver.
Case Study 03:NAME: CASEY MEYER // JOB: COACH DRIVER
“I was completely stuck for words,” Stagecoach bus driver, Casey Meyer, said when asked his reaction to being given a large food hamper by appreciative passengers.
“And it’s not very often that happens!” he laughed.
