Thanks to this driving simulator, we hope to attract and convince people who might not have thought about this job. Credit: STIB-MIVB

A new app launched by Brussels public transport operator STIB/MIVB

aims to recruit new bus drivers by allowing people to try a simulation of the role.

SimBus – which aims to generate enthusiasm over a career driving a bus – is part of a plan to recruit 50 new drivers by the end of the year. It uses real images and allows players to control a virtual bus on three different bus lines, with increasing difficulty.

“We are constantly looking for original ways to attract potential candidates (m/f).” said Johan Claes, employer branding & sourcing manager at STIB. “That’s how we came up with the idea of making a “game” around the profession of bus driver,” he added.

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At the beginning of 2019, STIB announced that it would be recruiting more than 800 employees, and at least 500 new drivers. By the end of August, more than 1,000 contracts had already been signed. About half of these are drivers, including more than 300 bus drivers. By the end of the year, STIB plans to recruit around 50 more drivers, including 30 bus drivers.

“People who get a good score [on the game] are invited to take a quick look at the website jobs.mivb.be. Thanks to this driving simulator, we hope to attract and convince people who might not have thought about this job,” Claes added.

The app is available for free via the App Store and Google Play.

Jules Johnston

The Brussels Times