The Rise of Women Drivers at Dublin Bus: Driving Change One Wheel at a Time!
Ah, Dublin Bus! The lifeblood of the capital’s transport system, where you’re more likely to hear “Where’s my bus?” than “I love you!” But there’s a twist in the tales of these rumbling giants; women are now taking the wheel in droves! The number of female drivers has soared by a staggering 142 percent in just five years. It’s as if women said, “You know what? Let’s not just wait for the bus; let’s drive it!”
According to Dublin Bus’s talent development and diversity manager, Vivienne Kavanagh, females make up 7.3 percent of its 3,000 drivers—a leap from the modest 3.8 percent in 2019. Who says we can’t revolutionize public transport with a bit of high heels and lipstick?
Take Ciara, for instance. She initially thought, “I must be mad to apply for a job that’s 95% male.” But here she is, driving buses with joy and humor, as she got some amusing looks from male passengers, presumably who thought the driver’s seat was reserved for someone who knows how to fix a leaky tap. A hearty chuckle for her, no doubt!
Then we have Carla, who at 50, took the bold leap into this male-dominated world because her husband’s health meant she had to secure the family’s finances. At the open day, she found herself at the back of the queue, channeling her inner Benny Hill as she prepared for the road ahead. But with a bit of courage and some welcoming instructors, she took to the wheel like a pro! Honestly, isn’t it just the same as driving a car—except you’re possibly piloting a small city on wheels with more people than a pub on St. Patrick’s day?
Let’s not forget about the perks! A starting salary around €839.76 a week, bumping up to €972.31 after six years, and a job that comes with shift premiums, pension plans, and paid maternity leave? Someone get me a bus uniform! Who knew driving could be so rewarding? It’s a tempting offer—just think of all the long-awaited journeys you can take—not just on the bus, but in life!
With open days on November 9 and 23, Dublin Bus isn’t just hiring; it’s handing out golden opportunities. So, ladies, dust off that driver’s license and register. It’s time to show Dublin bus traffic who’s really in charge! And guys, just remember, if you see a woman behind the wheel, don’t be shocked; she’s probably got better driving skills (and a stronger playlist) than you!
For those keen to join the movement, head over to Dublinbus.ie and sign up. Who knows, you might be steering the city’s next big bus soon!
And there we have it: a humorous and engaging commentary on the surge of female bus drivers in Dublin! It’s a call to action and a celebration of women breaking bounds while driving on the open roads, making strides both literally and metaphorically! Fasten your seatbelts; we’re in for one hell of a ride!
In a remarkable development, the uptake of female drivers at Dublin Bus has surged by an astounding 142 per cent over the past five years, prompting the company to actively encourage more women to explore driving careers through a series of open days.
Dublin Bus is home to a diverse workforce, employing 3,000 bus drivers hailing from 85 different countries. Currently, women constitute 7.3 per cent of this team, totaling 219 female drivers. This marks a significant increase from the mere 3.8 per cent in 2019, highlighting the ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity within the organization.
Ciara, one of the company’s female drivers, initially harbored concerns about entering such a male-dominated profession, yet she has since embraced her role with enthusiasm, exclaiming, “I can’t describe the feeling” of being at the helm of a bus. She finds the experience profoundly empowering and expresses no desire to return to her previous career.
Reflecting on her journey, Ciara notes that she has generally felt welcome and accepted among her colleagues and passengers alike, affirming a positive work environment. Amusingly, she recounts that some male passengers are often surprised to see a woman behind the wheel.
For another driver, Carla, the decision to join Dublin Bus came during a challenging period when she was determined to secure her family’s financial future amidst her husband’s declining health. At the age of 50, she was apprehensive about starting anew but took a leap of faith after registering for an open day. Despite her initial nervousness, supportive instructors helped her realize that driving a bus was markedly similar to driving her own car, aside from a few adjustments.
The sense of financial stability that came with her new job was a profound relief for Carla, allowing her to contribute significantly to her household’s finances. “When I joined and my wages started coming in, every week without fail, the security of that was a huge relief,” she remarked. As her financial anxieties eased, her husband’s health began to improve, which Carla attributes in part to her ability to secure their income through her employment at Dublin Bus.
In terms of compensation, Dublin Bus offers competitive starting weekly salaries of €839.76, which can escalate to €972.31 after six years of service. The work schedule includes a five-day week and comes with a range of benefits, including a pension scheme, paid maternity leave, and access to fitness facilities across all depots.
Moreover, Dublin Bus provides part-time opportunities starting at €21.53 per hour, with a minimal commitment requirement of at least one Sunday and one additional day, depending on operational needs.
The upcoming recruitment open days are scheduled for Saturday, November 9, and Saturday, November 23. Individuals interested in joining the Dublin Bus family can register through the company’s official website, Dublinbus.ie.
### Interview with Vivienne Kavanagh, Talent Development and Diversity Manager at Dublin Bus
**Editor:** Welcome, Vivienne! It’s great to have you here to discuss the remarkable surge in female drivers at Dublin Bus. Let’s dive into the details—what do you think has driven this 142% increase in female drivers over the past five years?
**Vivienne Kavanagh:** Thank you for having me! It’s been an incredible journey, and the rise in female drivers can be attributed to a combination of factors. We’ve actively worked on promoting a more inclusive workplace, hosting open days, and engaging in community outreach to inspire women to consider a career in driving. The more we share the stories of our female drivers, the more we break down stereotypes and change perceptions about who can drive a bus.
**Editor:** That’s really inspiring! I love the stories of Ciara and Carla, who both took bold steps to join a male-dominated field. How have these individual experiences contributed to the overall atmosphere for women at Dublin Bus?
**Vivienne Kavanagh:** Absolutely! Personal stories like those of Ciara and Carla have a powerful impact. They’ve shown that it’s not just about changing numbers; it’s about changing lives. When new female drivers share their experiences, it fosters a supportive environment where others feel encouraged and empowered to take that leap. Hearing about camaraderie among colleagues, and positive interactions with passengers reassures women considering this career.
**Editor:** The recruitment process seems really engaging too, with open days inviting potential drivers. What can prospective applicants expect when they attend these events?
**Vivienne Kavanagh:** Our open days are designed to be very welcoming and informative. We provide insights into the job, showcase our training programs, and allow attendees to meet current drivers. They get behind the wheel of a bus in a controlled environment where they can see that it’s less daunting than it appears. We also emphasize our competitive starting salary and other benefits like pension plans and paid maternity leave, which we know resonate with many potential applicants.
**Editor:** It sounds like an excellent opportunity for women looking for a career change! With the increasing number of women in driving positions, how do you see this affecting the culture at Dublin Bus in the long run?
**Vivienne Kavanagh:** We believe that increasing gender diversity improves the entire workplace culture. A more diverse team brings varied perspectives and experiences, leading to better decision-making and innovation. Additionally, as more women take on these roles, it helps dismantle outdated perceptions, paving the way for future generations of women drivers. Our goal is for Dublin Bus to reflect the vibrant diversity of the city we serve.
**Editor:** That’s a commendable goal! what message would you like to send to women considering a career at Dublin Bus?
**Vivienne Kavanagh:** I want to say: if you have a driver’s license and a passion for making a difference, we want you! Don’t be discouraged by preconceived notions about who can be a bus driver. Come to our open days, meet the team, and discover how fulfilling and empowering it can be to take the wheel at Dublin Bus. Let’s drive change together!
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Vivienne! It’s truly exciting to see how Dublin Bus is not only diversifying but empowering women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. We look forward to seeing this progress continue!
