Dublin Bus looking for Drivers

Bertie21 · 21-12-2020 9:25pm

CloneeBohs wrote: »

Hi all, just got the email to go for assessment and interview.

Doing shift work 14 years so it doesn't bother me but in my current jobs we survive on swaps, is this a thing in DB and if so how does it work? Can you just swap start times or can you swap days aswell. Can somebody cover you and you owe them a day down the line?

Wouldn't be a deal breaker either way but would be good to know.

TIA

I cant speak for every depot but swapping duties is definitely possible in the garage I am at.

Rocket1983 · 23-12-2020 6:33pm

Bertie21 wrote: »

Congrats on getting past the medical.
That pretty much means you are in.
Yeah it is extensive for obvious reasons.
New year , New career.
Best of luck

Thank u so much

dashcamdanny · 24-12-2020 3:01pm

CloneeBohs wrote: »

Hi all, just got the email to go for assessment and interview.

Doing shift work 14 years so it doesn't bother me but in my current jobs we survive on swaps, is this a thing in DB and if so how does it work? Can you just swap start times or can you swap days aswell. Can somebody cover you and you owe them a day down the line?

Wouldn't be a deal breaker either way but would be good to know.

TIA

You can occasionally. There are whatsap swap groups. Depends if it suits someone else. And if the inspector oks it.

Tickityboo · 24-12-2020 7:00pm

dashcamdanny wrote: »

You can occasionally. There are whatsap swap groups. Depends if it suits someone else. And if the inspector oks it.

It also has to fall within the working time act rules

CloneeBohs · 02-01-2021 3:21am

With the new restrictions, will my driving assessment be pushed back? Due on the 13th of this month

AlekSmart · 02-01-2021 2:19pm

CloneeBohs wrote: »

With the new restrictions, will my driving assessment be pushed back? Due on the 13th of this month

Unless the HR Dept contact you to the contrary,then it will proceed as notified.

CloneeBohs · 07-01-2021 9:39am

Just got the call to say it was called off until we leave level 5, hopefully it all still goes to plan

Bertie21 · 08-01-2021 11:23am

CloneeBohs wrote: »

Just got the call to say it was called off until we leave level 5, hopefully it all still goes to plan.

Im sure it will.
They are still going to need more drivers.

GT89 · 08-01-2021 1:47pm

Are new drivers likely to be assigned night shifts on the 15/39a/41 or are these optional like the nightlinks?

Tickityboo · 08-01-2021 8:07pm

GT89 wrote: »

Are new drivers likely to be assigned night shifts on the 15/39a/41 or are these optional like the nightlinks?

Optional at the moment but I'm sure there's something in their contract that they would have to work them if required.

Darrenv25 · 09-01-2021 12:20pm

Hi,
I completed the online written assessment last night, the invitation email stated i should have received an automated email reply when completed i haven't received this, should I get onto them to ask if it submitted or is this normal.
Thanks

LastStop · 10-01-2021 12:49am

GT89 wrote: »

Are new drivers likely to be assigned night shifts on the 15/39a/41 or are these optional like the nightlinks?

Yeah, it's in the contract they have to work the nights if required, They have enough volunteers at present but if more routes go 24hrs they will probably need to use spare drivers.

GT89 · 10-01-2021 1:09am

LastStop wrote: »

Yeah, it's in the contract they have to work the nights if required, They have enough volunteers at present but if more routes go 24hrs they will probably need to use spare drivers.

I wonder in the future will they advertise specifically for night only drivers once more routes go 24hr. Think that's how it works in London

LastStop · 10-01-2021 2:06am

GT89 wrote: »

I wonder in the future will they advertise specifically for night only drivers once more routes go 24hr. Think that's how it works in London

Wouldn't see them restricting themselves. current contract covers it if necessary.

dashcamdanny · 12-01-2021 8:34pm

LastStop wrote: »

Wouldn't see them restricting themselves. current contract covers it if necessary.

It does? So a new driver may have to do 24hr ?

Im there 5 years. its definite not in my contract.

Midnight_EG · 12-01-2021 11:53pm

dashcamdanny wrote: »

It does? So a new driver may have to do 24hr ?

Im there 5 years. its definite not in my contract.

It does, currently we were asked if we'd like to do a night shift but it's not forced.

CloneeBohs · 13-01-2021 5:13am

Midnight_EG wrote: »

It does, currently we were asked if we'd like to do a night shift but it's not forced.

What hours would a Nightshift be?

punisher5112 · 13-01-2021 2:01pm

CloneeBohs wrote: »

What hours would a Nightshift be?

