Bus driver's work combines love for driving and customer service

In the home country of Rezhyan, women cannot drive large cars like a bus. Her dream was to become a bus driver, and she got to fulfil that dream at Föli. "I wanted to set an example to other women in my country," she says with a smile. 

Rezhyan got her driving licence in 2016 and found driving difficult at first. With training, it became a part of her daily life, but it took a lot of thinking for Rezhyan to apply to become a bus driver. 

I thought that driving a bus would be too difficult. I watched buses navigate the downtown during peak hours among other cars and wondered if I could do that myself. But when I believe in myself, I can do it!

Rezhyan became a bus driver at Föli because she likes to drive and wants to work in customer service. This job combines both sides perfectly.

"In my home country, Iraq, women can't drive big cars. I wanted to be the first Iraqi woman to do it here in Turku. At first, every new job can be difficult as you must learn new things. But when you learn them, it gets easy. I want to set an example, open doors and encourage other women," says Rezhyan.

Every day with a positive attitude

Rezhyan first attended driver training and then the orientation. New drivers always learn the routes and the ropes of the job with the support of a senior colleague. When the orientation was over, it was time to drive the first shift on her own.

“I was really nervous about it. I asked for my instructor's phone number so I could call them if I had any trouble. But everything went well already on the first day,” Rezhyan says with a smile. 

For Rezhyan, the most important part about being a bus driver is safety. Even if you are on a tight schedule, you must drive calmly.

“The most important thing is to keep calm and be careful. All customers are satisfied when they reach their stop comfortably. I'm a little stressed by the fact that I don't always understand what the customer asks or know whether an address is on my route, as I'm still learning Finnish and the addresses. But I learn more every day and can always ask my colleagues for help – they have been wonderfully helpful."

Rezhyan has received praise from customers for her driving style and positive attitude.

"When customers enter the bus, I always smile at them. If you start the day with joy, it will be a good day," she says. 

Start of a new life

When Rezhyan started working at Föli a few months ago, she immediately received a permanent employment contract. She only drives morning shifts as they are best suited to the day-to-day life of a single parent. 

She enjoys going to work when her children go to school, although the morning shifts begin so early that the children are still sleeping.

"I can say that it started a new life for me in Finland. When my husband died, I became a single parent. I came to Finland, but I didn't know the language and didn't have a home. I wouldn't have thought that I would be here now. I have received so much help, and I’m really grateful for it. I'm living a new life now,” Rezhyan rejoices.