This month’s Mercedes-Benz Driver of the Month proves you need more than driving skill to be a coach captain
By David Goeldner | March 2, 2012
Raymond Keast is not your typical coach driver, and is somewhat unusual in that he doesn’t have decades of experience blazing highways and byways across Australia.
Ray is no less a worthy winner of Driver of the Month for March 2012, not for his length of service, but what he has brought to coach driving that makes him a standout.
In fact Ray spent 27 years with Telstra and its previous incarnations Telecom and PMG as a telephone exchange technician before turning to bus and coach in 1999 as a school bus driver.
After a school bus stint with Busways, Ray started with Northern Highlands Travel at Thornton west of Newcastle in March 2010, proving in quick time to be one of the industry’s most highly regarded coach drivers.
A big part of Ray’s role is to drive and escort seniors’ tours.
Highland Valley Travel Managing Director Jenny Aitchison says Ray has taken to the job of guiding seniors extremely well, with a pleasant, happy smile, and a genuine caring nature.
“His special customer service is very much appreciated by our guests on tour.”
Jenny says like many coach drivers who have come from a technical skills based area, Ray is also very practical, which helps in dealing with the logistical issues that can happen when people travel on tours.
“Ray has that attention to details which makes him a great coach driver, and also a great employee,” Jenny says.
“He is emotionally intelligent and can see when people are struggling and need help or support, and when they need a laugh.”
Jenny says Ray will report issues back to base before they work up into big problems, whether it might be an issue with a coach, a health or mobility issue for a guest or a problem that may arise with an itinerary.
“He plans and prepares well for his tours, and is confident and well-liked by his fellow crew members and our office staff.”
Jenny recalls how in 2011 Ray travelled with Robert Aitchison and Phil Bromley on a coach trip to do a reconnaissance on the Birdsville Track.
“They got bogged – and Ray wasn’t driving – but they had to spend the night on the track,” she says.
“It was one of those times when you can make or break a relationship through how you deal with a difficult situation, but when Ray came back, he still had lots of smiles and jokes about the adventure – he had helped to turn it into a bonding experience.”
Jenny says Ray’s photo of the rescue operation, which involved digging themselves out, is prominently displayed in the office of NHT Director Robert Aitchison.
“Ray gives a lot to others, and that’s probably the most important reason why he deserves this award.”
NOMINATE YOUR DRIVER:
To nominate your staff member for Driver of the Month, send details of driver’s career history, a written reference highlighting the driver’s contribution to your operations, and include a photo of your nominated driver. Also include the nominator’s email address and phone contact.
Send entries by post or email to:
David Goeldner, Managing Editor Australasian Bus & Coach
PO Box 3712 South Brisbane Qld 4101
Email: dgoeldner@acpmagazines.com.au