From 4 pm typically onwards to say around 4 to 6 am or so....

Variety of duties on this.

GT89 · 13-01-2021 4:51pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

From 4 pm typically onwards to say around 4 to 6 am or so....

Variety of duties on this.

Really are they that long?

punisher5112 · 13-01-2021 5:53pm

GT89 wrote: »

Really are they that long?

No some start much later then that.

dashcamdanny · 13-01-2021 6:31pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

No some start much later then that.

Im thinking of jumping on one of those night marking ins. 91---- staff numbers are getting marked in now. They look very handy...

mmarian94 · 13-01-2021 8:56pm

Darrenv25 wrote: »

Hi,
I completed the online written assessment last night, the invitation email stated I should have received an automated email reply when completed I haven't received this, should I get onto them to ask if it submitted or is this normal.
Thanks

Hi
Any help with this assessment?
I have mine on 19 January and I don't know where to found a few examples about reports
thanks

Darrenv25 · 13-01-2021 9:06pm

mmarian94 wrote: »

Hi
Any help with this assessment?
I have mine on 19 January and I don't know where to found a few examples about reports
thanks

Its the exact same as the practice test they sent you just longer, 7 or 8 fare calculations but the table us there for you to look at then 1 written report the practice is a wing mirror hit a bus stop and cracked the one I did on the actual assessment was a stone was thrown through an upper deck window and broke, then a couple of statements and 4 answers you arrange in a best to worst answer think there was 5 or 6 of them but that's it then handy enough took about 15/20 minutes to do

Soule26 · 13-01-2021 10:47pm

CloneeBohs wrote: »

With the new restrictions, will my driving assessment be pushed back? Due on the 13th of this month

I would like ask you how long you wait for your driving asseasement? I waiting my long

Soule26 · 13-01-2021 10:59pm

CloneeBohs wrote: »

With the new restrictions, will my driving assessment be pushed back? Due on the 13th of this month

Sorry I didn't say hello Hi

punisher5112 · 14-01-2021 12:06am

Orlando2019 wrote: »

I've done a few nights on the 39a, and the pressit box has driven me mad It's hard to keep on time when there are no passengers at the bus stops no cars on the road and all lights are green I tried ignoring the calls from the control and he sent the chief inspector to track me down and told me to wait in the bus stop....

No agreement in place....

It's actually getting to be like harassment and also a distraction.

Drive to the conditions.

GT89 · 14-01-2021 1:37am

What's the medical like I've heard they're strict on bmi and I would be on a little on the overweight side more so because I am a big build. So wondering if I should lose a few before I'm eligible to apply.

punisher5112 · 14-01-2021 7:32am

GT89 wrote: »

What's the medical like I've heard they're strict on bmi and I would be on a little on the overweight side more so because I am a big build. So wondering if I should lose a few before I'm eligible to apply.

Strict enough alright, if you can do it do so as it's a job where you will pile it on so easy it's unreal.

CloneeBohs · 14-01-2021 8:15am

Soule26 wrote: »

I would like ask you how long you wait for your driving asseasement? I waiting my long

I did my online test in July or August, got called for assessment in January

Soule26 · 14-01-2021 9:47am

CloneeBohs wrote: »

I did my online test in July or August, got called for assessment in January

Good morning Cloneebohs thank you for your response I did my online text in October and i passed so I was wondering why is taking long to get invitations but now I know is long way to go

mmarian94 · 15-01-2021 8:44am

Darrenv25 wrote: »

Its the exact same as the practice test they sent you just longer, 7 or 8 fare calculations but the table us there for you to look at then 1 written report the practice is a wing mirror hit a bus stop and cracked the one I did on the actual assessment was a stone was thrown through an upper deck window and broke, then a couple of statements and 4 answers you arrange in a best to worst answer think there was 5 or 6 of them but that's it then handy enough took about 15/20 minutes to do

Thank you very much

I need an example of how you did that writing rapport. if you have some time to help me.
I mean what you write etc
thank you

PirateShampoo · 16-01-2021 8:14pm

GT89 wrote: »

What's the medical like I've heard they're strict on bmi and I would be on a little on the overweight side more so because I am a big build. So wondering if I should lose a few before I'm eligible to apply.

I'm 6ft and was 15st at the medical, I was heavier than I thought I was. My blood pressure, sugar/cholesterol levels where all perfect though. Passed the medical and was told to try and lose a stone.

Then I got sent to school where the instructor went to Harristown for breakfast every morning and you get a free dinner in the slop house.

