IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
LONDON
If you happen to board Bus 189 to travel between Brent Cross and Marble Arch in London, don’t be surprised to find Inacinha (Icy) Fernandes, quite literally, in the driver's seat and steering a massive double-decker bus.
Icy is the first Goan lady bus driver in the UK and has been driving buses for the last 17 years.
Icy’s achievements were recognised when she was felicitated for being the first Goan lady bus driver in the UK, at the first convention of the Global Goan Association (GGA) at Southall-West London on August 17.
Hailing from Paroda-Quepem, Icy and her family migrated to the UK in 2002. She has been described as a very kind person who helps a lot of friends.
THE PASSION
Icy’s passion to drive vehicles saw her first drive cars and within a short while, moved to larger vehicles.
“I learnt to drive a car and when I passed the car driving test, I went for a bigger vehicle licence to fulfil my passion to be a bus driver,” said Icy.
In order to be a licenced bus driver, Icy had to take driving lessons to get Category D PCV licence and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
Icy admitted that it was challenging to get her bus driver’s licence.
“It was very difficult, and it took me about one month of training before getting the bus licence, but I was determined to fulfil my passion to drive buses. Besides, I need to pass a test every five years,” said Icy.
THE DUTY
Icy began driving buses in the UK in 2007 and she is presently assigned to Bus 189, which plies along the route between Brent Cross in North London to Marble Arch in Central London.
“I do the middle shift from 9.30 am to 9.30 pm. I have a total of 3 trips per shift with breaks. The distance between Brent Cross and Marble Arch is about 10 kms. Given that I cover a round trip of 20 kms, I usually drive the bus for about 60 kms during my shift,” said Icy.
Regarding the number of passengers permitted in the double-decker bus, Icy said the capacity varies in the design of the bus.
“Buses can accommodate between 60 and 80 passengers, depending on the model of bus, and these numbers include standing passengers,” explained Icy.
Besides driving the bus, Icy is expected to conduct a detailed bus check-list every morning before leaving the depot.
“As part of this check-list, I need to check all lights, wheels, indicators, radio two-way communication and other requirements,” informed Icy.
“I also need to check if the ramp is fully functional. I have to deploy the ramp when wheelchair passengers need to board and alight the bus. It is normally operated from the middle exit side doors.”
“If there are any issues with the bus, it will not be permitted to leave the depot. Mechanical issues, if any, are reported to technicians and engineers.”
THE CHALLENGES
Icy admitted that there are a number of challenges being a bus driver.
“At times, there are drunkards and troublemakers. I also have to deal with ticket dodgers and there is a big risk they might even attack me. I also have to pay special attention to elderly people and disabled people. As a bus driver, I have to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Besides, I have to keep an eye out for pedestrians,” said Icy.
“I have to make sure that I am within the speed limits. Sometimes, inspectors come in civil clothes to check on drivers.”
THE PRIDE
Besides having the distinction of being Goa's first lady bus driver in the UK, Icy said she is very passionate about her job and wants to continue driving buses for as long as she can.
Inacinha (Icy) Fernandes was felicitated for being the first Goan lady bus driver in the UK, at the first convention of the Global Goan Association (GGA) at Southall-West London on August 17.
Asked what would be her message to young Goan girls who may consider driving buses as a profession in the UK, Icy replied: “If you have a passion, just go for it, regardless of any hurdles in the way. The sky is the limit.”
“Once you join as a bus driver, there are different opportunities regardless of gender and age. And they pay both men and women drivers equally. The benefits include a free bus pass for the driver and the spouse, pension, paid leave holidays, double pay if you work on Bank Holidays plus a day off.”
THE IDENTITY
Icy said she is proud to be a Goan and credits much of her success to her parents.
“My father, Piedade Albano Fernandes, who was a musician, passed away when I was very young and my mother, late Benedicta D'Cunha, raised me up along with my other siblings,” recalls Icy.
“I am grateful to my mum who gave me the best upbringing and what I am today is because of her.”
Icy was married to late Joaquim Dias and they have a son, Rosson, who is married to Alida D'Costa. She has two grandsons, Ethan and Jerral.
“God has blessed me with a good life, and I always believe that Jesus is driving the bus when I am on duty. I also have great faith in Venerable Fr Agnelo de Souza, the saintly son of Goa.”
THE HOBBIES
Incidentally, Icy is a singer and an amateur drummer as well.
She has frequently sung on the UK Konkani Stage and her performances have been well appreciated by audiences. Her other hobbies are watching football, singing and dancing.
“I would like to master the drums and learn the saxophone when I retire from service,” Icy added.
