DRIVING a bus for Busways is not only a family affair for young driver Zoe Palmer - it has also led to romance. 

Twenty-six-year-old Zoe’s parents both drove buses for Busways. Her father Darren has been a driver for more than 20 years and her mother Cherie was also a driver before she passed away. 

Based at Willoughby depot with her dad, Zoe has been a part-time driver for almost three years and encourages other young people to give bus driving a go. 

“I like not being cooped up in an office all day and being able to see new places around Sydney each day.  I was surprised because I found it quite easy to learn to drive a bus. Everyone here is really friendly and willing to help out. Busways gives you all the training you need to upgrade your licence,” Zoe said  

“You meet new people every day and I think it’s the best job you can have.” 

The job also led to romance, meeting boyfriend and fellow driver Mitch Stevens on the job.

“We met doing the 501 route, when we both pulled up at the fish markets and he waved at me,” Zoe said. “Next thing we started chatting and now we’ve been together for 7 months.” 

With a shortage of across Busways’ NSW depots, there has never been a better time to become a bus driver for Busways. 

Busways provides all the training to become a bus driver including upgrading your license to be able to operate a heavy vehicle.  

It takes around four weeks to complete a driver competency course and once this is completed, you’re out on the road dropping off and picking up passengers.  You also receive ongoing on-the-job training to hone your bus driving skills.