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Transit Systems secures 100% of drivers for Southwest Link

Transit Systems have officially filled their recruitment roster well ahead of commencement

Transit Systems has upheld its end of the Southwest Link bargain, recruiting all positions for their component of the Metro conversion project.

With recruitment efforts ramping up in April, Transit Systems have now successfully recruited a full roster of 118 drivers to work on Southwest Link and U-Go Mobility have 20 drivers in training.

Needing 200 drivers for the project, both bus operators are well on their way to hitting recruitment targets.

Southwest Link is a dedicated, high frequency bus service between Sydenham and Bankstown train stations that ensures passengers can continue to travel during the final metro conversion of the T3 Bankstown Line.

“Southwest Link will play a crucial part in the integrated transport plan when the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro conversion happens. We will need all the bus drivers we can get to deliver it and help the community through what will be a really tough 12 months,” transport minister Jo Haylen says.

“It’s great news that Transit Systems’ and U Go’s recruitment campaign has attracted a strong stream of applicants, with dozens of new drivers starting their training each week but we still need more drivers, so if you are looking for a career change now is the perfect opportunity.

“And it won’t be over when we’re finished with Southwest Link. I want as many drivers as possible across NSW to stay in the industry after we get this done so we can help fix the wider bus driver shortage.”

Transit Systems has been running induction courses every week for new applicants, even flying in drivers from Perth to keep up with increasing interest.

Transit Systems NSW managing director Daniela Fontana says this effort is setting the benchmark for the industry.

“We’re proud to work alongside our government partners to continue investing in the development of people, providing advanced skills training and development, while attracting new people to the industry,” she says.

“With more zero emission buses on the road than any other operator in the country and Australia’s largest operational electrified depot, it’s an extraordinary time of innovation in our industry and a very exciting time to join Team Transit.”

A driving force behind the recruitment success is the $6,000 sign-up bonuses, paid training and guaranteed job offer upon successful completion of the program.

Announcing its involvement in the project less than a month ago, U-Go Mobility will deliver the SW2 Southwest Link route, the Sydenham to Belmore express then all stops to Bankstown.

U-Go’s involvement in Southwest Link comes after Transport for NSW and U-Go Mobility ended the bus driver shortage in Region 10, thanks to dedicated bus driver recruitment campaigns and a focused driver training program.

The boost to bus driver numbers in Region 10 is in part due to U-Go Mobility’s flagship ‘Women Behind the Wheel’ recruitment campaign, encouraging women to explore a career as a bus driver.

Through this campaign, U-Go – the area’s operator – has doubled the number of women drivers serving the communities of Sydney’s south and south-west.

“Over the past year, we have recruited and trained a significant number of bus drivers to ensure we can provide safe and reliable journeys. We have further increased our recruitment focus in readiness and are continuing with the successful Women Behind the Wheel Campaign,” U-Go Mobility managing director Daniel Corbin says.

“We are proud to support our people, customers and community during this time and are excited to grow the U-Go Mobility team.”

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