‘More than just a job’

Set to lose experienced school bus drivers due to age rule

A Cavan bus operator has warned that schoolchildren could be left stranded and small transport providers forced out of business if Bus Éireann’s age limit of 70 for school bus drivers remains.

Gussy Moyles of Gus Bus near Ballinagh is set to lose up to three experienced drivers before year’s end - not because they are unfit or unwilling to do the job - but simply because they’re set to turn 70.

In business for more than a decade, Gussy says the current situation is among the most challenging he has faced. Gus Bus operates 10 school runs under contract with Bus Éireann, and he believes the strict age cut-off threatens the future of those routes.

“Once you reach 70, even if you pass your medical and you’re fit to drive, you can’t continue driving school transport,” he said. “I have a man doing private work with me - he’s 72. If he was told to sit at home, he’d just rot. But he’s fit, healthy and more than capable.”

Under the School Transport Scheme, managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education, the retirement age for school bus drivers is 70. The rule applies to Bus Éireann services and to drivers nominated by private contractors, even if they hold the required licence and pass annual medical exams.

Gussy says he is not alone in the problem he faces.

“I have two or three drivers finishing up at the end of the year because of this rule. They’re only driving about an hour and a half in the morning and the same in the evening. They love it,” he said.

For many older drivers, he believes the work provides more than income.

“It’s more than just a job. It gives a lot of these men purpose. One of my drivers worked all his life. He goes for his medical every year and passes it. He’s delighted to be able to get up and out,” says Gussy, who cannot understand the logic behind the restriction.

“I don’t know where Bus Éireann came up with this rule. Drivers are hard got. It’s affecting them as well as us.”

The consequences, he warns, could be serious.

“If I lose these drivers and can’t replace them, I won’t lose the contracts straight away - but what happens after? They’ll have to put the routes somewhere else, and those operators are in the same predicament. There just aren’t enough drivers,” he tells the Celt.

According to Gussy, the only people currently available and willing to take on the part-time school runs are those over 70.

“Younger people won’t take it up there’s not enough dollar in it for them. But, for an older man who wants to stay active, it’s ideal.”

He believes operators need stronger representation, similar to the Irish Road Haulage Association for truck drivers.

“We need to come together and say clearly: We cannot get drivers under the current rules. Nobody is speaking for us.”

For Gussy, the issue, and solution, comes down to “common sense”.

“When you test a bus and it passes, it’s fit for the road. It’s the same with a medical. If a doctor gives you a clean bill of health, you’re fit to drive. Insurance isn’t the issue - it costs a bit more after 71, but I’m willing to pay that. These men are careful. They respect the road and the children.”

Gussy says the children value the familiar faces behind the wheel too.

“A smile and a ‘good morning’ go a long way.”

If the rule is not amended, he fears for his own future.

“I can only drive one bus myself. I can’t cover all the contracts. I’d end up having to fold. And I’m 64 - in six years I’ll be facing the same rule.”

He also points to inconsistencies. Drivers over 70 can legally operate private buses or heavy goods vehicles if medically fit.

“I know a man driving a lorry at 84 - fit as a fiddle. If they pass the medical, why not let them work?”

In Gussy’s view, the policy is out of step with reality.

“Give them a few more years. If someone isn’t well, they’ll step back themselves. These men know they have children behind them. They drive with care.”

His appeal is straightforward. “All we’re asking for is fairness. We’re told to upgrade our buses and keep everything to the highest standard - and we do. Why not apply the same common sense to drivers who are medically fit? As long as you’re healthy and able, you should be allowed to keep going.”

The issue was raised in the Seanad this month by Sinn Féin Senator Pauline Tully, who said the Cavan case is unlikely to be isolated.

“This is one operator in one county. If we look across the country, there will be many more,” she said. “The same driver could arrive an hour after school begins and bring children on a tour or to a sports event. I have heard many Members raise this and have not heard anyone disagree with raising the age.”

With plans to significantly expand the school transport scheme, she questioned how additional capacity would be delivered.

“It is supposed to increase year on year. How are they going to get drivers for up to 100,000 or more additional children? Something needs to be done. I call on the Minister for Transport to address this with Bus Éireann and allow drivers who reach 70 to continue until they choose to retire, as long as they are capable and pass the necessary tests.”

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to carry out an independent assessment on removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70. Work on that review is understood to be “ongoing” between the Department and Bus Éireann.