In recent years, public transport operators have struggled to recruit and retain drivers, resulting in a known shortage of bus drivers in the market. Their job is not an easy one… This shortage causes massive investment in recruiting and training, salaries, and retention efforts. At the same time, the service for passengers is at risk and sometimes compromises the quality of the service.
What are
candidate drivers asking for?
We at Egged have a call center for recruiting bus drivers. Through an analysis of over 500 transcribed potential driver inquiry calls, we uncovered two main points that often lead to hesitation in accepting a bus driver’s role:
1. Compensation: clarity around actual net pay, bonuses/retention grants, and seniority recognition.
2. Flexibility in hours and work-life balance, e.g., working only morning shifts, part-time, vacations around holidays.
What are
drivers asking for?
Based on exit interviews, these are the top gaps contributing to low retention rates:
1. Lack of performance recognition, rewards, and promotion opportunities.
2. No visibility into future work schedule.
3. Lack of belonging to the organization: relationships with management and organizational connectedness (keep in mind that one manager may have tens of drivers to handle, and while they are in the office, the drivers are out there in the field).
4. Feeling of loneliness throughout the shift.
5. Lack of comfort of the vehicle: seat, AC, noise, ride quality, power, etc.
There is a high rate of turnover, especially with young people (below 40), new drivers (less than 3 years), and drivers with low driving scores (harsh driving).
What are
we looking for?
To improve driver recruitment, training, retention, and operational efficiency, by:
1. Implementing innovative approaches to attract and retain drivers.
2. Accelerating and improving training processes.
3. Increasing adaptability to schedule fluctuation.
4. Enhancing the driver’s experience, such as ergonomics, climate, fatigue, etc.
5. Increasing automation of driving-related tasks.