Multi-modal transport operator ComfortDelGro Australia (CDC) has launched its ‘Respect your Driver’ campaign, aimed at raising the profile of its bus drivers.
Featuring CDC drivers from across the country, and supported by public transport authorities across the states, the campaign emphasises the essential role bus drivers play in their communities and highlights the qualities of kindness, humanity and community spirit.
Antisocial behaviour is a significant and increasing challenge for public transport operators across Australia, a trend that is reflected at CDC, with drivers often the targets of both verbal and physical assault. In response to this growing issue, CDC has launched its first national Respect your Driver campaign.
The campaign will run for six weeks across the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Canberra and Victoria with posters inside buses and advertising on the outside of select buses across the country.
ComfortDelGro Australia CEO Nicholas Yap said:
“Our drivers don’t just operate vehicles – they support people in moments of everyday life. They are part of the communities they serve, and they deserve respect. That’s why this campaign features real drivers from our operations across the country, and we’re proud to give them the platform and recognition they deserve.
As antisocial behaviour continues to challenge public transport services across Australia, this campaign is an important reminder to treat one another with courtesy and understanding.
I’d like to sincerely thank our drivers for their work every day, and for taking part in this important campaign.”
The drivers featured include Russell, who has worked with CDC Northern Territory in various roles over the last 30 years.
He enjoys working with school students and being part of their journey as they grow older, increase in confidence and overcome challenges.
He looks forward to coming into work each day, where he has the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and interact with a diverse range of passengers.
Engaging with school students and being a part of their journey is something he considers particularly fulfilling. Watching them grow older, increase in confidence and overcome challenges has been “an incredibly rewarding experience.” Linda, also in the Northern Territory, enjoys driving the school buses and interacting with students every year. “I’m glad that I have the responsibility of being the first person to greet students in the morning and the last to see them home safely in the afternoon,” she said. She also enjoys being part of the CDC team that provides a valuable service to the community. “I will often have some great and interesting conversations with people both young and old. Their positive attitude sets me up to have a great day,” Linda said. Murray has worked for CDC NSW for 4 and a half years, starting as a casual school bus driver.
Currently a permanent driver and relief supervisor, he has been in the industry for over 20 years.
For Murray, driving for CDC gives him the chance to meet new people every day and be part of his community. As a driver he takes great pride in making sure passengers and school children get to their destinations safely and smoothly. “I treat every child no differently than my own, and any paying passengers as I would treat my own parents.”
Also from CDC NSW, Ashley describes bus driving as “interesting, dynamic and enjoyable” and values getting to know the faces, routines, and sometimes the stories of her passengers. “It’s a great role that takes patience, focus and respect,” she says. “I’m able to communicate with many different people from all walks of life.” Narelle from CDC Victoria, loves ‘making a small difference to someone’s day and Anita, also from CDC Victoria, enjoys ‘the feeling of being responsible, independent and being behind the big wheel.’
Recognising the important role bus drivers play in keeping communities moving, CDC is encouraging passengers to treat all bus drivers with respect.
