Bus company seeks 200 new staff by summer

Go North East runs services from six depots

A bus operator has launched a new driver training school and announced plans to recruit up to 200 drivers by summer.

Go North East, which runs depots in Sunderland, Washington, Gateshead, Hexham, Percy Main and Consett, said it had "tripled" its teaching capacity.

Industry bosses previously said companies needed to do more to make the job attractive by increasing pay and improving conditions.

Managing director Nigel Featham said several new routes had been introduced in response to increased demand.

'We need more drivers'

“Across the North East there is big investment in public transport," Mr Featham told the BBC at a campaign launch event at the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum in Washington.

"We’re seeing fares cut, more services out there, more people using public transport and we need more drivers."

Adding that the company was keen to change negative perceptions of bus driving, he said: "We’re starting to see people give up office work, factory work and trying something completely new and different."

"Drivers love being part of the community, the freedom of the open road and actually you don’t have a boss when you’re out there and people really like that."

Peter McIntyre left a job in sales to become a bus driver

In 2022, the the Confederation of Passenger Transport revealed 1 in 10 bus driver positions were vacant in the UK.

It came as union officials previously warned companies against low pay and long hours. Go North East said it offers its staff "competitive" pay.

Meanwhile, about 1,300 Go North East workers staged an indefinite walk out in a dispute over pay which was resolved after two months.

When asked if there were any lessons to be learnt following the action, Mr Featham said it was working together with Unite "to build up the bus services that we operate" and "get back to what we're good at which is providing really good services".

Peter McIntyre gave up his role in sales to become a bus driver two years ago, based at the company's depot in Gateshead.

He said: "This is a totally different experience from sitting in a showroom, selling cars, but it’s a different job and I really enjoy it.

"We’ve got people from all walks of life. Your background is irrelevant, you're starting afresh when you come here."