Although new to the bus and coach industry, retiree Keven McGrath is loving transporting school students to and from school.
Since beginning as a school bus driver with New Zealand family-owned transport and tourism company Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty earlier this year, the former panel beater and long serving Air New Zealand aircraft engineer, is loving his new role.
“I actually wish I’d done this years ago,” says Keven, who enjoys keeping busy in retirement and engaged in the Tauranga community.
“I’m really loving it. The kids are great and in fact last week I drove them to a local marae and there was a lovely sing-along on the bus. One of the Te Reo songs I remember as a young boy at school, I sang for them and got a standing ovation so that was wonderful.”
“I think for retirees it’s a great option as you keep active, busy and engaged serving the community and the kids are really great.” – Keven McGrath
Keven already had his Class 2 license but to become a school bus driver needed to get a P-endorsement and medical certificate. Under the guidance of Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty manager Jamie Jensen, he was trained up and now transports students from Greenpark and Greerton Village Primary Schools.
“I feel very privileged to be driving kids to school. It’s a big responsibility, even when they get off to meet their parents, but you’re the captain and you keep them safe.”
In addition, Keven drives the odd charter job and recently enjoyed transferring a wedding party to their special destination. In fact, he loves his new job so much he recommended his two neighbours pop into Tranzit to discuss bus driving roles.
“I think for retirees it’s a great option as you keep active, busy and engaged serving the community and the kids are really great,” he says.
Tranzit Coachlines is recruiting for permanent, part-time (offering between 15-25 hours) and casual school bus driving positions throughout the country.
Having a Class 2 driver’s licence and a P endorsement is preferred, however, not essential as Tranzit has dedicated driver trainers to help you with training and licensing requirements.
Jamie says: “if you’re looking for a rewarding job that connects your community and you want to be part of a friendly team, then we would love to hear from you.”
Because Tranzit Coachlines is part of the Tranzit Group of companies, it means people interested in driving can also work throughout New Zealand as a tour coach, InterCity, urban or SESTA (Specialised School Transport Assistance) driver. In addition, Tranzit will have seasonal opportunities available from October to April in Wellington, Tauranga and Napier with their dedicated cruise teams gearing up to welcome international visitors off the ships into New Zealand.
Interested people can call Ruth Osmond on 027 444 2582 or pop into any of Tranzit Coachlines depots located throughout NZ as shown on the website: https://tranzit.co.nz/our-locations.
