Enjoying the Task of Operating a Bus in Vladivostok - Insights from Bus Drivers in Public Transportation
Every day, thousands of passengers board buses in their commute, but often little is known about the individuals behind the wheel – the bus drivers. Public criticism of public transportation is frequent, with complaints about missed stops, long waits, and overcrowding. A PrimaMedia correspondent sought to uncover the stories of these drivers, meeting with route 98c bus driver Nikolai Kulesh of VPOPAT-1.
Nikolai, could you tell us about your decision to become a bus driver?
Born of a passion for driving, Kulesh tried various professions before transitioning to a career as a bus driver in 2016. With a shortage of staff and a recruitment drive, he underwent free training and found the job rewarding – driving routes, interacting with people, admiring the city, and discovering new places. His background in automobile transportation from his studies at VWGU made the transition smoother. Prior to this, he had already gained experience in the transport sector as his father and he had repaired cars together when he was young. However, he opted against continuing in this field, preferring the movement and communication that characterize his current role.
What was your first job experience, and was it related to the specialty you studied?
Post-military service in 2009, Kulesh worked as an electrician at Artemovskaya GRES named after S.M. Kirov, installing communication lines throughout the power station and servicing miners' phones. The salary was low at around 20,000 rubles, and he stayed for two years before moving to the police for about three years. Later, he found work at the "Sollers-Bussan" plant as an automotive assembler, eventually being promoted to quality control of the car assembly. In 2016, he was offered free training for category D driving, prompting him to become a bus driver at VPOPAT-1.
What has been your experience as a driver, and what challenges have you faced during this time?
Kulesh has spent nearly nine years as a bus driver, despite the job's challenges. Traffic congestion, long hours behind the wheel, and early mornings take their toll, especially considering the city's infrastructure. While the bus lanes aim to alleviate this, they are bypassed by rule-breakers. A new traffic light after the Officers' House adds to traffic jams even after 9 PM. However, since May, the "ParkRait-MR" video surveillance system has been installed on one bus as a test, aiming to reduce traffic violations related to bus lanes.
Do you have a favorite route?
Currently driving route 98c, Kulesh prefers this route for its coverage of the city. His previous route, 15, was also enjoyed.
The shortage of bus drivers in Vladivostok lately – why do you think that is?
Kulesh attributes the driver shortage to the job's difficulty and responsibility, without competitive pay. With average salaries around 100,000 rubles, rising inflation and prices make other job opportunities more appealing.
Many passengers complain about delays, missed stops, and rude drivers. What are your thoughts on this?
Delayed buses are often due to traffic congestion and cannot be blamed on the drivers. While occasional missed stops may occur, drivers from VPOPAT-1 do not permit such behavior. As the face of the city, drivers strive to uphold high standards.
DVFU students complain about a lack of buses – what can be done about this?
With eight routes and approximately 35 buses running daily, VPOPAT-1's enterprise is providing passenger transport to Russky Island. Increasing the number of free shuttle buses for students, which currently totals four, could help alleviate transportation issues for students.
How do you interact with passengers? Are there any interesting or memorable stories?
While the new buses with closed cabs limit interaction, Kulesh has encountered memorable passengers in the past, including lost items, first aid incidents, and thoughtful gestures from passengers.
How can the interaction between drivers and passengers be improved to reduce dissatisfaction?
Respect between drivers and passengers is essential for resolving conflicts. Professionalism and mutual consideration are key to fostering a positive riding experience.
Do you have regular passengers that you know?
Yes, Kulesh has formed close relationships with many of his regular passengers, particularly during his time on route 22, an island route serving the villages of Canal, Pospelov, and Paris.
Is there a specific protocol you follow when a passenger starts causing trouble?
In the rare cases of passenger misconduct, drivers have an emergency button to contact the police promptly.
Who tends to cause the most trouble on buses?
Adults running late are often the source of conflicts, while young passengers are generally well-behaved.
How often are bus inspections conducted, and what's your stance on this process?
Daily bus technical inspections, both before and after their routes, ensure the buses' operational readiness. With a repair zone staffed by trained specialists, drivers do not participate in this process.
In late 2021, VPOPAT-1's fleet expanded with 30 new buses from the Belarusian MAZ factory. These vehicles have proven efficient, bolstering the transportation service in the city.
What are your thoughts on the condition of the roads for public transport in the city?
Road repairs are ongoing, but progress is sometimes slow, leading to deep potholes. Lack of attention to roads like Veselkovaya Street, particularly the sections with narrowed lanes and water-eroded soil, jeopardizes commuter safety.
Has your education been useful in your work, and how do you think the education system could be improved?
While higher education may not be directly applicable to driving a bus, Kulesh values his education for promoting legal literacy. To improve the education system, he suggests gaining professional experience before pursuing higher education to better prepare for management roles.
Has the "legend" of employers seeking a young specialist with 20 years of experience been true for you?
Kulesh has not encountered this phenomenon, as reasonable employers understand that such a specialist combination is unlikely.
Do you enjoy your job?
Kulesh appreciates his job for its good schedule, decent vacations, warm relationships within the team, and the pleasure of driving a bus.
What advice can you give to people who want to work as a driver?
Anyone interested in becoming a driver should give it a try, despite the challenges. The dynamic nature of the job will make adapting easier, with time.
- Nikolai Kulesh, who studied automobile transportation at VWGU, found that his background in the transport sector was beneficial when he transitioned to a career as a bus driver in 2016.
- Despite the challenges faced in his role as a bus driver, such as traffic congestion and long hours behind the wheel, Nikolai Kulesh remains motivated by the movement and communication his job offers, as well as the opportunity to discover new places and admire the city.