Exploring the determinants of bus drivers job satisfaction: Evidence from South Korea

A lot of countries restrict the working hours of transit drivers, including South Korea, which has instituted decreased limitations recently. This is because bus accidents are often the fault of bus drivers, usually due to tiredness. With changes in the law, however, South Korea is experiencing a lack of bus drivers and difficulties recruiting. The main reasons that people avoid becoming bus drivers are social recognition and low job satisfaction. Therefore, using a survey of bus drivers, this study attempts to determine the factors that affect job satisfaction. A total of 460 responses are collected and we analyze the data using the Ordered Probit Model. It is found that among the four categories and fourteen explanatory variables used in the analysis, nine variables are statistically significant (p-value<.1) in their impact on bus drivers' job satisfaction. These include driver category-bus driving experience; residence, work category-business type; work type; work hour satisfaction; income satisfaction, driving category-negative passenger behavior; road condition pressure, and rest category-toilet use. This study explores which factors affect the satisfaction of bus drivers and which are most critical, the findings will provide guidance about bus drivers' job satisfaction.