Bus operator CDCNSW in hiring blitz as driver shortage hits in Sydney’s north

A bus company that operates key public bus routes and even transports Manly Sea Eagles players to games has issued an urgent plea for new drivers to take up a career behind the wheel.

A Sydney bus company which ferries passengers to schools and town centres across the city’s north has issued an urgent plea for new drivers to take up a career behind the wheel.

Industry-wide labour shortages, increased public transport usage and an exodus of drivers leaving the industry are among factors contributing to a shortfall of drivers at bus firm CDCNSW.

The company is the largest private bus operator in NSW and operates key routes within the Region 14 network including St Ives to CBD services, Mona Vale to Gordon, Terrey Hills to North Sydney and Castle Cove to Chatswood.

CDC NSW is the largest private bus operator in NSW.

It also runs private coaches and chartered bus services – including a contract to transport Manly Sea Eagles players to and from their games.

Terrey Hills depot manager Robert Bicakcian said the lingering effects of two years of Covid-restriction was a key driver of the workforce shortfall.

“As a result of Covid-19 we’ve had some of our long-term drivers bring forward their retirement and (the shortage) is also brought on by hybrid working conditions where people can now work from home and are choosing a different line of work,” he said.

CDC NSW is on the lookout for new drivers.

“At the start of the pandemic we employed a lot of people who lost their jobs in other industries such as airline pilots and bankers, and they’ve now been recalled and returned to their old jobs.

“We have contracts with Transport for NSW to run public buses and we also run chartered services such as taking school kids to camps and sporting events so it’s vital we have the drivers available.”

The workforce shortage is not unique to the company with the operator of the B-Line services and Forest Coach lines also forced to cancel services in recent weeks due to staff shortages.

The company said drivers are needed to keep services running on time.

Mr Bicakcian said the vacancies needed filling in order for services to continue running on time.

“Because of the shortage, unfortunately we’ve had times where we’ve needed to cut services back,” he said.

“It’s a challenging time but we know there are people in the community who are looking for work and we’re hopeful we can fill the positions we need.”

Mr Bicakcian said there were various benefits to a career behind the wheel.

“You’ve got flexibility where you can choose your own hours and for people that don’t want an office job you’re out there on your driving,” he said.

CDCNSW will host a public information session on Saturday at the Terry Hills Bus Depot as part of its recruitment drive.