LastStop · 16-01-2021 11:13pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

No agreement in place....

It's actually getting to be like harassment and also a distraction.

Drive to the conditions.

Don't worry, Those annoying distractions will be gone when the routes are given to another company....

Can't keep to the time because it's quiet out.... be a lot quieter when the routes are being worked by another company.

punisher5112 · 16-01-2021 11:30pm

LastStop wrote: »

Don't worry, Those annoying distractions will be gone when the routes are given to another company....

Can't keep to the time because it's quiet out.... be a lot quieter when the routes are being worked by another company.

How would any other companies compete with db.

dashcamdanny · 18-01-2021 3:20pm

LastStop wrote: »

Don't worry, Those annoying distractions will be gone when the routes are given to another company....

Can't keep to the time because it's quiet out.... be a lot quieter when the routes are being worked by another company.

Its not as simple as just slowing down and a proper process has to be implemented. There is not point holding buses in busy bus stops as you stop other buses from picking up passengers safely. You cant stop in the middle of the road and you cant drive up the road a 10kph.

There is not proper agreed solution . This is a management problem. Not a driver one.

.anon. · 18-01-2021 5:40pm

dashcamdanny wrote: »

Its not as simple as just slowing down and a proper process has to be implemented. There is not point holding buses in busy bus stops as you stop other buses from picking up passengers safely. You cant stop in the middle of the road and you cant drive up the road a 10kph.

There is not proper agreed solution . This is a management problem. Not a driver one.

It's not simple, but it also isn't as complicated as a lot of drivers make out. My tactic on a trip where I have far too much time is to leave the first stop 4½ minutes late (which is technically still 'on time' as far as the NTA is concerned). Every time I stop, I pull in really smoothly and as close to the kerb as possible, handbrake on, kneel the bus down, wait til people are seated before pulling away, etc. Wherever possible, make a bit of conversation with boarding passengers. If I need to pull in and wait a few minutes, I do it at a less busy bus stop and move off as soon as another bus needs to serve it. You're right, you can't drive up the road at 10kph, but you can safely do 30 through a built-up area. That's why it's important to have those four or five minutes in your pocket - because sometimes you have no choice but to drive at a normal speed.

It's an NTA problem. They shouldn't have introduced these rules without first of all doing something to alleviate the effect that private cars have on buses. At least then it would be possible to design consistent and reliable timetables. But it is what it is, and complaining about it just makes the job harder and more stressful than it needs to be.

dashcamdanny · 18-01-2021 7:24pm

.anon. wrote: »

It's not simple, but it also isn't as complicated as a lot of drivers make out. My tactic on a trip where I have far too much time is to leave the first stop 4½ minutes late (which is technically still 'on time' as far as the NTA is concerned). Every time I stop, I pull in really smoothly and as close to the kerb as possible, handbrake on, kneel the bus down, wait til people are seated before pulling away, etc. Wherever possible, make a bit of conversation with boarding passengers. If I need to pull in and wait a few minutes, I do it at a less busy bus stop and move off as soon as another bus needs to serve it. You're right, you can't drive up the road at 10kph, but you can safely do 30 through a built-up area. That's why it's important to have those four or five minutes in your pocket - because sometimes you have no choice but to drive at a normal speed.

It's an NTA problem. They shouldn't have introduced these rules without first of all doing something to alleviate the effect that private cars have on buses. At least then it would be possible to design consistent and reliable timetables. But it is what it is, and complaining about it just makes the job harder and more stressful than it needs to be.

Where did you see the 4 1/2 min gap for not being late? As far as i am aware, its 3 mins.. According to control that it. If you wait more that 3 without sign on, the route drops off the Real time signage.

If it is the company will get fined for late departure as well.

punisher5112 · 18-01-2021 8:17pm

Any drivers stressing over this or even going out of their way is mad.

A covid timetable should have been set up for the way things are.

All duties without breaks so no interaction with others especially now as what we are been told it's more serious now then ever before.

Numbers travelling are way down, traffic much lower and so on.
If a Driver takes it upon themselves to drive slower then a granny on a mobility scooter then that's just not on, it will turn people away from public transport and the other road users end up stressed and will take even more risks to get by.

Drive to the conditions and not a box above your head.

Kneeling the bus at every stop if not needed is just bizarre.

Tickityboo · 18-01-2021 8:27pm

dashcamdanny wrote: »

Where did you see the 4 1/2 min gap for not being late? As far as i am aware, its 3 mins.. According to control that it. If you wait more that 3 without sign on, the route drops off the Real time signage.

