The Public Service Vehicle (PSV) industry, which includes bus and coach drivers, is facing a growing problem: a significant number of drivers are leaving the sector. A growing issue, causing challenges for operators across the UK, with many struggling to fill vacancies and keep services running smoothly. So, what’s behind this exodus, and what can be done to reverse it?

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Key Reasons Why Drivers Are Leaving the PSV Industry

• Low Pay for High Responsibility: Many drivers feel that the wages in the PSV industry don’t match the level of responsibility they carry. Operating a bus full of passengers in busy cities or long-distance routes can be highly demanding, yet pay levels often remain stagnant, especially compared to other driving roles, such as HGV drivers.
• Long Hours and Irregular Shifts: PSV drivers frequently work long, irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and public holidays. The pressure to meet tight schedules can result in long shifts, leading to burnout and a poor work-life balance.
• Stressful Working Conditions: Navigating heavy traffic, dealing with challenging passengers, and working under time constraints make driving in the PSV sector highly stressful. Many drivers feel that the job takes a toll on their mental health, which pushes them to seek less stressful work elsewhere.
• Lack of Career Progression: Unlike other sectors, the PSV industry often doesn’t offer clear paths for career advancement, which can demotivate drivers who seek long-term growth and stability in their careers.
• Driver Shortage Cycle: The shortage of drivers means that the remaining workforce is often asked to work more shifts or overtime to cover gaps. This creates a vicious cycle where drivers leave due to overwork, worsening the shortage problem.

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What Does This Mean for Operators?

For operators, the driver shortage presents operational challenges. Service cancellations, delays, and rising recruitment costs can damage the reputation of companies and make it harder to maintain a reliable service. Retaining skilled drivers is becoming increasingly important for ensuring that services run smoothly and costs are controlled.

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How DrivenPeople is Helping Solve the Problem

At DrivenPeople, we’re tackling the issues on both sides—helping drivers find better opportunities and offering operators a more transparent, efficient recruitment solution. Here’s how:

Benefits for Drivers:

• Higher Pay and Quick Payouts: Because we charge operators 50% less in agency fees, we’re able to pass these savings directly to drivers. Our drivers benefit from better pay for the hours they work and can receive payments within 30 minutes of timesheet approval, ensuring they have fast access to their earnings.
• Flexible Job Matching: DrivenPeople’s platform helps drivers find jobs that fit their preferences and qualifications. By auto-matching drivers with suitable roles, we reduce the risk of job dissatisfaction and help create a better work-life balance.
• Less Stress, More Support: We understand that driving can be tough. That’s why our platform ensures that drivers are paired with operators who value and support them, making for a smoother, more positive working experience.
• Driver Dividends: Our unique approach includes a driver dividend system where drivers can earn dividends based on the time they spend driving, offering them an additional financial benefit beyond their standard wages.

Benefits for Operators:

• Cost Savings: Operators using DrivenPeople can reduce their recruitment costs by up to 50% compared to traditional agencies. This not only helps save money but allows companies to reinvest in other areas, such as improving driver conditions.
• Better Driver Retention: DrivenPeople helps match operators with the right drivers for the job, reducing turnover and the costs associated with constantly having to recruit new staff. A better match leads to happier drivers and fewer disruptions to service.
• Access to a Pre-Vetted Driver Network: We provide operators with access to a network of pre-vetted, experienced PSV drivers. Operators can view detailed driver profiles, including reviews, licenses, and compliance documents, giving them confidence in their hiring decisions.
• Flexibility: Whether operators need drivers for short-term contracts or longer roles, our platform offers the flexibility to meet those needs, making it easier to fill vacancies quickly and keep services running.

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What’s Next for the PSV Industry?

The PSV industry will need to address these underlying issues if it’s to keep drivers in the profession and attract new talent. Improving pay, working conditions, and career progression are all steps that can help stabilise the workforce. But it’s also about creating a fairer, more transparent recruitment process, one that benefits both drivers and operators alike.

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At DrivenPeople, we’re committed to making this a reality. By offering a recruitment platform that’s built around the needs of both operators and drivers, we’re aiming to create a more sustainable future for the PSV industry.

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If you’re an operator looking to reduce recruitment costs or a driver searching for better opportunities, get in touch with us now at 020 8145 0979, or email our team at hello@drivenpeople.io and see how we can help.

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