Question 1

What does a bus attendant do?

Accepted Answer

A bus attendant travels on passenger vehicles to assist passengers, particularly school children, elderly passengers, or those with disabilities. They ensure passenger safety, provide assistance boarding and alighting, monitor behaviour, and support the driver by managing passenger-related duties. Bus attendants play a vital role in creating a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers.

Question 2

What award covers bus attendants in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Bus attendant positions are covered by the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063). This award applies to employees throughout Australia in the passenger vehicle transportation industry, including coach and bus attendants who travel on vehicles and assist passengers. Always verify this award applies to your specific operation.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a bus attendant?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, bus attendants are typically classified at Grade 1 (basic passenger assistance) or Grade 2 (with ticketing, conducting and enhanced customer service duties). See our Passenger Vehicle Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a bus attendant job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive hourly rate based on experience.' Check the current Passenger Vehicle Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do bus attendants need?

Accepted Answer

Bus attendants typically need a Working with Children Check (required for school bus routes), basic first aid certificate, and strong customer service skills. While formal qualifications aren't always required, certifications in disability awareness, child safety, or first aid are highly valued. The employer usually provides specific training on emergency procedures and passenger assistance techniques. Use HR software to track WWCC expiry dates and certifications.

Question 6

Is a Working with Children Check mandatory for bus attendants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the bus attendant will be working on school bus routes or transporting children, a valid Working with Children Check (or equivalent state-based check) is mandatory. This is a legal requirement in all Australian states and territories. The specific name and requirements vary by state (e.g., WWCC in NSW, Blue Card in QLD).

Question 7

Do bus attendants need a driver's licence?

Accepted Answer

Bus attendants do not need a driver's licence as they are not driving the vehicle. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a current driver's licence as it demonstrates responsibility and may be useful for occasional duties. The primary role is passenger assistance, not vehicle operation.

Question 8

What experience should I look for in a bus attendant?

Accepted Answer

Look for previous experience in customer service, childcare, aged care, disability support or similar roles involving care and assistance of others. Experience in transport, education support, or working with diverse groups is valuable. For school routes, experience with children is particularly important. Attitude, patience and genuine care for passenger wellbeing often matter more than formal experience.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent bus attendants?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your operational patterns. Permanent part-time attendants work well for regular school routes with consistent schedules. Casual attendants provide flexibility for charter services, relief duties or variable demand. Many operators use permanent staff for regular routes supplemented by casuals. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to bus attendants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and shift work outside ordinary hours. Casual employees receive a 25% casual loading. Specific rates depend on the classification level and type of work. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for bus attendants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, minimum engagement periods apply. Check the specific provisions for your operation type as minimums may vary based on shift type and employment category. Split shifts may apply for school bus routes with morning and afternoon runs.

Question 12

What should I include in a bus attendant employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type, hourly rate, applicable award, main duties, work location and routes, shift patterns, required checks (WWCC, police check), physical requirements, uniform provisions and any specific safety responsibilities. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to bus attendants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, rosters should be provided with reasonable notice, typically at least 7 days in advance where practicable. For school bus routes, rosters often follow the school term calendar. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of upcoming shifts and route assignments.

Question 14

Can I require bus attendants to work split shifts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, split shifts are common for school bus attendants who work morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up runs. Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, split shift provisions apply including maximum spread of hours and any applicable allowances. Be clear about split shift requirements in the job description.

Question 15

What breaks are bus attendants entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Break entitlements under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award depend on the length and nature of shifts. For longer shifts, meal breaks and rest breaks apply. On short school runs, the break between morning and afternoon shifts counts as unpaid time. Use break planning tools to manage compliance.

Question 16

How do I manage bus attendant coverage for different routes?

Accepted Answer

Track which attendants are trained for specific routes, have knowledge of regular passengers' needs, and can handle particular vehicle types. Use skills tracking in rostering software to match attendants to appropriate routes. Consistency helps build relationships with regular passengers, especially on school and community routes.

Bus attendant job description