Meet Riley: Newcastle Transport’s Youngest Bus Driver

For Riley, buses have always been part of everyday life.

“I pretty much grew up on buses,” he says. “My grandma and I used to catch them everywhere together.”

School runs, errands around town, trips across Newcastle — riding the bus with his grandma was how Riley got around. Sitting beside her, watching drivers at work and learning the routes, something sparked early. What started as a simple way to travel slowly grew into a genuine passion for public transport.

As soon as he was eligible, Riley applied to become a bus driver with Newcastle Transport. You need to hold a C-class licence for at least one year before applying — and Riley didn’t wait a moment longer.

“The very first day that ticked over, I applied,” he says. “I’d been waiting for it.”

Now 21 years old, Riley is the youngest bus driver at Newcastle Transport. One route in particular has special meaning for him.

“When I drive the Route 48, it goes straight past my grandma’s house,” he says. “I always give her a wave as I go by. It feels like a full-circle moment.”

Like most new starters, Riley admits he was a bit nervous the first time he sat in the driver’s seat. But those nerves didn’t last long. With a trainer beside him and support every step of the way, that initial uncertainty quickly turned into excitement.

“Once I got going, it felt really good,” he says. “The trainers are great — they help you build your confidence, and you’re never on your own.”

Riley started with just a C-class licence and was supported through training and licence upgrades to prepare him for the role. He says the training was thorough and set him up well from day one.

“You’re shown how to do everything properly,” he says. “By the end of it, you feel confident and ready.”

Now behind the wheel, Riley says the job is about much more than driving.

“You’re helping people get where they need to go,” he says. “You get to know the regulars, and you feel like you’re part of the community.”

Riley’s story is a reminder that you don’t need years of experience to start a career in public transport. With just a C-class licence, the right training and support, it’s possible to turn a lifelong interest into a career — and at 21, Riley is proof of that.

Ready to start your own journey?

If you’re considering a career change or looking for a job with purpose, now’s the perfect time to become a bus driver with Newcastle Transport. We offer some of the best pay and conditions in NSW and provide training and support to help you get started — all you need to apply is a C-class licence.

Visit the Newcastle Transport careers page to find out more and take the first step towards a rewarding future in public transport.