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[PAULCDX]

Hi All,

Been away from here for sometime due to alot of personal issues and now being Omegaless 

I'm thinking of leaving the W Mids and coming to live and work in London for a new life on my own. I'm a PCV Driver and have noticed all the London bus companies are recruiting, First, Arriva, Go-Ahead to name but a few. Does anybody have any knowledge of these companies, are they good to work for etc? I have no idea what they are paying as the adverts don't state but I'm guessing it's a a lot more than what I was earning here.

I would probably come and live in NW or W London as I have some prior knowledge of those areas. I've been looking on websites for rooms to let in houses etc, prices seem to range from £60pw upwards.

Looking forward to any thoughts or advice, 

Cheers as always

Paul 

[cleggy]

Get the job first, and then find the best way to get there via tube or bus, decide how long a commute you are prepared to accept and look for accomodation in that area. You can always get a bedsit to tide you over while working and look for a place that suits your budget within your traveling criteria 

Remember to evaluate the area well at all times of the day before commiting yourself

[zirk]

Having worked in London most of my life, I would say dont bother, its not the same place it used to be as years ago, but if needs must, obviously theres good and bad areas as with anywhere, but the extra pay if any compared with the cost of living balances that out. Ive always lived in the outskirts of London.

Your right about the Bus Co's there always recruiting and there are quite a few Contract Co's to TFL / London Buses, London Buses own and run the Network and Routes, whilst the Contractors own the Buses and run the Bus routes, about 10,000 Buses from memory.

Cant say really say which Contractors are good or bad, or who pays what but guessing there similar. A quick Google or TFL, London Buses Web Site should produce a list of them then contact them in turn.

Think your going to struggle to find a room at 60pw tbh, probably double that or a small studio bit more.

Good luck with it all 
 

[PAULCDX]

Thanks Cleggy and Zirk for your advice and thoughts, 

I've been offered an interview and just need to decide when I can come down to see them. Vacancies range from Uxbridge to Paddington etc.

I've have a look on various websites for housing in and around those areas, would probably look at commuting back to the W Mids on my days off etc.

[STMO123]

I was paying £85 a week for one room in Fulham in 1993.

[PAULCDX]

  

I'll keep looking though lol.

[albitz]

Daughter is paying £1000 per month for a room with shared kitchen /bathroom etc. It varies from area to area though.Do your rersearch before commiting.As Zirk says,wages are higher but so is the cost of living.Might be best to live on the outskirts and commute ?

[PAULCDX]

Gosh Albs that's alot 

Cheers for the advice, I'm going to book the interview I think and then take it from there. If successful I will most likely look at living in the west outside the M25 

[zirk]

Paddington Area, wouldn't be my first choice to find accommodation, too Central, costly and a nightmare to park your car somewhere, if your looking that way then Uxbridge, Hayes, Hounslow etc and surrounding area would be better, the main London Buses around there would be Arriva, London United, Go Ahead, Travel London to name a few.

Also around the Airport Area are quiet a few Private Coach / Bus Operators that might be worth looking at as you have your PCV. 

Oh, and learn some Polish 
 

[tidla]

I would have thought the passengers are the biggest headache, not the companies.

[tunnie]

I'm in North Acton myself, not too bad for flats around here. (to buy) Still looking around £1k a month in Rent though for a 1 bed place, if you are looking for cheap, needs to be a house share really.

I'd like a house in Acton, not too shabby, 30 seconds walk away from me, 3 bedroom, Semi, with a garage. Listed on market last month. £750k 

[PAULCDX]

Cheers for all the replies everybody,   

Job interview I have got set up for a couple of weeks is with First Bus Group near Brent Park, Garage is Willesden Junction.

Guess if successful I could then start looking nearby or as said the Harrow, Hounslow, Heathrow areas 

Have no idea on London life in general but I guess it will be more exciting then where I am now   

[tunnie]

i'd look on Gumtree for house shares, lot will be a cash in hand deals, so no contract to worry about it if you hate the job or area 

[PAULCDX]

Cheers Mark 

Have you got any knowledge or know anybody who works as a driver for First London or any other operator?

Will start looking on gumtree now   

[tunnie]

Cheers Mark 

Have you got any knowledge or know anybody who works as a driver for First London or any other operator?

Will start looking on gumtree now   

Sorry no, but you want to avoid any night shifts. The night buses can be interesting 

Also so much traffic in London, it won't be like driving a bus in the country no open roads. Lots of stop start and no one giving way