Often seen as the face of our business, our motorcoach operators are highly trained professionals who, while not driving, are often found cheering on the teams they transport. TRAXX is proud to have a strong team of drivers, many of which, are women. In recognition of International Women’s Day, we are showcasing a few of these drivers here.
In their own words.
“Originally, I am from former Yugoslavia. Croatia and Bosnia. When I came to this country I didn’t speak one word of English. And then, thanks stars working out, I build a career in Safeway.
My story is, I was a deli manager in Safeway for 15 years. When I was on the highway and I would see the buses, I was so fascinated by that vehicle. I love the way it looks and imagined that I am going to be the driver one day.
Friend of mine went to look for a job in the job fair, I went just to keep her company. As we walked in, I saw the picture of most beautiful bus, and they were hiring. Went to ask what requires to be a driver. They told me I need all bunch of things which I didn’t have… I said I don’t have any of that, but I promised him I will get it. Two of them it look at each other and start laughing? I turned around and I said I will see you very soon. Next day went to apply for a job, they tell me I still need all those things and I told him I will get it. I turned around and went home. Half way home I got the phone call from the same company asking to teach me everything that I need to know and pay me for the time. They were impressed with my determination. I had no fear, I just wanted to do it. This was about 15 years ago.
And that’s how I started driving. I love my job! I did so many tours since, been so many places and met so many people. I love everything I ever experienced. It’s very challenging, very huge responsibility and that’s what I love. I don’t have any fears, and I realized to be good at what you’re doing you have to love it.
My office view changes every minute. If I didn’t do this job, I probably wouldn’t experience so many beautiful things and meet so many beautiful people from all over the world. I met so many important people… Prime Minister Trudeau, NHL teams, Blue Jays, international teams, and so on.
You have to be calm and make sure you take care of the things in safe way. So many times people are just impressed to see a woman driver, and many have doubts but I prove them wrong.
The only difficulties is being away from home, but my husband and I make it work. The most important thing is having good support from family. My family was thrilled and they supported me. They’re very proud of me for what I do.
There are so many ways you can do things that you love and still be very happy.”
~ Ljubica B.
“I started driving coaches at 50, I did a full career change and had always wanted to drive a Coach, I spent a lot of time on Coaches as a young person playing Ringette! I have always loved driving anything and love doing it, I love that very large window/view is now my new office window!
Being a driver is like hanging out with a bunch of friends and they picked me to drive! I drive the coach at all times like my own kids are in the bus! I’m a parent and I have had my kids ride in Coaches and it can be scary, you have to really trust the driver and I take that role and responsibility very seriously!
My favourite part about being a driver is spending time with any team that I’m moving around, I go and watch them compete and I love congratulating them when they enter the Coach! When I have all adults I love getting to know them and having some good chuckles with them!
TRAXX has been the best choice for me, I love all the people here and what I really love is that this company really takes safety seriously, not like other places I experienced when I first started driving.”
~ Hayley C.
“My driving career started at a very young age. I grew up on a ranch in Alberta and Dad had me steer the tractor to feed the cows at age four. Grew to drive tractors, trucks, and anything else around the farm. At 20 years of age I became the third lady driver for Calgary Transit. After a few years married and went back to the farm to raise a family. Continued driving in many forms, farm equipment, trucks, school buses or any driving needs. Studied recreation therapy and worked with special needs and seniors. Once my children were grown and change of career was craved, I started coach driving in Jasper.
20 years later I’m still driving and enjoying my career. After all these years people are still surprised to see a lady driver!
The best part of our career is showing visitors our beautiful country. Many of my passengers and I have become long time friends and visited them in their country.
The opportunities to do activities that I would have never done otherwise such as zip lining, helicopter rides, etc. are a bonus. Best off all-my office view!”
~ Marilyn J.
To learn more about International Women’s Day and how to get involved, you can visit internationalwomensday.com here.
