Spotlight Series: Meet Zoi Dendrami

For our latest Spotlight piece, we interviewed Zoi Dendrami, a bus driver at Transport UK London Bus. Originally from Greece, Zoi spent 20 years working as a journalist in her home country. When the newspaper she was working for shut down, she found a second career as a London bus driver. She spoke to us about the challenges of switching careers so late in her life and shared her advice for those considering this profession. 

Tell us about your journey to become a bus driver - what inspired you to pursue this career path? 

I grew up in Greece, where I spent 20 years working as a journalist in TV and print. When the economic crisis hit, the newspaper I worked for was forced to close. I wasn’t sure what to do next. I had a bus driving license 5 or 6 years before the newspaper’s closure, and I had always wanted to become a bus driver. However, there were not many opportunities available in Greece, so I began looking abroad. 

A friend sent me a job advert at Transport UK London Bus, which was hiring bus drivers at that time. I was initially hesitant because I was 52 at the time and wondered if they would hire someone new to the industry later in their career. My friend assured me that age was not an issue and encouraged me to send my license and undergo a background check. After an interview, I accepted a role as a bus driver, and I moved to London in 2018. 

 What was the most challenging part of your journey? 

Initially, adjusting to driving on the left side of the road was a daunting challenge. However, with time and the support of other drivers, I quickly adapted. Their care and help made me feel like part of a big family. 

I also anticipated facing difficulties as a woman in a predominantly male profession, but I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception and support from my colleagues. Many women have told me they see me as an inspiration, and I find it hard to express how meaningful that is. 

What skills and attributes do you think are essential for someone to succeed as a bus driver? 

A love for driving is crucial since this job can involve up to 10 hours behind the wheel. Patience is also important, as you’ll often face situations where you need to answer questions promptly and without frustration. It also goes without saying that there is a lot of traffic in London, so you must be prepared for delays and unexpected situations. 

Understanding these aspects and being ready for them can greatly contribute to becoming a successful bus driver. 

You are also a driver mentor. Can you tell us more about what that entails and what you do in that role? 

I focus on supporting new drivers after they pass their tests and begin their on-the-road training. I assist them in learning the routes, handling bus controls and navigating their responsibilities. It's essential to help them remember the various buttons and switches on the bus. The first day that you start driving your route can be daunting, so I make a point of being present to ease them into their new roles. 

You are involved in volunteering outside of work. Can you expand on that and why you do it? 

About two years ago, I helped create a small group focused on health and wellbeing, where we meet with HR to discuss various issues. We’ve addressed topics like prostate cancer, which led to increased awareness among drivers about the importance of health checks. Additionally, I volunteer to assist with elderly patients at Maudsley Hospital, which helps me contribute and give back to a community that has given me so much. This has deepened my understanding of the importance of mental health support, something I take back with me into my professional life.  

 Can you share a piece of advice or a lesson you learned you carry with you in your career? 

One memorable piece of advice from a trainer named Alyene is to “expect the unexpected.” You never know what you might encounter on the road or if a passenger might unexpectedly stand up on the bus. Constant vigilance, especially when driving in a busy city like London, is essential for safety. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to guide me in my daily work.