|
Industry Profile -- Susanne Albrecht
If you've ever been caught in heavy traffic, you know how frustrating it can be. "People movers" -- or people in the business of transporting people from one location to another -- must remain courteous and professional, even during rush hour.
People movers work in a wide range of occupations located on land, water and in the air. This profile, and issue, will focus on land-based people movers who operate vehicles ranging from featherweight rickshaws to massive trains.
People movers pick up passengers and drop them off at specified destinations. Some people movers, such as bus and train drivers, follow established routes and adhere to strict time schedules. Other people movers, such as taxi and limousine drivers, often must find unfamiliar locations. All people movers must have the knowledge and sense of direction necessary for finding certain locations efficiently.
Since people movers frequently work directly with the public, the ability to work well with people is important. At the very least, people movers should be able to communicate clearly and politely with passengers about matters such as fares and destinations. People movers are also often expected to engage in small talk and answer questions regarding towns or cities. The ability to provide excellent customer service, regardless of circumstances or customers' attitudes, is an asset.
Most people movers must be able to sit and stay focused for long periods of time. For example, bus drivers who can't sit still and are constantly tempted to take their eyes off the road will not succeed in their profession. In contrast, rickshaw drivers should be able to jog long distances while pulling passengers through the streets. Sitting or not, people movers must pay the utmost attention to safety. This includes following all safety procedures, operating vehicles in an expert manner and being able to react to emergency situations quickly. Working hours can be part-time or full-time and irregular shifts during evenings, weekends and holidays are common.
Because of the vastness of this industry, it's difficult to calculate the exact number of people employed within it. However, Canada Job Futures does provide some numbers. In 1998, approximately 401,000 Canadians were employed in the Motor Vehicle and Transit Drivers occupational category. During the same year, about 69,000 worked in the Bus Drivers, Subway and Other Transit Operators category, while about 13,000 Canadians worked in Train Crew Operating occupations. In total, the three categories add up to about 500,000 Canadians.
In regards to how the future looks for people mover occupations, Canada Job Futures predicts that the chances of finding work in two of the categories -- Motor Vehicle and Transit Drivers as well as Bus Drivers and Subway and Other Transit Operators -- "fair" up to 2004. The chances of finding work in Train Crew Operating Occupations are listed as "limited" up to 2004, due to numerous employee cutbacks in previous years and the likelihood of more cutbacks in future years.
Here's a closer look at some of the occupations available in the people mover industry:
Taxi drivers transport people who flag them down or have pre-arranged pick up times. They help passengers load packages and baggage that may weigh up to 25 kilograms. Taxi drivers then drive people to destinations safely and efficiently. Furthermore, drivers collect fares and provide change. Driving a taxi provides many challenges including operating vehicle in poor weather conditions, dealing with all kinds of customers and long hours; many drivers work 10-hour days, often six days a week. Taxi drivers are also responsible for maintaining clean vehicles and performing vehicle safety checks (e.g. tire pressure checks).
There are no standard educational requirements, but drivers must:
- have the ability to communicate clearly and courteously with passengers
- have the appropriate class of driver's license as well as a driver's record that is low in demerits
- understand local street and numbering systems and recognize landmarks
- have a taxi permit and no criminal record
- possess the spatial perception necessary to find unfamiliar destinations
- Pay will range from $12,400 to $21,500 a year (Most drivers pay taxi companies for the use of their cabs and are able to keep profits. Drivers must often pay for costs such as gas, oil and repairs.)
- Average growth is expected to the year 2005
Chauffeurs respond to dispatched calls or pre-arranged pick-up times and drive passengers to destinations in a safe manner. Wearing a uniform as well as lifting up to 25 kilograms while helping passengers with their belongings may be required. Chauffeurs may work for individuals or organizations and are often employed for special occasions such as graduations, weddings and company events. The majority of chauffeur's time is spent driving and waiting for passengers at locations. Hours vary, with many chauffeurs working evenings and weekends. Chauffeurs ensure the cleanliness of their vehicles, perform vehicle safety checks and collect payments. (Some limousine companies require that drivers be at least 25 years of age in order to eligible for lower insurance rates.)
There are no standard educational requirements, but chauffeurs should:
- have the ability to communicate clearly and courteously with passengers
- have the appropriate class of driver's license as well as a driver's record that is low in demerits
- understand local street and numbering systems and recognize landmarks such as restaurants
- have a taxi or chauffeur permit and no criminal record
- possess the spatial perception necessary to find unfamiliar destinations
- Pay will range from $12,400 to $21,500 a year (Chauffeurs' salaries vary considerably and are dependent on the number of hours worked as well as the employer. Drivers may have to purchase their own uniforms.)
- Average growth is expected to the year 2005
Bus drivers, including transit bus drivers, motor coach drivers, tour bus drivers, school bus drivers and handi-bus drivers, are responsible for picking up and dropping off passengers along routes that often adhere to a time schedule. Bus drivers' duties vary, depending on the type of vehicle the driver operates. Transit bus drivers may check passes, talk to passengers, answer questions about bus routes and make several stops along a regular route. Motor coach drivers may travel long distances between cities and tour bus drivers may be responsible for describing points of interest in great detail. School bus drivers must be able to work with younger passengers and handi-bus drivers often load and unload passengers with mobility aids. Bus drivers must be able to drive in all kinds of weather and often complete shift work on evenings, weekends and holidays. (New bus drivers may also have to participate in a training program that involves learning driving and customer service skills.)
There are no standard educational requirements, but employers may ask that bus driver applicants:
- have the ability to communicate clearly and courteously with passengers
- are able to sit and stay focused for long periods of time
- are able to drive safely and react quickly in emergencies
- have a specific class of driver's license
- Pay will range from $14,000 and $52,000 a year (Earnings for bus drivers differ and are dependent on the type of vehicle the driver operates. For example, transit drivers may be paid an hourly rate, while school bus drivers may be paid a flat or daily rate.)
- Below average growth is expected to the year 2005
Train drivers, including railway conductors and locomotive engineers, ensure the safe transport of passengers on railways. Conductors supervise passengers and train crew members to make sure that operating rules and schedules are followed. Additional duties include announcing stops, handling payments and addressing passengers' concerns. Locomotive engineers manage the transportation of passengers and freight. They contact crew members and railway traffic controllers through communication systems that monitor the safe passage of trains. Educational requirements for conductors and engineers usually include a high school diploma and specified levels of the certificate of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules. Locomotive engineers must have previous experience as railway conductors.
Engineers and conductors should:
- have a willingness to follow schedules and operating rules
- be able to communicate courteously and effectively with passengers and crew
- be able to work irregular hours, sometimes away from home
- Pay will range from $27,100 to $58,000
- Below average growth is expected to the year 2004
Each industry profiled in nextSteps includes several jobs that are found in many other industries as well. Some of the other jobs associated with the People Mover Industry include: dispatchers, ticket agents, managers, receptionists, accountants, airline pilots, helicopter pilots, boat captains, Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.
Previous issues with more on some of these occupations include:
|
