At its peak in 2023, in NSW alone there were 800 bus driver positions left open but unfulfilled. Despite these jobs attracting salaries of more than $100,000 per annum. The bus driver shortage became a major focus for the NSW government, who acted to address the issue through its Bus Industry Taskforce and the resulting roundtables, reports and recommendations throughout 2023.
This had an effect on easing the shortage, with the driver vacancy rate having halved in one year from 502 vacancies in February 2023 to 249 by February this year, but it still remains.
Mark Messenger is the Head of Smart Transport in Australia and New Zealand and Global COE Lead for NEC. As an experienced business leader with more than 20 years of experience in delivering innovative technology solutions to markets, he’s worked on multiple continents in a variety of roles ranging from product development to sales and general management.
He says there are a variety of ways in which the Australian bus industry can continue curbing the bus driver shortage.
“Continued collaboration between government and business is needed for a sustained approach to driver acquisition and training,” Messenger told ABC.
“Innovations in technology also offer promising solutions to enhance the appeal of this vital public transportation role and to improve the safety of drivers and customers.”
A key pillar of tackling the bus driver shortage is in new technology that is helping to enhance the safety of both drivers and passengers. Messenger says Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are “revolutionising safety” for both drivers and passengers, with features such as automatic braking, collision avoidance systems and fatigue alerts preventing accidents and reducing the stress associated with driving.
On top of this, the rise of video surveillance systems installed within buses can also further make drivers more comfortable. Messenger says the monitoring and recording of all on-board activities provides a deterrent against potential threats while also offering a handy source of evidence after incidents.
This constant vigilance means drivers can feel both safe and assured that their wellbeing is monitored.
“Safety concerns are paramount for bus drivers, with concerns being held for the wellbeing of both themselves and their passengers,” Messenger says.
“Safety enhancing technologies can safeguard drivers, but they also make driving roles more attractive to potential candidates who prioritise safety in their work environment.”
One of Messenger’s main focuses on recruiting and retaining more bus drivers is on reducing the cognitive overload required when driving a bus. Currently, he says drivers are continually required to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, often becoming a significant stress factor for drivers.
“We can reduce this strain through technology solutions that streamline tasks, thereby reducing mental strain,” he says.
“Technology such as GPS and route management systems provides clear and concise route information, allowing drivers to focus more on driving than on navigation, while real-time feedback on schedule adherence directly to the driver’s console helps drivers meet their schedule commitments.
In other technology, automated scheduling and dispatch systems manage timetables and route assignments, minimising the need for drivers to keep track of numerous logistical details. Communication systems can also enable continuous contact with bus control centres, enhancing the support available to drivers on the road.
“These technological tools help create a more manageable and less stressful work environment, which is crucial for driver retention.”
Despite coming from a technological background, Messenger says technology isn’t the only way that the industry can fix its driver shortage. With at least 650,000 new migrants expected to settle in Australia this year, he says the industry has a unique opportunity to tap into new potential recruits.
By making technologies and training methodologies inclusive and adaptive so that new staff are fully supported in their role, Messenger says more people will be able to excel as a driver.
“It is crucial to deliver operational information in formats that cater to a diverse workforce,” Messenger says.
“NEC’s Turn-By-Turn bus navigation system features multi-lingual features to enable a range of people to work as drivers. In designing NEC’s product solutions for drivers, inclusive and accessibility is a key consideration.
“By making our solutions accessible for more drivers, we create a fair and equitable opportunity for employment, thus enriching society for the better.”
A final pillar for encouraging improved driver safety, recruitment and retention lies in simplifying training processes, according to Messenger. Adopting technology for training allows companies to simplify and enhance the learning experience for new bus drivers.
The use of virtual reality (VR) simulators and other technological solutions offer a safe and controlled environment for drivers to hone their skills without the real-world risks involved.
On top of this, online training modules can also become more convenient for drivers so they can learn at their own pace and revisit complex topics when needed. Messenger says these digital training solutions can be tailored to various learning styles and languages, ensuring all drivers receive the training in a manner that is most effective for them.
This approach not only streamlines the training process, but also accelerates the proficiency of drivers, facilitating quicker and more efficient staff readiness. Messenger says the beneficial use of this technology may hold the key to unlocking the bus driver shortage challenge.
“Integrating modern technologies into the operations of bus transit systems is essential for addressing the challenges of hiring and retaining skilled bus drivers,” Messenger says.
“Through enhancing safety, reducing cognitive load, supporting multilingual communication and simplifying training, technology can serve as a powerful tool to improve both driver satisfaction and operational efficiency.
“These advancements ensure that bus companies can maintain a competent and content workforce, which is crucial for their ongoing success.”