A POOLE teen is celebrating after passing a test that will allow her to become a bus driver across Bournemouth and Poole.

Morebus employee, Hannah Samways, from Canford Heath, who only turned 19 last month, completed her Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence (PCV) test first time, under expert tuition from the bus operator’s training team.

“I’ve always lived in Poole and went to Poole High School - regularly travelling by bus,” said Hannah. “When I left school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I was into gymnastics so, at 16, I got a job involving that.

“Then I tried a few other roles - including waitressing, and working in a warehouse. When Covid hit, I worked at the test centre at Creekmoor.

“To be honest, after that, I was struggling to find a job I was really interested in. My gymnastics coach, Chris Hardstaff, had joined Morebus in 2018 - and he knew I’d passed my car driving test in 2020. He recommended I contact Morebus about a career as a bus driver.

“At first, I didn’t think he was serious - but I asked him more about the role. He really sold me the benefits, so I thought I’d give it a go.”

Hannah will be ready to go solo out into service as soon as she has completed her classroom training and route learning.

“It’s amazing because, with earnings of £27,000 a year as a bus driver, I’ll be paid more than many of those who left school at the same time as me,” added Hannah.

“I’d always associated bus driving with being a job for men, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many women are already here. I’d love to see more choose bus driving as a career.

“I’ve already been made to feel very welcome by my new colleagues - and looking forward to a bright career here at Morebus.”

Morebus managing director, Andrew Wickham, added: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Hannah to the Morebus team. She now has a promising and stable career ahead of her, and will enjoy continuous support from her new colleagues and managers.

“Like many of our bus drivers, Hannah has some background in customer service - and we value this very highly. Those who travel with us do so again and again, partly because we offer reliable bus services but also because of how hard our courteous drivers work to provide them with a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

“I wish Hannah all the very best in her career with us, and look forward to seeing her out on the roads across Dorset very soon.”

For more information about a career with Morebus, please visit morebus.co.uk