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What’s the best thing about being a Night Bus driver, and how did you end up in this role? I studied at Leeds University during 2013-2017 and loved my time at Leeds – especially Fruity Fridays where I was a regular attendee. I have always been the ‘mum’ of the group on nights out, making sure to have tissues handy and checking everyone gets home okay. As a Night Bus driver, I love seeing everyone having a great time and knowing that I have helped to support that by providing a safe journey home. I provide a non-judgemental service… and a sick bag where needed!

Share a fun fact about yourself! I have been a secondary school teacher, have worked at a college helping people to get into university (lots of checking UCAS statements), and I have supported university students to get onto study abroad programmes – I’m passionate about supporting young people to get to where they want to go in life, and love hearing students talking about their future goals. Don’t worry though – I understand that university also means learning key life skills… like how not to give yourself food poisoning (feel free to ask me about my cooking experiences in first year) and learning your limits (we’ve all been poorly from one too many!).

What’s the best thing about being a Night Bus driver, and how did you end up in this role? I’ve been driving for over a decade, through many different roads in several countries around the world and under many types of weather. Being alone on the road, especially at night, feels kind of soothing in a way, as if the city belongs to me. During the day I am a stockbroker for a major UK bank. I wanted to start saving to buy a house, so I recently decided to take on a second job. And being able to help out my local community like I’m doing now is a big plus!

Share a fun fact about yourself! I can speak three languages – French, English and Mandarin. I lived in China for about four years for my Masters at Chongqing University.

What do you like about Leeds? I fell in love with this city when I moved to the UK four years ago. It’s not too big, not too small, there is everything you need here, and Yorkshire people are so warm, welcoming and lovely.

What’s the best thing about being a Night Bus driver, and how did you end up in this role? I like driving as it is a job role that I have done for many years, and no day is the same. I have been one of the Night Bus team members for just over a month and, being a former student at Leeds, I understand the need for safety for all students. I believe this is a crucial service, which led me to apply. Driving the Night Bus really makes a difference to getting the students and staff from A to B with no added worries. I also enjoy that the roads are less busy on a night so that makes it less stressful.

Share a fun fact about yourself! When I have time to myself, I love the outdoors and getting stuck into some mountain biking.

What do you like about Leeds? Leeds is the best city to both live and spend time in (it’s also the friendliest).

What’s the best thing about being a Night Bus driver, and how did you end up in this role? I love the sociability of the role, and the positivity of many of the people we take home. I joined the Night Bus in August 2019. I was looking for a local part-time role that fitted in alongside my role as a teacher. Night Bus was the perfect role for me – fun job, meeting loads of nice people both who work at LUU and who are students here. It genuinely is a brilliant and unique service that the Union provides for students – I can’t tell you how many times I’m told how invaluable the Night Bus is – especially to people who live out at Clarence Dock or Oxley Hall. The job has a terrific sense of community, and is a great way of ensuring that the young people at Leeds Uni get home safely – it’s a very simple way of making life better for all. Working the Night Bus is so much fun – that’s why we call it the big white fun bus!

Share a fun fact about yourself! I have performed in a school ‘stars in their eyes’ as Gary Barlow.

What do you like about Leeds? Leeds is a great place to live – so much to do and see! Why do you think so many people from all over the world want to come here?

What’s the best thing about being a Night Bus driver, and how did you end up in this role? I’ve always liked to work in different places, so being on the road ticks all the boxes. My reason for taking the Night Bus job is two-fold – firstly, I wanted a job that was meaningful and valued which I think it is, and also, I’d been looking for a part-time role that provided the flexibility I wanted to enable me to do my sports (paragliding and paddle-boarding).

Share a fun fact about yourself! I’ve been paragliding for twenty years, I’ve flown extensively in Switzerland, Spain, France, Turkey, as well as here in the UK. I used to compete in several different types of off-road motorbike competitions but I hung up the handlebars about seven years ago and now prefer the serenity of paddling and paragliding.

What do you like about Leeds? I’ve lived in Leeds most of my life and love the diversity and opportunities the city offers to everyone.

What’s the best thing about being a Night Bus driver, and how did you end up in this role? I’ve always loved driving, I’m honestly never happier than when I’m behind the wheel. Maybe cos it’s the one thing I know I’m really good at, or just the freedom of the road, but I am never more at home than when pottering around in cars, vans or lorries. Even though I can be terribly antisocial, I also really enjoy meeting new people, if that makes sense. Having a little bit of gossip and chatter with folks on the bus is really enjoyable – especially young people, they can always give you a fresh perspective – and the added bonus of knowing you got someone’s child home safe at the same time adds a real element of job satisfaction.

Share a fun fact about yourself! I’m a busy fella! I’m currently building a camper on the back of an old lorry. I am also writing/have written a couple of books; one novel and an illustrated children’s book. Trying to get those published is a bit like a full-time job, but I’m sticking at it! If that wasn’t enough, I also paint, mainly townscapes, plus the odd large canvas with something comic book inspired. I even have a few in galleries at the seaside; not that they’re big sellers, but I guess it’s free storage if nothing else.