Nick's passion for bus driving has spanned over 20 years and he has loved every moment of it. For Nick, driving in Canberra is more than a job, it's a joy!
“The roads are good and the buses are nice. I'm a people person, so I always pick my shifts and stick with them, getting to know my passengers. It makes the day more pleasant,” Nick said.
Since joining Transport Canberra, Nick have seen many changes. The buses have upgraded over the years, from the old orange diesel buses to the new green and blue buses, and now the transition to electric buses is underway.
Nick also appreciates the safety improvements in today's buses, including embedded, which is making sure the safety for both drivers and passengers. It's a relief knowing that we have such support systems in place,” Nick shared. Safety is our top priority and we're grateful that the new features in our buses provide extra reassurance for our drivers.
Working at Transport Canberra has given Nick countless memorable experiences. During Nick’s daily runs, he particularly enjoys driving school kids. “They're fun and bring a lot of energy to the bus.” The interactions with passengers bring joy to Nick’s daily routine.
Beyond these moments, Nick also fulfilled in seeing passengers grow up over time. Some have even followed in his footsteps and become a bus driver themselves. “One of my student passengers became a driver and when I saw her at the depot, she remembered me!” Nick said. It's heartwarming to know that Nick has inspired some of them.
Nick finds himself being extra cautious on the roads as driving a bus has improved his general driving skills. However, there were some fun moments where he forgot he is not on duty. “I've seen passengers waiting at the bus stop and out of habit, I was planning to stop and pick them up. Then I realised that I was in my private car. It's a common experience among bus drivers and we often share such anecdotes during lunch breaks," Nick shared.
Nick is currently planning for retirement and when we asked him if he has any plans after retirement, he didn’t mention anything about holidays and trips, but he would definitely sign up to be a casual driver. If he misses his mates from depots, his regular customers or even just driving the buses, he can pick up a shift and get back on the road!
“To anyone considering becoming a bus driver, I’d say it's a rewarding job. The pay is good, the buses are well-maintained and the sense of community is strong. Patience and a willingness to work flexible hours are essential. Over time, you get to know the routes and the regulars. Treating everyone with respect and kindness usually means you'll get the same in return,” Nick said.
Thank you Nick for always caring about your passengers and their safety. It’s hard to cover all the interesting stories and the precious memories in one article, but we’re sure those 20 years of memories will always hold a special space in your heart.
