Busload of new recruits ready to transport Bankstown, Canterbury and Inner West residents during Metro conversion

A majority of the required drivers have already been booked for induction and training since recruitment efforts ramped up in April.

Transit Systems have recruited a full roster of 118 drivers to work on Southwest Link and U-Go Mobility have 20 drivers in training.

Southwest Link will need around 200 drivers so both bus operators are well on their way when it comes to hitting their recruitment targets.

The recruitment of these new drivers will not mean that any other bus regions lose existing drivers because the plan relies on the recruitment of new drivers.

Transit Systems were awarded the contract to deliver two of the three rail replacement bus routes for Southwest Link during the upcoming final Metro conversion of the T3 Bankstown Line. This has provided a great opportunity for new drivers to embark on a bus driving career.

Transit Systems has been running induction courses every week for new applicants. The interest has been so significant the company has flown in additional driver trainers from Perth to keep up with the influx of new recruits.

New drivers are eligible for sign-up bonuses of up to $6,000, paid training and a guaranteed job offer upon successful completion of the program.

U-Go Mobility will deliver the SW2 Southwest Link route, the Sydenham to Belmore express then all stops to Bankstown.

These three Southwest Link routes have been designed to help the communities of Canterbury Bankstown and the Inner West get to where they need to go efficiently as possible once the T3 Metro conversion gets underway.

U-Go's involvement in Southwest Link comes after Transport for NSW and U-Go Mobility ended the bus driver shortage in Region 10, thanks to dedicated bus driver recruitment campaigns and a focused driver training program.

The boost to bus driver numbers in Region 10 is in part due to U-Go Mobility's flagship 'Women Behind the Wheel' recruitment campaign, encouraging women to explore a career as a bus driver.

Through this campaign, U-Go - the area's operator - has doubled the number of women drivers serving the communities of Sydney's south and south-west. The program invests in women's licensing and training to remove barriers and support access to the traditionally male-dominated industry.

If you're looking for a rewarding career change, full time work or some extra shifts, Transport for NSW is encouraging future drivers to join the call for a career in the bus industry by visiting transport.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers/bus-driving-jobs-across-nsw

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

"Southwest Link will play a crucial part in the integrated transport plan when the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro conversion happens. We will need all the bus drivers we can get to deliver it and help the community through what will be a really tough 12 months.

"It's great news that Transit Systems' and U Go's recruitment campaign has attracted a strong stream of applicants, with dozens of new drivers starting their training each week but we still need more drivers, so if you are looking for a career change now is the perfect opportunity.

"And it won't be over when we're finished with Southwest Link. I want as many drivers as possible across NSW to stay in the industry after we get this done so we can help fix the wider bus driver shortage."

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said:

"With the upcoming Southwest Link rail replacement buses there are opportunities for new drivers to get their start in the bus industry and do their bit to help the community during a difficult 12 months when T3 Metro conversion works get underway.

"For the recently or semi-retired, parents looking for flexible shifts, or ride-share drivers looking to make the switch, this opportunity could make a real difference in a cost-of-living crisis.

"Transit Systems and U-Go mobility have fantastic training programs that will help hundreds of new drivers feel confident as they get behind the wheel of their new career."

Quotes attributable to Transit Systems NSW Managing Director Daniela Fontana:

"All of our required drivers are now secured, with induction courses running every week for new applicants. We are pleased to see the investment into our recruitment efforts achieve the outcomes required, and set the benchmark for the industry.

"We're proud to work alongside our government partners to continue investing in the development of people, providing advanced skills training and development, while attracting new people to the industry.

"With more zero emission buses on the road than any other operator in the country and Australia's largest operational electrified depot, it's an extraordinary time of innovation in our industry and a very exciting time to join Team Transit."

Quotes attributable to U-Go Mobility Managing Director Daniel Corbin:

"U-Go Mobility is delighted to partner with the NSW Government in delivering Southwest Link rail replacement services while the conversion of the Bankstown Line takes place.

"Over the past year, we have recruited and trained a significant number of bus drivers to ensure we can provide safe and reliable journeys. We have further increased our recruitment focus in readiness and are continuing with the successful Women Behind the Wheel Campaign.

"We are proud to support our people, customers and community during this time and are excited to grow the U-Go Mobility team."

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