All aboard: Kinetic readies new cohort of drivers taking on Melbourne’s Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchise

As Kinetic prepares to commence operations as a franchisee of the new Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchises (MZF) in Melbourne, Australia, from 1 July, a massive recruitment and training program is in full swing at its North Fitzroy depot.

Kinetic Depot Manager (North Fitzroy) Nathan Dohrman says the depot has become the central onboarding and training hub as the company prepares for the franchise’s commencement.

As the MZF operations team prepares to transition to its brand-new purpose-built depot in Preston for 1 July, Nathan is simultaneously preparing for his own career advancement, having taken on the role of Service Delivery Manager (Preston), moving across to the new depot alongside the team he has onboarded and trained.

"Here, our new drivers undertake comprehensive training in Kinetic's on-road procedures, our brand of customer service and familiarise themselves with our buses," says Mr Dohrman.

"It's been incredibly rewarding to build and train this team.

"Having been part of their training journey, I understand their strengths and can better support them as we launch this new operation together.

“It's a natural progression that allows me to maintain continuity with the team while taking on broader operational responsibilities at Preston, driving the service delivery performance we pride ourselves on across the organisation."

Kinetic is onboarding over 120 drivers to service 14 new routes, with experienced drivers with a passion for coaching new starters like Debbie Considine supporting the incoming cohort of drivers.

"My role in preparing for 1 July is to support the new drivers coming through and ensure they’re safe and prepared for the routes they'll be driving from Day One," says Ms Considine, who joined Kinetic through its Women Up Front program.

"I train our drivers on the new routes that we're learning – it's really exciting. I’m looking forward to going on the new runs.”

For drivers like Aaron Vidot, who has been with Kinetic for two years, the transition represents an exciting career opportunity. Aaron has been supporting new drivers on learning their new routes.

“Being able to teach some new drivers and share my knowledge of the road has been amazing,” says Mr Vidot, who will be moving from North Fitzroy to Kinetic’s newest depot in Preston, where MZF routes will operate from.

“I look forward to being a part of the local community in Preston from 1 July.”

Excitingly, a significant number of new drivers have been recruited through Kinetic's Women Up Front trainee driver program, and Melbourne will see an increase in the number of women driving the MZF routes by 10% from Day One.

Kinetic Executive General Manager of People & Safety (Australia) Madonna Hegerty says the company's industry-leading driver training programs demonstrate how seriously Kinetic takes both driver and passenger safety.

"We dedicate a significant amount of time and energy equipping our drivers with the right tools for the job, including comprehensive skills and route training. We also focus heavily on the customer experience, particularly how to support passengers with disabilities or other bespoke needs," says Ms Hegerty.

"We're committed to increasing the number of women drivers in our business and are pleased by the level of interest in roles at our new depot from the local community.”

Kinetic is set to welcome new passengers across Melbourne's northern suburbs when MZF services commence on 1 July.