Scheduler

Schedulers draw up plans for bus timetables, making sure that bus services can run safely and cost efficiently whilst also meeting, as closely as possible, customer demand.

Timetable scheduling is not a quick task, and as soon as a schedule has been released, data is gathered on service performance and usage, ready for reviewing the schedule and re-planning. Bus timetables, or schedules, also have to be amended at short notice; for example if there are planned road works which require the bus service to be diverted.

Schedulers must work closely with performance and operations managers and directors to make certain the resources that are available for delivering any planned schedule. The resources they have to consider include staff and vehicles, and they must also take into account requirements for maintenance of vehicles which requires them to be off the road for certain amounts of time.

The starting salary for a scheduler is approximately £16000. This can vary depending on the size of the bus operation and also due to responsibilities. Experienced schedulers can earn £25000 or more.
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Working environment

Schedulers work in an office normally based at a bus's company's head office, or regional office. They use a computer and may work on specialist systems designed for scheduling and planning timetables as well as the standard computing packages.

Schedulers are normally expected to dress smartly, though they usually do not have to wear a uniform. If they spend any time in a bus depot, they will be expected to wear high visibility clothing for their own safety.

The normal working hours for a scheduler are between 36 and 38 each week. Most schedulers work standard office hours although occasionally overtime may be required.
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Skills and interests

Schedulers need to have a very strong ability to work with large amounts of complex data.

The most important skills for a scheduler are:
- methodical approach to work
- attention to detail and accuracy
- analytical and numerical ability
- organisational and planning skills
- good communication abilities
- ability to work under own initiative but also as part of a team.
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Entry into the role

Schedulers are employed by bus companies and mostly work in the companies' head offices. Jobs can be advertised in the local press or on bus company websites. They may also use specialist publications or recruitment websites.

Normally schedulers need to demonstrate that they have very strong skills in working with numbers. Some employers will expect at least an A level or equivalent in Mathematics or Statistics. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate that they are well organised and confident in handling large amounts of data.
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Opportunities

Schedulers can progress their careers by moving into operations or performance management. They can take on roles including performance manager or operations director.

Schedulers can also study for industry related qualifications including:
- NVQ level 2 in road passenger transport operations (offered by Edexcel and EDI)
- NVQ level 3 in road passenger transport operations (offered by EDI).
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Useful links

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