Driver Uniforms

[TheGrandWazoo]

Santa of course uses Diamond Bus as his preferred operator & can usually be found at wheel of the 4H in December.

However I am not sure if his red and white uniform meets TfWM specications.........

If Santa worked for Diamond, the children of Kidderminster wouldn't get their presents til the 29th December

 

[GusB]

On that note I think it's a convenient time to draw a line under the Santa Suit discussion and get back to talking about plain, boring old uniforms (or the lack thereof). We can discuss Christmas attire nearer the time (and preferably no earlier than December 20th...)

 

[PG]

Some operators relax their uniform rules during the summer months, allowing for removal of ties and top button undone. I always took full advantage even though it meant no jacket or jumper as that was the prerequisite for the relaxation.

After a few years on the job my collar size miraculously increased as I always dreaded the official end of summer and having something tight round my neck - an extra size up made all the difference!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Some operators relax their uniform rules during the summer months, allowing for removal of ties and top button undone. I always took full advantage even though it meant no jacket or jumper as that was the prerequisite for the relaxation.

After a few years on the job my collar size miraculously increased as I always dreaded the official end of summer and having something tight round my neck - an extra size up made all the difference!

It's a very pragmatic and sensible move if it's cracking the flags.

Probably c.20 years ago, I was near Lisbon and found it curious that Stagecoach Portugal drivers had exactly the same uniform as the UK. The climate is perhaps more temperate than the Algarve, but it is still considerably warmer in Estoril that Elgin!

 

[Geordie driver]

Did not many Europeans have air-conditioning on their buses, even in the cabs which might make a full uniform bearable?

I recall getting on a DAF Optare ( I think?) In Spain and it was ice cold. We had the same buses in Newcastle with the heaters jammed on at the height of summer to try and stop the engine overheating.

 

[Andy Pacer]

Did not many Europeans have air-conditioning on their buses, even in the cabs which might make a full uniform bearable?

I recall getting on a DAF Optare ( I think?) In Spain and it was ice cold. We had the same buses in Newcastle with the heaters jammed on at the height of summer to try and stop the engine overheating.

Likewise!

It always strikes me that abroad where it's hot, bus and coach drivers still manage to look smart even though they are in open neck shirts etc, yet in the UK they often look scruffy - especially in hot weather.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Did not many Europeans have air-conditioning on their buses, even in the cabs which might make a full uniform bearable?

I recall getting on a DAF Optare ( I think?) In Spain and it was ice cold. We had the same buses in Newcastle with the heaters jammed on at the height of summer to try and stop the engine overheating.

It's a while ago but I don't think that they did have aircon; interestingly, Stagecoach sold out and they do have aircon now. Here's a photo (not mine) and there's hopper vents and can't see a roof pod https://www.flickr.com/photos/jncar...1s-fqapWb-fpVaUT-fqapwh-fqaoB5-fpVbe4-7BuycV/

Note the driver with tie and epaulettes! The vehicles had the standard Stagecoach grey moquette with red/orange chevrons and the red flooring too.

 

[Pat1105]

A response from Simon Dunn at Rotala regarding uniform:

Nobody should be wearing a hoodie or trainers. Since 17th March, we have continued to recruit drivers, and I am aware that due to shutdowns new drivers have asked to wear Dark trousers/white shirt.

 

[PG]

A response from Simon Dunn at Rotala regarding uniform:

Can you clarify if this response is from the MD of Rotala or Diamond please?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Can you clarify if this response is from the MD of Rotala or Diamond please?

He’s the Chief Executive of Rotala

 

[PG]

He’s the Chief Executive of Rotala

Thanks. I'm getting slightly confused so one further question if I may since I'm not fully acquainted with WM area operators - is there any connection between Rotala and Diamond?

 

[Pat1105]

Thanks. I'm getting slightly confused so one further question if I may since I'm not fully acquainted with WM area operators - is there any connection between Rotala and Diamond?

Yes, Rotala is the parent company who own Diamond. Rotala own Diamond WM, Diamond NW & Hallmark