This Father’s Day, Transport Canberra (TC) celebrates two dads whose greatest journeys have been with their families, even while they have spent years on the road keeping the city moving.
Daniel and Ricardo are long-time colleagues and are currently field Transport Officers in Woden. Each of them has decades of experience behind the wheel as bus drivers. Bus driving gives them the flexibility to take care of their families while working full-time.
Daniel has worked with TC for 17 years. As a father of three, he says fatherhood reshaped him. “My kids brought joy and purpose into my life. They made me grow up, made me responsible and made me want to be the best version of myself,” he says. Shift work, often seen as a challenge, was a hidden gift for Daniel. It allowed him to do school runs, attend sports games and spend valuable time with his children during school holidays. “I got to be there for the moments that mattered most for the kids,” he reflects.
Ricardo has two adult daughters and is soon to become a grandfather. He credits his father, a bus driver in Argentina, for sparking his love of buses. “I inherited it from him,” Ricardo smiles. “He taught me respect, hard work and the importance of giving back. Driving buses felt like a natural path, but becoming a dad made it even more meaningful” he said. For him, raising his daughters brought joy and balance and made the long hours worthwhile. “Coming from an only-child household, having my girls filled my life with love,” he shares.
Both men began their careers in the automotive industry before seeking change behind the wheel of a bus. Driving soon become more than just a job, it offered variety, connection and the chance to help others. They both made career progressions and became field Transport Officers. Each day they’re experiencing something new – from helping passengers, supporting drivers across the network to engaging with the community. It is the sense of purpose, making a difference and being part of something bigger that continues to inspire them every day.
When asked about the secret to success, they both agree that passion and patience are the qualities that have shaped their careers and made them better fathers. “You deal with people on their best days and their worst,” Ricardo says. “Patience, understanding and kindness go a long way.” Daniel also adds “You’re always learning, always evolving as a person. That’s how you get better at what you do and better at who you are.”
This Father’s Day, both dads are looking forward to being spoiled by their families. Ricardo plans to spend the day with his daughters and father, while Daniel is looking forward to a gourmet breakfast prepared by his kids and a surprise family outing. For them, it’s a chance to pause and spend time with the family.
To Daniel and Ricardo, working with TC is more than just a job. It’s a career with flexibility, purpose and heart. For both, the real gift is time – the moments being with their family that their careers have made possible.
If you’re looking for a career that offers work life balance and a sense of community, why not join them? We’re hiring permanent part time bus driver. If you’re interested in becoming a bus driver, apply here: We’re hiring! Become a permanent part-time bus driver - Transport Canberra
