Ten new Bus Operator graduates celebrate the completion of their training (October 21, 2022)
After spending six weeks learning the ins and outs of safely driving a bus, OC Transpo is handing over the keys to another class of successful Bus Operator graduates.
New OC Transpo Bus Operator Karen St. Pierre said the transition from a school bus driver to a transit bus operator was a natural one.
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New OC Transpo Bus Operator Karen St. Pierre
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“Driving a school bus is where I learned to love to drive and I wanted to drive for OC Transpo,” she said, after receiving her certificate.
Although St. Pierre was already familiar with driving a bus, she admits the training was difficult. Driver trainees spend about 50% of their time on the road and the other half of the time in the classroom.
“It was intense. It really was. But I really enjoyed it and here I am,” she said.
Karan Sharma agreed that the training, which not everyone is successful in completing, was rigorous.
A former mail carrier for Canada Post, Sharma was looking for a new challenge and more opportunity to grow.
“There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a Bus Operator. You always need to be focused. The training was really tough,” he said.
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New OC Transpo Bus Operator Karan Sharma
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In a final pep talk to the recent graduates Chief Safety Officer, Paul Treboutat, stressed the ultimate importance every time they sat in the driver’s seat.
“Every decision you make, you make that decision for everyone that is on the bus,” said Treboutat. “Every day think about the important role you play.”
OC Transpo’s recruitment campaign is on target to hire 290 Bus Operators by the end of the year. Special efforts to hire additional Bus Operators will continue as part of OC Transpo’s ongoing commitment to provide reliable bus service to customers.
Visit our Jobs page to find out how you can become a Bus Operator.
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