If it is the company will get fined for late departure as well.

It's six minutes as far as I'm aware.

dashcamdanny · 18-01-2021 9:06pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Any drivers stressing over this or even going out of their way is mad.

A covid timetable should have been set up for the way things are.

All duties without breaks so no interaction with others especially now as what we are been told it's more serious now then ever before.

Numbers travelling are way down, traffic much lower and so on.
If a Driver takes it upon themselves to drive slower then a granny on a mobility scooter then that's just not on, it will turn people away from public transport and the other road users end up stressed and will take even more risks to get by.

Drive to the conditions and not a box above your head.

Kneeling the bus at every stop if not needed is just bizarre.

Your dam right.

If you were on your test or even out on Vanguard, and you slowly crept up the road, you would fail.

.anon. · 18-01-2021 10:18pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

A covid timetable should have been set up for the way things are.

Lots of things should be done, but aren't. It is how it is. Relevant to the thread, I'd advise anyone considering bus driving as a career to try not to get too bothered about how things should be, because you'll end up finding the job a lot more stressful and annoying.

punisher5112 wrote: »

Numbers travelling are way down, traffic much lower and so on.
If a Driver takes it upon themselves to drive slower then a granny on a mobility scooter then that's just not on, it will turn people away from public transport and the other road users end up stressed and will take even more risks to get by.

Missing the bus because it turned up early is more likely to turn people away from public transport. It gives people the false impression that drivers are a law unto themselves.

punisher5112 wrote: »

Drive to the conditions and not a box above your head.

Kneeling the bus at every stop if not needed is just bizarre

What's bizarre about bringing the bus to the same level as the pavement when passengers are getting on or off? I would've thought stuff like that was just good practice.

Like it or not, the box above your head is part of the job now. It's not going to go away.

GT89 · 19-01-2021 3:31am

punisher5112 wrote: »

A covid timetable should have been set up for the way things are.

All duties without breaks so no interaction with others especially now as what we are been told it's more serious now then ever before.

I'd imagine it would take too long to do up all new schedules just for covid then put these new bills through the unions. From my relatively limited knowledge of public transport scheduling it takes months to do up new schedules not weeks and by the time that's done traffic volumes will be closer to normal. Didn't GAI do up new timetables for covid and by the time they were implemented traffic was normal.

How's that working are drivers not handing over mid route anymore how does that work out? I'm guessing duties are shorter to compensate not having a break.

mmarian94 · 19-01-2021 10:03pm

Hi guys

I had my assessment today and I have a few questions.

How long it takes to get an answer from them?
Do I have to pass this assessment to go to the next step?

How long they will call you for medical?
Thanks

punisher5112 · 19-01-2021 10:23pm

GT89 wrote: »

I'd imagine it would take too long to do up all new schedules just for covid then put these new bills through the unions. From my relatively limited knowledge of public transport scheduling it takes months to do up new schedules not weeks and by the time that's done traffic volumes will be closer to normal. Didn't GAI do up new timetables for covid and by the time they were implemented traffic was normal.

How's that working are drivers not handing over mid route anymore how does that work out? I'm guessing duties are shorter to compensate not having a break.

No I was saying bring in something like that.
We are still breaking and handing over in service.

GT89 · 19-01-2021 11:24pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

No I was saying bring in something like that.
We are still breaking and handing over in service.

Ah. I thought they had the canteens all set up for social distancing and had perspex up between the tables.

punisher5112 · 19-01-2021 11:49pm

GT89 wrote: »

Ah. I thought they had the canteens all set up for social distancing and had perspex up between the tables.

They do but still does be way to many in town.

PirateShampoo · 20-01-2021 12:53am

mmarian94 wrote: »

Hi guys

I had my assessment today and I have a few questions.

How long it takes to get an answer from them?
Do I have to pass this assessment to go to the next step?

How long they will call you for medical?
Thanks

Next step will be driving assessment and interview which will be held on the same day in Phibsboro

Medical will be the last stage before reference check and then the offer.

No idea of the waiting time because of this new lock down.

CloneeBohs · 21-01-2021 11:08am

My new driving assessment date is the 3rd of February so it must be full steam ahead recruiting again

Soule26 · 21-01-2021 1:18pm

CloneeBohs wrote: »

My new driving assessment date is the 3rd of February so it must be full steam ahead recruiting again

Hi
That's good news and I wish you good look for the driv
ing assessment and the interview

CloneeBohs · 27-01-2021 9:46pm

Any last advice/words of wisdom before driving bing assessment and potential interview?

Dublin Bus looking for Drivers

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