Travel service driver

What does a transportation service driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A transportation service driver’s main task is to transport people with special needs, often the elderly or persons with disabilities, to and from various destinations. The workday involves close contact with passengers, route planning, and responsibility for safe and secure transportation. In addition to driving, assisting passengers in and out of the vehicle and handling wheelchairs or other aids are also included. The work environment is varied and can involve city driving as well as rural transports, often at different times of the day. Flexibility, patience, and a service-oriented attitude are key qualities for success in the profession.

Salary development over time

The salary of transportation service drivers has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 27 500 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 3.4%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary has remained unchanged at 27 500 SEK. This development reflects a certain stabilization in the job market, where increased demand for drivers and a high number of pension retirements have kept wages up. At the same time, signs indicate that salary levels are influenced by competition within the taxi industry, in which transportation service drivers often work, as well as employers’ ability to offer various benefits and employment types.

Transportation service driver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 27 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,800 SEK/month (female), 26,400 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 29,300 SEK/month (male), 25,800 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage (average): 165 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 93% of what men do (men: 27 700 SEK, women: 25,800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on workplace location and demand, but generally salaries are similar across the country.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a transportation service driver is relatively straightforward and mainly requires a valid taxi driver certification and a passenger car driver’s license. No specific high school education is required, but some employers prefer applicants with experience from service professions or previous work in the transport sector. In addition to formal requirements, personal suitability, service attitude, and the ability to handle stressful situations are highly valued.

• Driver’s license (B): Mandatory for passenger transport
• Taxi driver certification: Required by law, includes theory and driving tests and a suitability assessment
• Introductory training: Often offered by the employer and covers service, safety, and handling of aids
• Experience in service professions: Meritorious but not always required
• Good communication skills: Important for creating a sense of security for passengers

Common benefits and compensations

Transportation service drivers are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for work during inconvenient hours, holiday pay, and sometimes wellness allowances. Some employers also provide work attire, insurance, and opportunities for further training. Compensation and allowances may vary depending on collective agreements and whether the employer is private or public.

Competition and challenges

The profession of transportation service driver is characterized by high demand and some competition for the most attractive positions. One of the biggest challenges is managing time pressure and sometimes unforeseen traffic situations, while maintaining professional conduct. The recruitment situation is described as paradoxical: there are jobs available, but also high turnover and some unemployment. Many leave the profession after a few years, creating a constant need for new drivers. Additionally, technological changes, such as new booking systems and digital work tools, increasingly impact daily work.

Tips for those who want to become a transportation service driver

To succeed as a transportation service driver, it’s good to have a strong service attitude and a genuine interest in helping others. Being resilient under stress helps when unexpected situations arise in traffic or schedules break down. Clear communication and responsiveness are crucial for creating a sense of security for passengers, especially those with different needs. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions make the workday smoother. It’s also wise to actively seek information about employers and collective agreements to ensure good working conditions. Finally, patience and a positive attitude are important qualities for enjoying and developing in the profession.

Key facts about transportation service drivers

• Educational requirements: B driver's license and taxi driver certification
• Work environment: Mobile, often shift work and contact-intensive
• Typical employment form: Permanent or hourly employment
• Demand: High – 412 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: Service, customer approach, and handling of aids

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a transportation service driver, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as traffic controller or instructor for new drivers. Some choose to further their education within the transport sector and may work with planning, administration, or training. The employment agency’s forecast for taxi drivers, including transportation service drivers, shows that job opportunities are plentiful and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. This is due to many leaving the profession and ongoing demand for transport services for people with special needs. The industry is also influenced by technological changes, but the need for committed drivers is expected to persist.

Frequently asked questions about transportation service drivers

• What does a transportation service driver earn?
  - A transportation service driver has an average salary of 27 500 SEK per month.
• How do you become a transportation service driver?
  - It requires B driver's license and taxi driver certification, obtained after passing approved tests with the Transport Agency.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 27 700 SEK and women 25,800 SEK, which means women earn approximately 93% of men's salaries.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for transportation service drivers?
  - The highest salary is 29,300 SEK (male) and the lowest 25,800 SEK (female).
• What are the working hours for a transportation service driver?
  - The working hours are often shift-based and can include evenings, nights, and weekends.
• What do future prospects look like for the profession?
  - The demand for transportation service drivers is considered high, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
• What is required to enjoy the profession?
  - Service attitude, patience, and good communication skills are important qualities for success and satisfaction as a transportation service driver.