David Smith
Bus Driver, Dublin Bus
Tina Ahearn
Chief Inspector, Dublin Bus
Jonathan Lynam
Area Operations Manager, Clontarf Depot, Dublin Bus
As Ireland’s largest public transport provider, Dublin Bus is an inclusive employer with a diverse team of over 4,400 employees from over 89 different countries of origin.
A reliable, modern public transport system depends on the people who operate it. Professional bus drivers are not just essential for keeping Dublin Bus services running day to day; they are the backbone of the State’s most ambitious public transport investments. Without them, flagship projects like the BusConnects programme and the electrification of the public transport fleet cannot be delivered on time or to the standard the public expects and deserves.
The professional bus driver
The role of the professional driver is to deliver passengers to their destinations safely, on time and in a courteous manner. Dublin Bus offers full and part-time professional bus driver positions. Training for new drivers takes four weeks for bus licence applicants and six weeks for car licence applicants.
Ongoing training and development, including a periodic Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), is provided to all bus drivers during their career. The standard of training at the Dublin Bus Training Centre is one of the highest in Europe, with training carried out by driver trainers who are Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualified. A driver mentoring programme is in place for new drivers for their first 12 months.
Progression for a professional bus driver
There are numerous career paths and growth opportunities available to professional bus drivers in Dublin Bus. Promotions are advertised, and drivers can apply to become driver mentors, part-time driver trainers, tour bus drivers, inspectors or chief inspectors. Many drivers also find rewarding career paths in administration and management roles.
There are numerous career paths
and growth opportunities available
to professional bus drivers.
Continuous development through the Education Support Scheme
As part of our broader commitment to learning and development, Dublin Bus provides support through an Education Support Scheme. This scheme is available for appointed employees to undertake a course of study leading to professional, academic and vocational qualifications.
Bus driver David Smith shares: “I traded in my wings to join Dublin Bus as a professional bus driver in 2022. As a former airline captain, some people wondered why I’d make the switch. My reply was: Why not? For me, it was a chance to bring my skills in safety and teamwork to a new job with new challenges. I’m now enjoying the rewards of a different kind of journey — one that’s all about getting people safely where they need to go and connecting with my passengers along the way.”
“My colleagues are amazing, and we’ve had some epic adventures together. The Education Support Scheme has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to upskill and take my career to the next level.”
Grow while training others
Tina Ahearn, Chief Inspector, says: “I started working in Dublin Bus in 1999 as a bus driver. I became a fully qualified ADI in 2021, working in the Training Centre, teaching new employees how to drive a bus. I was promoted to a Chief Inspector position recently. I honestly feel very privileged to have achieved all of this while working for a company that I love.”
Invest in personal development
Jonathan Lynam, Area Operations Manager, Clontarf Depot, adds: “I come from an electrical background and ran my own electrical business for three years. The long-term uncertainty within the industry prompted me to look for career stability and opportunity elsewhere. Dublin Bus has provided me with career opportunities and personal development.”
“I’ve always been interested in further education, and I have now completed a degree through the Education Support Scheme in Dublin Bus. I would recommend the scheme to any employee eager to further their personal development. Open doors for yourself and go for it.”
