A bus and coach operator in Cardiff is hiring more than 50 drivers as part of its biggest ever recruitment drive as travel demand surges post-pandemic.
Adventure Travel said more buses and drivers are now needed to meet demand as passenger numbers return to pre-pandemic levels and, on some routes, even surpassing 2019 figures.
The bus operator is looking to recruit PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) drivers and trainee positions as well as three cleaners and three office administrators across its operating area. It is offering paid on-the-job training for new trainee bus drivers as well as increased pay rates and other company benefits.
PCV drivers will also be offered a joining bonus of £1,250 for new employees.
The company said it was currently preparing additional training buses and recruiting extra driving instructors as part of the recruitment drive.
Lauryn Tunnell, recruitment manager for Adventure Travel, said: “Following two years of ups and downs throughout the pandemic, we are now emerging on the other side and are seeing some bus routes recovering well whereas some others not so well. The overall picture is encouraging but we need new drivers and cleaners to ensure that we can keep up with demand.”
Ms Tunnell added: “With passengers now returning to public transport and several key contract wins for Adventure Travel, we are in a position where we need to expand our team as well as replacing agency workers who were employed during nationwide driver shortages with permanent employees.”
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Adventure Travel said it has recently welcomed a diverse range of personnel, including factory workers, self-employed individuals and people who have previously worked in retail and care.
The company provides a dedicated training school with free, unlimited in-house training.
Ms Tunnell said: “New starters will also benefit from recent pay increases implemented across all three depots in Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Swansea, and can choose flexible rotas to best suit their situation including daytime shifts, early shifts or part time hours. We anticipate a further round of pay rises towards the end of 2022, to ensure that we remain competitive.”
She added: “This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in joining a major employer in South Wales with expanding activities across the region. Whether experienced and looking for the next career step or improved prospects, or someone new to the industry seeking an exciting challenge and excellent career perks, Adventure Travel has a number of positions available.”
Adventure Travel operates many bus routes across the region with its fleet of over 150 vehicles, as well as over 45 school buses and a number of privately hired coaches.
The company recently took over Route 14 and Route 24 in Swansea and instated the ‘Valley 2 Beach’ route 404 extension to Porthcawl as a permanent service, due to continued high demand.
A number of bus routes in the Vale of Glamorgan area have also been retained at re-tender, along with the G1 service in North Cardiff.