Meet Dana – an energetic local expert
This Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Metlink is celebrating the drivers who pull out all the stops for its network.
Having just turned 25, Dana is one of the youngest drivers working for Tranzurban, but that doesn’t make her a novice. She’s been a bus driver for sixteen months and has wanted to drive large vehicles for as long as she can remember.
“I think it came from when I went with my grandparents down to the South Island on the ferries and you would see all the trucks lined up.”
“I actually wanted to become a truck driver, but when I saw the advertisements on the front of the buses, I thought, I might try bus driving first.”
Dana had experience of driving smaller trucks and was well prepared when she applied for the Tranzurban job, with her P endorsement and Class 2 licence. The company also helped her to upskill.
“This has been the best training I've had in any industry that I have worked in,” says Dana.
When she’s on the job, it’s the little things that make a difference.
I say hello, good morning and thank you, and it always brightens my day when someone gets off and says, “Have a good day!”
Other road users can also help make a bus driver’s life easier.
“I know driving a car, you don't want a big old bus in front of you, but we are trying to keep to a schedule and giving way when we’re pulling into traffic helps a lot.”
Born and raised in Upper Hutt, Dana knows the area well.
“I've got quite a bit of knowledge of Upper Hutt and the whole Hutt Valley area. But I can still learn something new every day.”
“I like doing the 150 run, which is up through Maungaraki. You see some amazing views from there.”
Even when she’s not working, Dana likes to spend her time exploring the local area.
“I like going on long bushwalks with my golden retriever, Gintee.”
Work or play, Dana knows the hands-on life is for her.
“I've always enjoyed doing practical things. I'm not really one for sitting at a desk.”