From the driver’s seat to leading Melbourne’s operations

Stories from the people who keep us moving: Kamal Singh on his 14-year journey from bus driver to Acting General Manager, and why it's always been about the people.

Fourteen years ago, Kamaldeep (Kamal) Singh got behind the wheel of a bus for the first time. Today, as Acting General Manager (Melbourne), he oversees seven depots and Melbourne’s Operations Control Centre, keeping one of Australia's busiest bus networks moving every day. Not quite the career an electrical engineer expected!

Finding his footing

Kamal's path into transport wasn't the one he trained for.

"I pursued a career in technology – actually, I'm an electrical engineer – but I found my footing in people management," he says.

"Since I joined this industry, working with people, even as a bus driver, moving the communities, I thought this is actually something I'm feeling very comfortable with.

"And since then, I've never looked back."

That was 14 years ago. What followed is the kind of career pathway Kinetic is proud of.

"I started in this industry 14 years ago as a bus driver," he says.

"Since then, I had the opportunity to work in multiple operational and leadership roles, and had the opportunity to learn every aspect of the business."

Keeping Melbourne moving

These days, Kamal's focus is the big picture.

"In my current role as Acting General Manager in Melbourne, I look after the Melbourne operations, which incorporates seven depots along with the operations control centre," he says.

“My biggest priority is ensuring we’re providing a safe and reliable service to our customers and community."

It's a role that touches every part of the operation, but ask Kamal what he enjoys most, and the answer comes quickly.

"The favourite part of my role is the people – the people we work with, the camaraderie we have with each other, and the great culture we've been able to create working together."

Never a dull moment

Having travelled the pathway himself, from the driver's seat to the general manager's office, Kamal is a passionate advocate for what a career in transport can offer.

"At Kinetic, there are loads of career options you can take and pathways you can pursue, starting from the operational roles to the drivers," he says.

"Even if you start as a driver – me as an example, I actually did start as a bus driver – you can pursue operational roles and then move on into the leadership roles.

"There's never really any dull moment in Kinetic.

“We always strive for innovation, we always strive for a sustainable future, and there's different pathways available for all."

And his message for anyone weighing up their next move?

"If you're looking for a career change, or you're a new starter, you're always more than welcome to join Kinetic." 

Find out more about a career with Kinetic here.