Bus driver, 24, says she’s constantly told she’s ‘too pretty’ to be behind the wheel – but she says she loves her job

A BUS driver says she's constantly told she's "too pretty" for her job, but she insists that she loves her career.

Jodie Leigh Fox, 24, from Brentwood, Essex, said she is bombarded with comments on her looks on a daily basis.

She wanted to drive buses after she developed a fasciation with standing at the front of the vehicles, near the driver when she was young.

But three years after she started her new career after leaving her job as a carer, she often finds herself the centre of passengers' attention.

"I've had so many comments from passengers - mainly men.

"When men get on the bus, I always get the same reaction which tends to be 'you're so pretty' or 'I've never seen such a beautiful bus driver in my life," she said.

"People have said that I'm too pretty to be a bus driver but I get some nice comments from other females complimenting me and my nails or my hair and make-up."

For Jodie, her appearance has also made socialising with fellow drivers tough.

She says that her age is also a problem, as there are no females around a similar age to her.

'BEAUTIFUL BUS DRIVER'

"There's no females around a similar age of mine," she said. 

"I have made a friends with a few people in the garage but I normally just get my duty card and then leave for my shift."

Jodie has said that she hopes she can challenge the stereotypcial image of what people percieve a bus driver to be.

She plans on driving buses well into her retirement.

She is qualified to drive buses, coaches and even limousines and has to take exams to stay on top form.  

Jodie explained: "When I left my job as a carer, I realised that I had always been intrigued about driving buses. 

I love my job; I'm hoping to do this until I retire!

Jodie Leigh

"I would always sit near the front near the driver and I loved driving so I made the dream come to life.

"I had to do a lot of tests to become a bus driver; it's not easy like people might think.

"You have to do an English and maths test and about five different modules before eventually doing your theory."

Jodie has managed to build up a following on TikTok as she shares the reality of being a bus driver.

She added: "I didn't think I would blow up the way I have.

"I have posted videos before but not in work uniform and it wasn't until I posted that I was a bus driver that people went mad for it.

"I love my job; I'm hoping to do this until I retire!"