Meet Pymble’s Bus Drivers

Every week we will feature a profile on one of our wonderful Pymble bus drivers. This week, we learn more about Lini and what makes her tick!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Linaire but I prefer to be called Lini. I have been married to my husband for 30 years and we have two daughters and three grandchildren.

I have a management / leadership / mentoring / teaching / coaching background with over 30 years’ experience.  I was managing a recruitment company when COVID hit. We lost our clients and staff within five days, so I needed to look for an essential services position. I chose to pursue a bus driving career. 

During my time in this industry, I’ve expanded my skills, in particular driving contracts within charters & special events, covid shuttles, routes, school runs and rail replacement. My current position the Pymble school run as well as operational support, marketing, promotions and driver education and training.

How long have you been a Pymble bus driver? 

This term is my first as a Pymble driver.

What do you love about your job?

My enjoyment in being a bus driver Is being able to meet and greet a diverse range of people and transport them to their destination in a safe warm welcoming manner. I treat my passengers as if they are my family, or as I like to call it the “Lini Flava”. I also enjoy being outdoors & traveling throughout Sydney and discovering new locations.

What do you find challenging in your job?

I would not call it a challenge but after the second COVID wave, I have really noticed a huge increase in the number of cars on the road and that drivers are generally more impatient. 

How did you get to school when you were young? Did you travel by bus?

I grew up in New Zealand and walked to school when I was young. I went to an all-girls college for senior school and I travelled there by bus.

What did you like about school when you were young?

My school was very strict and required us to be respectful of teachers and students at all times and present a very high standard of work. All core academic subjects and playing sport were mandatory.  I was a prefect at school and played and coached netball. I founded my own netball club 27 years ago which is still going strong today! I still hold my New Zealand umpiring and coaching badges.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I work six days a week so my one day off is spent with family. I also enjoy the gym and going to the pool. I also teach boxing and run small fitness classes.

Do you have a pet or did you have one growing up? If your pet could talk, what would it say?

I grew up on a farm and we had over 42 animals including dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese, sheep and horses. They would have said, ‘Thank you for giving me a place I can call home and thank you for loving, caring, talking, singing, feeding and walking me.’