Driving the storytelling bus...

Once Upon a Bus is a Mobile Project Vehicle designed to carry a maximum of 8 persons who are part of the service provision (i.e. our staff) to and from the project location. The bus always delivers  service in a static location. We have no plans to carry customers as passengers for the foreseeable future.  Although there is no legal requirement to hold a full Bus Drivers qualification to drive an MPV, we are looking for drivers with extensive experience driving a double decker bus. For reference Once Upon a Bus uses an Alexander Volvo Olympian, please see our safety specification for further vehicle details.

If you are interested in driving for Once Upon a Bus please contact us by email or telephone in the first instance

General guidelines for applicants:

• Drivers must be confident that they have sufficient commercial experience driving a double decker bus. All drivers will be required to demonstrate competence prior to undertaking any projects.

• Drivers must be in good health and prepared to maintain a presentable appearance at all times (see below).

• Drivers must hold an up-to-date CRB check certificate. 

• Drivers should have their own means of transport to and from the Once Upon a Bus base in Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire.
  

• Drivers should be comfortable working as part of the Once Upon a Bus team, engaging with the public and agree to conform to our standards of service delivery at all times whilst engaged with a project.

Notes on presentable appearance and professional conduct for all Once Upon a Bus team members:

1. Smoking, Drink & Drugs:
   No Smoking at any time on assignment, this includes the use of vaporisers and electronic cigarettes. Any consumption of alcohol at an assignment, or if there is a detection of the same which might cause suspicion of being under the influence during working hours, will lead to instant dismissal; similarly the same stance will be taken in relation to drug activity, either actual usage or being in possession of.


2. Punctuality:
   All assignments will require staff to arrive when specified and it is expected that they will be on site in ample time to commence their duties promptly.


3. Commitment to Customer: 
   It is expected that the workforce comply to the company mission of outstanding customer satisfaction and as a consequence be prepared to remain at the assignment until confirmation that their presence is no longer required.


4. Dress Code: 
   Full details of uniform requirements on application, but needless to say it should be adhered to at all times, unless otherwise instructed, at themed events for example.


5. Groomed Appearance: 
   Staff need to take great pride in their appearance and be presentable at all times. Men should either be clean shaven, or any facial hair must be neatly trimmed; longer hair will be tied back in a tidy fashion. Any visual look which might be regarded to represent scruffiness and in any way reflect badly against the company, will not be deemed acceptable.


6. Minimise Make-up: 
   No excessive cosmetics to be applied,  unless otherwise instructed, at themed events for example.


7. Minimal Jewelery: 
   Categorically no body piercings on show for the duration of the event; in addition no bracelets, bangles, necklaces or chains to be visible. Tattoos should not be visible.


8. Personal Hygiene:
   It is expected that staff will present themselves with no body odor, fresh breath from brushed teeth, but certainly not excessive application of perfume, aftershave or deodorant.


9. Hand Hygiene: 
   Staff should not report for duty with badly manicured nails, and their hands should be spotlessly clean; regular washing of hands should be undertaken throughout the assignment.


10. Remain Courteous & Respectful: 
    As a condition of etiquette it is obligatory for staff to retain a pleasant approach to the customer(s) during the assignment. Manners must be upheld irrespective of situations and under no circumstances what so ever should the customer be in any way compromised by an unnecessary comment.


11. No Abusive Language: 
    Swearing whilst on duty, either within the vicinity of the customer(s), or at a distance still deemed as close enough for there to be a possibility that the customer might overhear, will not be tolerated in any shape or form.


12. No Pilfering: 
    Stealing in any guise, no matter how petty it might seem, will not be permitted. Souvenirs or keepsakes will not be purloined, such behavior will be deemed as wholly inappropriate and will result in dismissal.


13. Maintain Eye Contact With Client: 
    Whilst engaging in conversation with a client, staff should make every effort to keep eye contact; this conveys high levels of both respectfulness and sincerity.


14. No Usage of Portable Devices:
    MP3 players and mobile phones/tablets should be left switched off throughout the assignment, with calls only being made in exceptional circumstances, or during a break.


15. No Consuming Food Whilst on Duty: 
    It will not be deemed acceptable for staff to eat during their shift, except whilst on a break; this includes the chewing of gum.

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LEGAL NOTES

Regulation 3 incorporating the definition of *Mobile Project Vehicle*

Mobile Project Vehicle  means a vehicle which has a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes, is constructed or adapted to carry not more than 8 persons in addition to the driver and carries principally goods or burden consisting of - 

(a) play or educational equipment and articles required in connection with the use of such equipment, or 

(b) articles required for the purposes of display or of an exhibition,
and the primary purpose of which is use as a recreational, educational or instructional facility when stationary. 

Regulation 7(5) covering the scope of the entitlement to drive these vehicles on a category B driving licence. 

A person who - 

(a) is the holder of a full licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category B (except a licence authorising only the driving of vehicles in sub-category B1 or B2 (invalid carriages)), 

(b) has held that licence for an aggregate period of not less than 2 years, and 

(c) is aged 21 or over, 

may drive a mobile project vehicle on behalf of a non-commercial body - 

1. (1)  to or from the place where the equipment it carries is to be, or has been used, or the display or exhibition is to be, or has been, mounted, or 
   
   
2. (2)  to or from the place where a mechanical defect in the vehicle is to be, or has been, remedied or 
   
   
3. (3)  in such circumstances that by virtue of paragraph 22 of schedule 2 to the Vehicle Exercise and Registration Act 1994 the vehicle is not chargeable with duty in respect of its use on public roads, 
   
   

unless by that licence he is authorised to drive only vehicles having automatic transmission, in which case he shall be deemed competent to drive only mobile project vehicles having automatic transmission. 

Regulation 79 containing a saving provision in respect of entitlement to drive mobile project vehicles in relation to existing (i.e. pre - 1.1.97) category B licence holders. 

In relation to a person who was at a time before 1st January 1997 the holder of a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category B (except a licence authorising only the driving of vehicles in sub-category B1 or B2 (invalid carriages)), regulation 7(5) shall apply as if paragraphs (b) and (c) and the words ' on behalf of a non-commercial body ' were omitted. 

Working on Wheels' comments 

• Regardless of the category of licence held by the driver it is essential that all drivers are professionally trained to drive a vehicle of the appropriate weight and size.
• Whether or not a local authority is considered a 'non-commercial body ' is a point of law that only a test case in the courts will establish. Local authority projects should make note of this fact and seek guidance from their legal departments. It is an issue for persons who obtained their full category B licence after 1.1.97, have passed the two year qualifying period and have become eligible to drive mobile project vehicles.