Employee Spotlight

Walter, currently bus driver with Dublin Bus, Tour driver, and Guide with DoDublin tours.

He joined Dublin Bus four years ago as a bus driver and began training in the Driving Centre in Phibsboro Depot in September 2019. He started as a driver based in the Harristown Depot, where he initially applied to work nights and then transferred permanently to the Donnybrook Depot.

In 2022, Walter applied to our commercial tours - DoDublin tours, to become a tour driver and successfully commenced his training for the role in January and started driving in May.

About the role

Walter operates the DoDublin tour services driving the bus, and providing live, engaging and insightful commentary on the various sights and attractions across the Capital. He takes great pride in driving the bus safely, with due regard to customer safety and that of other road users. As a Dublin Bus driver, he liaises with Central Control, maintenance and local management to ensure efficient, reliable and punctual operation of the service.

What inspired Walter to work for Dublin Bus

Walter told us, ‘I drove HGVs for most of my working life and also volunteered with a number of community groups in Dublin as a minibus driver. So, l had some experience of driving a bus with passengers. Generally, I’m more of a people person and found driving lorries an isolating existence. He added wholeheartedly, ‘My partner inspired me to apply to Dublin Bus in 2018 because he saw the company were recruiting, and I regret now that l didn’t join sooner!??

Enjoyable aspects of the job

Walter explained, ‘l love driving a bus across the Greater Dublin Area and meeting a variety of people every day. I’m very aware that the smallest thing l do as a driver can have a really positive impact on a customer’s day. My job can be very rewarding - I’ve never been happier’. He added, ‘ I’ve a lot of colleagues, as the largest public transport operator, Dublin Bus employs 2,872 bus drivers, and they are a great support – you never feel alone when you’re on duty’.

Proudest achievement

‘In April 2021, l was waiting on Eden Quay to start my driving duty, and l saw a man in a collapsed state on the footpath leaning against a wall. His face was grey, and his lips were blue, and l knew he was in a serious condition. I approached him, put him on his back and performed CPR for eight minutes while another passer-by called the emergency services. The only reason l know how long l was performing CPR was another Dublin Bus driver was beside me, recording the time.

In that time, l managed to get his pulse back while we were waiting for the emergency services to arrive, and then they took over and successfully brought him back to consciousness. When l left the scene, the man was breathing and sitting up on the stretcher. I’m proud that l could assist this man and put the skills and knowledge I learnt during my time with Saint John’s Ambulance to good use.’

The team at Dublin Bus

Everyone across the depot, from management, drivers, engineering and maintenance, are all great to deal with and l feel fully supported and equipped with everything l need to fulfil my role. As a driver, it is essential to be flexible and willing to adapt to situations as they arise, be it a diversion on a route etc. which is essential to the successful operation of the service and the team.

Most important part of the job

The most important aspect of my role is safety and communication. The service is only as good as the people who operate it – it is essential to maintain good channels of communication with team members as well as with customers.

Interests

Walter admits he is not particularly sporty and prefers to avoid committing to scheduled activities! He has a partner, two sisters and a nephew with whom he loves spending time. He also enjoys getting out on the road in his car and going for country walks with his rescue dog Marley who he rescued from Kilkenny Carlow Dog Pound over a year ago.

In his spare time, he is focused on family, Marley and enjoying the odd road trip to the coast.

We’re hiring - Dublin Bus is now recruiting for the following roles:

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???????????Bus drivers.

For more information on all current vacancies go to dublinbus.ie/Careers