Transdev - Shorelink Buses Drivers
Dureid Madina
Like many drivers, Dureid started in a different field and moved into bus driving. He joined Transdev - Shorelink Buses three years ago after a time spent driving a cab.
"I did taxi driving in the city. In taxi-driving there is too much pressure. To make money you must not waste a second from the 12-hour shift.
"Here at Transdev - Shorelink Buses, it is easier. Every four hours you have a rest, tea-time or meal break. It's nice and easy, not much pressure".
Dureid takes pride in being a driver and doesn't think just anyone could do it. "You have to be a certain type. Not everyone can do bus driving"
He thinks that people-skills are important to his passengers. "You have to like people," says Dureid.
"The passengers we have are really nice. Some of them chat and you get to know them."
As well as people skills, Dureid doesn't underestimate the need to be good on the road. "You must be a good driver".
His advice is to "observe and pay attention to what you are doing." You can tell he takes his driving seriously and is always looking for ways to improve his skills. But he says that learning to drive a bus at the start was fine.
"If you are a good driver, it is quite easy. After a few weeks you get to know the area if you are not living here and it is quite easy after that. The management change you to a new route for a change of scenery after that."
He prefers the leafy suburban routes that Transdev - Shorelink Buses operate as well. "It's a lovely place here," he says. "We drive around Wahroonga and Turramurra and Gordon."
"It's a much nicer place to drive around than the city. Too much traffic and crossing the bridge. When I come here in the morning or afternoon it is against the traffic."
For new drivers Dureid says it only takes a few days to settle in with the team. "The other drivers are a really nice bunch. You meet them in the Drivers Room a few times a day for a cup of coffee".
"Other times you see them on the road and always have a wave. One time a passenger saw this and said, ‘you like to wave!'"
Dureid has been in Australia a long time but like many Australians he wasn't born in the country. "I'm from the Middle East. I've been here since 1970 and have spent most of my life here now."
He believes Transdev - Shorelink Buses is fair and kind to employees. "The company is really good. If you do the right thing they treat you well."