“No two days are the same” – Aino, bus driver

Video: Aino Suhonen – Hyppää kyytiin

“This is just so brilliant,” says Aino Suhonen, laughing. She’s a bus driver at Länsilinjat and loves her job so much that the same line comes up at both the start and the end of the video. It says it all.

Aino’s story shows that when you find a job that brings together your own strengths and interests, work doesn’t feel like just a job.

What does Aino’s working day look like?

Aino’s day starts at the depot, where she picks up the bus and heads for the stop. From there she drives the route. The day is made up of driving and meeting customers, and every shift is different.

Aino also talks about charging the electric buses: “When they come back here to the depot at the end of the day, they need to be plugged in overnight, just like us.” Technology is part of everyday life, and electric buses are bringing new kinds of skills to the industry.

“There’s never the same working day twice,” Aino sums up. That’s exactly what makes the job interesting.

Driving and customer service come together

Aino has always loved driving – bikes, motorbikes and cars. She’s also always worked in customer service. In the bus driver’s job, these two things come together perfectly.

“This is a brilliant choice for someone like me,” she says. And that’s exactly where the variety in the industry lies: the transport and logistics sector isn’t just about moving goods. In public transport, the job means constantly meeting people.

Work and free time in balance

Aino lives with her husband, who’s also a bus driver. They share hobbies together: Aino dances and her husband plays guitar. “We’re a pretty creative couple,” she says.

The balance between work and free time matters a lot to Aino. Shifts vary in the bus driver’s job, but days off come round regularly. That leaves room for hobbies and time to herself.

Aino and her husband can also share work experiences, since they both do the same job. “It’s pretty lovely being able to chat about work and things that happen at work in our free time.”

Why is the bus driver’s job “brilliant”?

Aino’s enthusiasm comes down to a few things: varied days, meeting people, and the job suiting her personality perfectly. She hasn’t had to give up her own interests – quite the opposite, she’s found a job built around them.

That’s possible in the transport and logistics sector. There are so many different jobs that everyone can find their own place.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of person suits being a bus driver?

Someone who enjoys driving and dealing with people. Being calm, responsible and having a good attitude to customer service are all important qualities.

Are a lot of electric buses used these days?

Yes, the share of electric buses keeps growing. Many cities already use electric buses, and the technology is developing fast.

Is being a bus driver a lonely job?

No, it isn’t. Over the course of a day you meet dozens or hundreds of passengers. You meet colleagues at the depot and during breaks. Being a bus driver is surprisingly social.

What are a bus driver’s working hours like?

Working hours vary depending on the shift. Morning shifts start early, evening shifts finish later. Days off come round regularly, and shifts are known in advance.

Try it yourself – see how the job feels

Watching Aino’s video, you notice straight away how genuine her enthusiasm is. If you want to see for yourself what it’s like to be a bus driver or work elsewhere in the transport and logistics sector, start with a TET placement.

Find a TET placement in the transport and logistics sector and see for yourself why Aino calls her job “brilliant”.

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