As part of the contract renewal process led by the Region, Keolis Portes and Val de Brie took over operations in the Communauté de Communes de l’Orée de la Brie area on January 1, 2023. The company resumed operation of 34 commercial bus routes in the Pays Briard, including services across the Communautés de Communes of l’Orée de la Brie and Val Briard.On July 1, 2023, Keolis Portes and Val de Brie chose to implement our Geolite solution to manage and organize demand-responsive transport in the Val Briard area.
Continuing in this direction, since January 1, 2024, Hubup has been providing the Geolite tool to Keolis for the management of demand-responsive transport on behalf of the Communauté de Communes de l’Orée de la Brie.
On this occasion, we took a closer look at the role of a driver specifically in demand-responsive transport. We hit the road with Fabienne, a Proxi’bus driver, to better understand the challenges and key aspects of her job.
How long has the Proxi’bus been operating ?
It’s been running for several years, but I personally started driving the Proxi’bus on October 2, 2006.
And before the Proxi’bus, what did you do ?
At first, I worked in a printing company, then I changed careers and moved into public transportation. I enjoy driving, and I got the opportunity to start as a bus driver on regular and school routes in the Brie-Comte-Robert area. After eleven months on those lines, the company offered me the Proxi’bus position. I’ve been here for 16 years now, and I know the area like the back of my hand. With the Proxi’bus, I work Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and I really enjoy it.
Since you started, have you noticed a change in demand in the region ?
Both !
As for your passengers, do you mostly see the same people or are there regularly new ones ?
Oh yes! We’re seeing more and more customers, and the service has expanded in terms of coverage.
And what types of passengers do you transport on a daily basis ?
People of all ages some are going to work, others are out for a walk, shopping, or heading to medical appointments. I also transport children to school, as well as passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. The clientele is quite diverse.
Is this mobility service mainly aimed at people with reduced mobility ?
Yes and no, everyone can use the Proxi’bus.
Is the high school a regular stop in your day ?
Pretty much! I often pick up students and drop them off at home, or take them to the high school or other schools. Just to be clear, I don’t do school transport routes.
Why would high school students choose the Proxi’bus over a school bus route ?
Because in many cases, there aren’t any school bus lines available or they only run in the morning and late afternoon. In contrast, the Proxi’bus can provide service during off-peak hours.
The service operates Monday to Friday, why not on Saturdays ?
Initially, we did offer service on Saturday afternoons, but it didn’t work out. We had very few bookings on that day.
Why do passengers prefer demand-responsive transport over regular bus lines ?
Fixed routes can feel impersonal, whereas with demand-responsive transport, you build connections and offer a more personalized mobility service. As a Proxi’bus driver, there’s no daily routine bookings come in, get canceled, routes change, and no two days are the same.
What are the main differences between the Brie Bus and the Proxi’bus ?
It’s a bit special right now, I don’t have my usual orange Proxi’bus vehicle because it’s in maintenance, so I’m driving the Brie Bus instead. Unlike the Proxi’bus, the Brie Bus is free and runs on fixed schedules, including Sunday mornings and public holidays. The Proxi’bus is a paid, demand-responsive service available Monday to Friday in four towns. Passengers book their trips by phone or online.
What qualities make a good driver ?
You have to be very patient. Every passenger has their own personality, so you need to be friendly but also genuine.
Yes, and it’s primarily a job focused on personal connections. Would you agree ?
Absolutely. It’s a job built on relationships. I really enjoy that closeness and the help we provide to passengers. They really appreciate it, so patience is key. Of course, you also need to be kind and try to make things work smoothly.You also have to be careful mindful of your surroundings, the passengers, and the vehicle, which can vary in size depending on the service.
Where does your passion for driving come from ? Is it in your family ?
Yes, it runs in the family. I’ve always loved driving, and I turned it into my career.
It’s also a fairly solitary job. What do you think about that ?
Yes and no. I always have passengers, which keeps me connected, but I also appreciate the solitude when I’m behind the wheel. It’s about finding the right balance.
What do you enjoy most about your job on a daily basis ?
The relationship with my clients.
What’s the most challenging part of your job ?
You have to be adaptable and flexible with last-minute bookings. Normally, same-day reservations require at least two hours between the customer’s call and the actual ride.
And the most enjoyable part ?
The working hours it’s Monday to Friday.
Do you see consistent activity or is there a seasonal pattern ?
The activity is fairly steady, although there’s a slight drop during school holidays. That said, passengers still need to travel to doctor’s appointments or go shopping.
Thanks to Fabienne and the teams at Keolis Portes and Val de Brie for their trust ! We wish them all the best on the road.
