Sometimes drivers are required to wait for passengers during temporary stops. What they are paid during this time depends on a number of factors.

When are drivers paid?

During a temporary stop drivers are paid the same pay they get when they’re driving if they:

• don’t have freedom of movement
• continue to work, or
• are on call.

The drivers are paid the minimum hourly rate plus any penalty rates or loadings that apply.

Are there any exceptions?

Single day charter drivers get paid waiting time during a temporary stop when they:

• work a rostered shift split into 2 work periods in the day
• aren’t required to return to the depot during the shift.

Waiting time is 50% of the minimum hourly rate plus any penalty rates or loadings that apply.

When are drivers not paid?

Drivers aren’t paid if they’re:

• on a rostered unpaid meal break, or
• on a break between broken shifts

Example

Julie is a tour bus driver on a day charter. Her role requires her to drive passengers to tourist attractions where they disembark then return to the bus to depart to the next location.

Julie is paid her minimum hourly rate plus any penalty rates and loadings while waiting as she is required to be responsible for the vehicle and passengers even when she isn’t driving.

However, if Julie can leave the bus and passengers to undertake her own activities between locations, she’ll be paid waiting time.