Bus traffic manager

What does a bus traffic controller do? – Tasks and work environment

A bus traffic controller has overall responsibility for planning, coordinating, and monitoring the daily operation of bus traffic. The role involves ensuring buses depart and arrive according to schedule, handling urgent traffic disruptions, directing resources during delays or accidents, and maintaining contact with drivers, depots, and traffic management. The work environment is often office-based but requires constant attention and quick decisions in real-time. Bus traffic controllers typically work in shifts and collaborate closely with other traffic controllers, drivers, and traffic planners to create safe and efficient public transportation.

Salary development over time

Salaries for bus traffic controllers have shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK, which increased to 39 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase between 2022 and 2024 amounts to approximately 8.3%, which is slightly above the general wage development in the transport sector. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased focus on the importance of public transportation, higher demands for operational reliability, and a growing demand for experienced traffic controllers. The market's need to maintain punctuality and quality in public transport has also contributed to raising salary levels for this profession.

Bus traffic controller salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK
• Women earn: 38 400 SEK (94 % of men's salary)
• Men earn: 40 900 SEK
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but differences are generally modest.

Education and qualifications

To work as a bus traffic controller, a high school diploma with a focus on transport, logistics, or community planning is usually required, supplemented with relevant further education or work experience. Many employers also seek post-secondary studies in traffic management, logistics, or technology. Practical experience from the transport sector, such as as a bus driver or logistics assistant, is often advantageous and may be a requirement for certain positions.

• High school education: Focus on transport, logistics, or community planning (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH training or university studies in logistics, traffic management, or technology (1–3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in traffic safety, leadership, and IT systems for traffic management
• Internship: Work placement or trainee programs within public transport
• Prerequisites: Good communication skills and stress resilience
• Tips: Previous experience in public transport or the transport sector is highly advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Bus traffic controllers are often offered several benefits beyond the base salary, such as overtime allowances for inconvenient working hours, wellness contributions, occupational pensions, and sometimes subsidized travel within public transport. Some employers also provide training opportunities, staff discounts, and insurance as part of the employment package.

Competition and challenges

The job market for bus traffic controllers is characterized by balance, with neither a surplus nor a shortage of qualified candidates. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job prospects are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The main challenges in the profession involve managing stressful situations, making quick decisions under pressure, and coordinating multiple traffic flows simultaneously. Digitalization increases the demands on technical skills and the ability to work with complex IT systems. Good communication and collaboration with various professionals within public transport are also essential.

Tips for those who want to become bus traffic controllers

To succeed as a bus traffic controller, good organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks under time pressure are important. Being stress-resistant and able to make quick decisions are crucial in an environment where unforeseen events often occur. It is also vital to have strong communication skills, as dialogue with drivers, colleagues, and other stakeholders is central to solving problems and keeping traffic flowing. An analytical mindset helps in quickly assessing situations and finding effective solutions. Lastly, being service-minded and able to interact professionally and calmly with colleagues and travelers, even under pressure, is a significant advantage.

Key facts about bus traffic controllers

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in transport/logistics
• Work environment: Shift work in an office environment with a high pace
• Demand: Moderate, balanced between supply and demand
• Job vacancies: 412 within the profession (May 2024)
• Special skills: IT systems for traffic management and crisis handling

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a bus traffic controller, there are opportunities to advance to more senior roles, such as traffic manager, responsible for larger depots, or specialist in traffic planning. Some choose to further their education in logistics or community planning to broaden their expertise. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the job market is stable with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. Digitalization and increased focus on sustainable public transport may create new career paths in technology and strategic planning. Related professions include transport manager, logistics coordinator, and traffic planner.

Common questions about bus traffic controllers

• What does a bus traffic controller earn on average?
  - A bus traffic controller has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a bus traffic controller?
  - The highest salary is 42,400 SEK and the lowest is 37,400 SEK, depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94 % of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a bus traffic controller?
  - High school education with a focus on transport/logistics and preferably post-secondary studies or relevant work experience.
• What are the future prospects for bus traffic controllers?
  - The labor market is balanced and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are common benefits?
  - Common benefits include overtime allowances, wellness contributions, occupational pension, and subsidized travel.
• What is the work environment like?
  - Bus traffic controllers often work in an office environment with shifts and a high pace.