Career opportunities

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Passenger Assistant

The community transport industry provides a vital service to people who are unable to easily access other forms of public transport. Within the industry many people work as passenger assistants and are responsible for helping passengers on certain journeys where assistance may be required (for example with disabled or elderly passengers).

The passenger assistant role is important for providing support to many customers of the industry, who need community transport, and its staff, to help them to get out and about. The role is often voluntary, although some people are employed, sometimes part-time, especially by larger community transport organisations. Those in paid work can earn approximately £10000 per year for full time employment.


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Working environment

Passenger assistants will spend a lot of their time on the move, in minibuses and coaches. They will work with a variety of people, including school children, elderly people and the disabled and those with particular needs. They may also accompany passengers after their journey, to provide support to the passengers if required.

Many passenger assistant roles are part-time to meet passenger demand. Passenger assistants may be required to work early mornings, late nights, weekends and bank holidays.
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Skills and interests

Passenger assistants need to enjoy working with others as they may deal and interact with a wide range of people.

Important skills for passenger assistants include:
- an understanding of customer service
- the ability to communicate clearly and confidently
- good organisation
- an awareness of disability needs and issues
- the ability to stay calm when under pressure
- team working.

 

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Entry into the role

Applicants for the role of passenger assistant do not normally need any particular academic qualifications. A good standard of literacy and numeracy, however, would be expected.

Passenger assistants do need to have a good understanding of customer service, and of dealing with a wide range of people.

Jobs can be advertised in the local press or at employment organisations such as Jobcentre Plus. Many community transport organsations are run by the local authority, and vacancies can also be advertised on local authority websites.
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Opportunities

Passenger assistants can progress their career to become service managers, responsible for organising community transport operations. They can also move into other passenger transport industries providing passenger services and support.

Passenger Assistants can access a range of training including first aid, disability awareness, contracts and the law and duty of care. Some passenger assistants can also have training in specialist areas such as autism awareness or signing for the deaf. Passenger assistants can also train for a special industry qualification offered by the Community Transport Association - the Passenger Assistant training course.


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Useful links

• CTA Journal (magazine)

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