Bus proposal could see job opportunities for young people across Dartmoor

The government has unveiled proposals aimed at lowering the minimum age requirements for bus and coach drivers, potentially creating hundreds of job opportunities for younger people.

The move is part of a broader strategy to boost the economy and create more reliable and sustainable transportation services across the country.

Roads Minister Guy Opperman launched a consultation on April 11 to review the current restriction that limits 18 to 20-year-old bus and coach drivers to routes up to 50 kilometres.

If implemented, these changes could allow younger drivers to take on longer journeys, particularly in rural areas where longer routes are common.

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus said: “The proposed measures regarding the minimum age requirement for longer bus and coach journeys certainly present an intriguing opportunity. While it's essential to ensure safety remains paramount, the notion of rethinking training programs to potentially expand job opportunities to younger people is positive. If individuals demonstrate competence to drive 50km, there's merit in considering them ready for longer journeys. This move could indeed promote good career opportunities for people, whilst enhancing bus services, particularly in rural areas like Dartmoor and its surrounding regions. We're eager to see how these proposals evolve and welcome the consultation."

Minister Opperman shared the potential of these proposals to create a win-win situation by offering more job opportunities for young people while alleviating driver shortages and enhancing transportation services. 

He said: “Being a bus, coach or lorry driver can be an excellent career for young people and these proposals could help get younger talent into transport, encouraging diversity in the sector. This could be a win-win, not only improving job opportunities for those leaving school, but also going some way to continue to ease driver shortages, delivering more reliable bus and coach services and a more resilient supply chain as part of our plan to grow the economy.”

Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, welcomed the consultation, citing the positive impact it could have on addressing driver shortages and ensuring a pipeline of safe and qualified bus and coach drivers. 

Mr Vidler said: “We warmly welcome this consultation on two key proposals championed by Carriage Paid To to address the challenge of driver shortages faced by the coach and bus sector. Allowing new recruits to get on with off-road training while awaiting their provisional licence will ensure more trainees complete the course and become safe, qualified bus or coach drivers. As 18 year-olds are allowed to drive an articulated lorry already, there is a clear case for allowing them also to drive all types of coach and bus services.”