Transport Services: Taking us From A to B

Transport services workers are the people who take us where we need to go. This could be public transport workers on buses, trains, ferries, and trams, to more private services such as coach drivers, chauffeurs, limo drivers and pilots. Careers in these types of roles generally involve sitting for most of the shift, and this can be for extended lengths of time.

A job that requires periods of sitting in the same position needs comfortable, breathable uniforms to keep the wearer content all shift long. If you’ve considered a career as a transport services worker, here is what you can expect from this industry.

What can I expect from a career in the transport industry?

The transport industry is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Each specific job has varying day-to-day tasks but mainly involves transporting people or products from one location to another. As the industry as a whole is quite broad, there are plenty of opportunities to move around and specialise in niche areas.

Due to these specialised areas, a day in the life of these workers will look different to each professional. For public transport workers, the day may look something like this:

• Inspect the vehicle before departure for any repairs (such as flat tyres or faulty buttons) to report to engineers.
• Transporting the vehicle from the station or depot to the destination (s) on schedule.
• Complying with all traffic and industry laws and regulations, such as speed.
• Making announcements to passengers (where relevant) and liaising with any other on-board staff members.
• Exchanging information with other drivers and parties where required.
• Checking passenger tickets and or passes.
• Helping differently abled passengers on or off the vehicle.

What are some things I can look forward to in the transport industry?

There are plenty of opportunities for transport services workers to look forward to. With a variety of career paths, the sky is the limit! Some things you can look forward to include:

Seeing new places: Regardless of whether you’re a captain, pilot, or driver, one of the many things to anticipate is all the new places you’ll see. Whether flying to a new place, driving a new route, or cruising across the water, there will always be new things to see. Much better than looking out the window at the same scenery every day!

Meeting interesting people: The people you encounter in this role will be like no other. As such a broad industry, your passengers often will come from all walks of life. This means you’re likely to hear some amazing stories from people you wouldn’t usually be in contact with.

High demand for roles: People will always need transport, which means there will always be a demand for the transport industry. This steady demand means there will be job stability and often a relatively quick turnaround to get into a role.

What are some of the challenges involved in the transport industry?

Weather conditions: One of the most significant challenges transport workers face is difficult and sometimes extreme weather conditions. For those on the road, sea, or sky especially, severe weather changes how they handle their driving. Battling slippery roads, rough seas, or stormy skies can challenge even the most experienced workers.

Solidarity: For many involved in the transport services sector, it’s not uncommon to work alone. Transport service worker, Sarah*, says, “sometimes it can be a bit isolating - especially if you’re working away from home for a number of days, or attending mandatory training - for positions in aviation or maritime - that require you to live on campus.” Positions such as train and bus drivers often complete long shifts on their own. Those who require a more upbeat and social workplace might struggle in this setting.

Irregular schedule: The irregular schedule and potential shift work may not appeal to everyone. On top of this, working – for example – as a bus driver through the later parts of the evening and especially over the weekend when people are out and about can include an element of risk, especially for those under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Responsibility for your passengers: The safety and security of your passengers’ rests upon your shoulders. Navigating the vehicle to its destination safely to ensure your travellers have a comfortable experience is paramount. This involves obeying all industry rules and regulations and briefing your passengers on security and emergency protocols where necessary.

The repetitiveness of work: For those who like jobs where no two days are the same, the potential repetitiveness of the role may not appeal to some. If you’re driving or travelling the same route every shift, you may find the sameness of it all a little tedious. However, it’s very likely that even if you are travelling this same route, there will always be something new to see or different people to talk to.

Difficult passengers: Every so often, you’ll come across passengers who make things a little problematic. Handling difficult and potentially abusive people can feel quite confronting and is never a good thing to encounter on a shift – especially when you’re just doing your job.

What qualifications do I need to work in transport services?

While you may not need to undertake tertiary studies to work in some fields of transport services, you will need to complete specific training tailored to your chosen career field. Bus, train, and tram drivers will need to learn how to drive that vehicle, as well as rules and regulations surrounding what they can and can’t do. Pilots and ship captains will need to understand the logistics of the air and the sea and how to navigate more challenging weather that they may encounter. Their training also will include an aspect of placement and needing to complete a certain number of hours to become accredited.

A career in the transport services industry is one full of potential and opportunity. Those looking to step into this field will likely need a uniform that’s breathable, comfortable and moves with them – and Biz Care have just the range for it! Head into your closest stockist today.

*Name has been changed for privacy reasons.