A man who started in the bus industry as a driver 13 years’ ago has taken up a top post with Reading Buses.
David Rouse, 32, has described his appointment as operations manager at Reading Buses as an opportunity to further progress his career.
On a day to day operational basis he now oversees a total of 450 staff made up of assistant managers, control room personnel and drivers based at Great Knollys Street , Reading , and Newbury depots.
“It is an important step up for me and an opportunity to develop my management skills within a wonderful team,” said David.
“Buses are my first love and so the move represents the chance to return to them after four years in coaching.”
Prior to joining Reading Buses he had been the Oxford Tube manager since 2013 and employed by Stagecoach from 2004.
He began as a bus driver for Stagecoach East Kent before spending time as a commercial officer, controller and assistant manager after undertaking a management training programme.
As Oxford Tube manager, he oversaw 100 coach drivers and controllers.
He is married, lives in Didcot and spends his leisure time ‘catching up with friends’ and listening to music.
Said Martijn Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer at Reading Buses: “David’s appointment continues Reading Buses tradition of bringing in top new talent to help improve our workplace for employees and services to our customers.
“These are exciting times for Reading and its transport network as the local economy continues to grow, but so do the challenges of delivering great services against a backdrop of factors such as varying traffic congestion.
“Bolstering our team with this appointment is an important part of ensuring that our comprehensive bus network continues to meet more and more of Reading ’s ever evolving local transport needs.”